2021 BMW 430i and M440i Set Themselves Apart from Their 3-Series Kin

The camouflage stickers on our prototype are drawing plenty of attention, but the camouflage is doing its job. The most interesting feature remains well hidden. Under the wrap is the next-generation BMW 4-series’ retro-futuristic, vertical kidney grille. Said to be inspired by pre-war BMW models like the two-seat 328, the new grille and the two doors will serve as the major differentiator from the 3-series upon which it is based.

We are spending the day with two prototypes, a rear-wheel drive 430i and an all-wheel-drive M440i xDrive. Both are nearly ready for production. BMW is in the final phase of fine-tuning the car for its official unveiling in a few weeks. In the now-departing model generation, the 4-series was available as a coupe, as a convertible, and as a four-door hatchback called Gran Coupe. For the next generation, BMW will retain this lineup, but the convertible loses its folding hard top in favor of a soft top. The Gran Coupe keeps its sportier roofline and well-disguised hatch. And all three body styles will get the beaver-tooth—er, twin-kidney—grille that is supposed to make it look more distinctive, prestigious, and in keeping with BMW heritage.

The 4-series has been tuned to offer a sportier driving experience as well. Compared to the 3-series sedan, the front wheels feature more negative camber, and the rear track is wider by 0.9 inch. Unique bracing up front and in the rear make the 4-series stiffer than the 3-series, and the center of gravity drops thanks to a lower roofline. Steering tuning is set up to be more responsive and to filter out less of the road. Brake feel has been redone as well and are on the edge of being too grabby upon initial application. The dampers gain firmer tuning, too. And before we forget, there’s a rear spoiler to reduce lift.

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The stability control system features a medium position that allows for significant drift angles. The steering is ultra-precise and rather direct but has a more natural feel than before. Switching the steering to Sport increases effort significantly. It’s a good setup for a sporty coupe, and it fits this car’s character.

BMW tells us that the coupe and Gran Coupe will weigh nearly the same as the 3-series, and the convertible should be substantially lighter than its hardtop predecessor. Under the hood, the 4-series shares its engines with the 3-series: The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the 430i produces 255 horsepower, and the M440i’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six will have 382 horsepower. But the six gains a 48-volt starter-generator that provides up to 11 horsepower of extra boost at low rpm. The extra jolt of power is to mitigate and fill in the gap before the turbocharger starts producing useful boost.

Inside, the changes are minor. The roofline on the 4-series shrinks headroom slightly, but there is still ample room up front. The rear seats are cozy, and the instrument panel carries over from the 3-series almost unchanged. Despite the similarities, sitting in the 4-series feels better. Wide and low, the driver is just a little closer to the road. From behind the wheel, the 4-series reads as a sporty coupe, not the two-door version of a sedan.

The 430i presents itself as a remarkably agile and quick car. BMW has managed to teach the four-banger some sweet songs, and it offers plenty of punch well into triple-digit velocities. The European-market 430i is governed at a lofty 155 mph, and the empty autobahn north of Munich allowed us to reach this speed on multiple occasions. This car reaches its artificially limited terminal velocity with power in reserve, which is testament not only to the healthy engine but also to the aerodynamics.

If the 430i is impressive, the M440i xDrive is a wonder, thanks to the sweet and responsive turbocharged straight-six engine. Compared to the 430i, it’s next-level power. It has no trouble keeping up with lesser Porsches and other far more expensive cars. While artificially enhanced and played through the speakers, the soundtrack of this silky-smooth engine plays the right notes loudly. The extra heft of the larger engine and the all-wheel-drive system is easily offset by the 127 extra horsepower.

When it comes to market this summer, the 4-series coupe will face few competitors. The Audi A5 and S5 come to mind, and it fits right in between the Mercedes-Benz C-class coupe and E-class coupe. Cadillac’s ATS Coupe is gone, but there is still the aging Lexus RC, and there will likely be some cross-shopping with the Porsche Cayman and 911. If you are interested in any of those, the new BMW 4-series will deserve a very close look.

Source: Reviews - aranddriver.com