The 3 Series Coupe, now the 4 Series, begins domestic sales | BMW

BMW 4 Series Coupe

The 3 Series Coupe becomes the 4 Series, now available in Japan

BMWDetroit Motor Show 2013announcedAppeared as a concept carandFrankfurt Motor Showwhich was just publicly unveiled at the4 Series Coupehas been introduced to Japan.

Text by HORIGUCHI Yoshihiro (OPENERS)

Wider and lower for a sportier look and feel

The newly introduced "4 Series Coupe" is3 Seriesa model based on the 2-door coupe. Previously, it was called the "3 Series Coupe," but with this full model change, it will now be named the 4 Series, following BMW's recent rule of assigning even numbers to coupe models.BMWrule, it will now be named the 4 Series.

Compared to the previous generation, the body height has been reduced by 25mm and the width increased by 45mm, achieving a sportier proportion that emphasizes a wider and lower stance. This is not just for appearance; the vehicle's center of gravity has actually been lowered by 50mm. The front-to-rear weight distribution faithfully adheres to BMW's ideal 50:50 ratio.

Two engine variations will be introduced. The "428i," equipped with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder twin-power turbo engine, delivers a maximum output of 180kW (245ps) and a peak torque of 350Nm (35.7kgm). The "435i" features a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder twin-power turbo, producing a maximum output of 225kW (306ps) and a peak torque of 400Nm (40.8kgm). The 435i boasts a brisk 0-100km/h acceleration of 5.1 seconds.

The transmission paired with both models is an 8-speed sport automatic. The manual transmission, which was available for the "320i Coupe" in the previous model, will not be offered at the time of launch.

Similar to the new 3 Series, customers can choose between the "SPORT" design line, which emphasizes sportiness, and the elegant "Luxury" design line. Additionally, the "M Sport" package, featuring M sport suspension and M aerodynamics, will also be available.

In terms of functional equipment, it follows the latest BMW lineup. Safety features include Driving Assistant as standard, which encompasses a front collision warning system that alerts the driver to potential collisions, collision mitigation braking, and a lane departure warning system. A head-up display that projects navigation and audio information onto the windshield, along with an iDrive controller with touchpad for text input and zoom functions, are also standard.

Furthermore, it is equipped with 3G communication capabilities, enabling the BMW SOS Call function, which automatically contacts a call center in the event of a serious accident to transmit vehicle status and initiate voice communication for prompt emergency response. It also supports BMW Teleservices, which transmit vehicle maintenance status and provide timely support when needed.

Prices range from 6.04 to 6.44 million yen for the 428i, and 7.38 to 7.74 million yen for the 435i. The 428i is eligible for eco-car tax reductions, with a 70% exemption on automobile acquisition tax and weight tax.