BMW Elevates the Coupe Derived from a Sedan into a Sports Model

A orthodox notchback coupe with a 3-box design, built on the sedan's platform. This is a genre BMW has long excelled at. The "2002" or the first-generation "6 Series"——many of you may fondly recall them. The details of its boxy form possess a delicate beauty, and it is enveloped by an engine brimming with power and sensuality that evokes racing cars. These two elements form the core appeal of BMW's coupes.

Looking back, BMW also pioneered the coupe category within the D-segment. It was nearly 30 years ago that BMW created the M3 sports model, based on a grade that was essentially a two-door sedan, simply having fewer doors than the same "3 Series."



Since then, the 3 Series two-door coupe has been given its own dedicated design, establishing a personality distinct from the sedan.

And now, in this category where Mercedes, Audi, and Infiniti have emerged as followers, the 3 Series Coupe has been renamed the "4 Series" and undergoes a full model change.

More Than Just Two Doors

The base model for the 4 Series remains the current F30 generation 3 Series, a relationship unchanged from before. However, the body structure has undergone detailed revisions, including reinforcement of the front section and repositioning of mounts. Furthermore, the suspension is set 10mm lower than that of the 3 Series even in the standard specification, resulting in a center of gravity lowered to below 500mm, comparable to the Z4.


While the wheelbase is the same as the 3 Series, the rear tread has been widened to 1,595mm. Combined with a 10mm increase in overall width and a shortened front overhang, the 4 Series' styling features subtle dimensional differences from the base model. Of course, these are driven by a commitment to performance, but the design of the nose and tail has also been lowered accordingly, resulting in a wide and low proportion that clearly communicates its distinction from the 3 Series at a glance.

On the other hand, the interior largely follows that of the 3 Series, which feels somewhat lacking. We would have liked to see some appropriate coupe-specific design elements and touches.


The engines offered in the European market are two gasoline options: a 3.0-liter inline-6 twin power turbo producing 306ps and a 2.0-liter inline-4 twin-scroll turbo producing 245ps. There is also a 2.0-liter inline-4 common rail diesel turbo producing 184ps, for a total of three types. A 6-speed manual transmission is also available for each.


For the Japanese market, two gasoline engine models, the "435i" and "428i," will be available for the time being. The transmission will be exclusively the ZF 8-speed automatic widely used by BMW, but this 4 Series newly incorporates a coasting function, contributing to further fuel efficiency improvements.

True Worth Revealed at High Speeds and Under Load

The first thing you notice when you start driving is that the car's movement feels more refined and crisply exhilarating compared to the 3 Series.


The rapid damping of impacts felt when crossing sharp bumps and the clean settling of pitching after traversing large undulations suggest that the dedicated suspension tuning and the reinforced body rigidity, particularly around the front, are effectively working. This change, along with subtle geometry tuning, likely contributes to the refreshing steering feel even at very low speeds, possessing a refinement that differs from the 3 Series.

Furthermore, the 4 Series' performance clearly shows its difference from the 3 Series as speeds increase and loads become higher. While the test car was only the 435i, the body roll is kept to a moderate level without feeling artificially restricted, offering abundant feedback, and maintaining neutral controllability all the way to the tire's break point.


It exhibits exemplary manners for an FR car while also incorporating the agility expected of a "coupe."BMW's signature refinement is a clear differentiator from its rivals.

Of course, the 6-cylinder 435i is undoubtedly more enjoyable to rev. However, given its straightforward turn-in and the absence of any nose-heaviness even in a series of tight corners, one can't help but anticipate an even cleaner and sharper handling experience from the 4-cylinder 428i.


While it may be inferior in feel, the 428i offers more than sufficient power, so the choice between the two models likely comes down to whether you prioritize overall refinement and composure or the exhilaration brought by lightness.

Without demanding the overt assertiveness of a sports car, it fulfills the desire for sporty driving. Or perhaps, it allows one to subtly express their independence in choosing their car. The successive generations of the 3 Series Coupe have consistently met such needs. This position remains entirely unchanged with the new 4 Series. It will likely continue to garner support as a specialty car that enriches a relaxed lifestyle.

BMW 428i Coupe
Body Dimensions: Length 4,640 x Width 1,825 x Height 1,375 mm
Wheelbase: 2,810 mm
Tread Front/Rear: 1,550 / 1,600 mm
Weight: 1,570 kg
Minimum Ground Clearance: 130 mm
Engine: 1,997 cc Inline-4 DOHC Direct Injection Turbo
Max Output: 180 kW (245 ps) / 5,000 rpm
Max Torque: 350 Nm (35.7 kgm) / 1,250-4,800 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed Automatic
Drivetrain: FR
Tires Front/Rear: 225/45R18
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode): 15.2 km/ℓ
Trunk Capacity: 445 liters
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 5.8 seconds
Price: ¥6,040,000 / Sport ¥6,240,000 / Luxury ¥6,460,000 / M Sport ¥6,440,000


BMW 435i Coupe
Body Dimensions: Length 4,640 x Width 1,825 x Height 1,375 mm
Wheelbase: 2,810 mm
Tread Front/Rear: 1,550 / 1,600 mm
Weight: 1,620 kg
Minimum Ground Clearance: 130 mm
Engine: 2,979 cc Inline-6 DOHC Direct Injection Turbo
Max Output: 225 kW (306 ps) / 5,800 rpm
Max Torque: 400 Nm (40.8 kgm) / 1,200-5,000 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed Automatic
Drivetrain: FR
Tires Front/Rear: 225/45R18
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode): 12.7 km/ℓ
Trunk Capacity: 445 liters
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 5.1 seconds
Price: ¥7,380,000 / Sport ¥7,540,000 / Luxury ¥7,580,000 / M Sport ¥7,740,000

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