The new car 2021 BMW 4 Series Perfect Coupe interior and exterior

2021 BMW 4 Series Perfect Coupe

Fans or detractors of this new 4 Series will undoubtedly live or die by its massive new kidney grille. BMW says the larger grille opening serves a purpose to cool its new, more powerful engines but we imagine the design will be polarizing regardless. As for the rest of the car's dimensions, it measures 2.2 inches longer, 1.0 inch wider, and 2.2 inches lower than the 3 Series even though the two share a wheelbase. These measurements form a sleek coupe design with an improved drag coefficient of 0.25.

The slim LED headlights with cornering lights look different than any other BMW model and pair well with the three-dimensional mesh front grille. We think the 4 Series looks best in its side profile, where a minimalist design with frameless windows, aggressive fenders, and the famous Hofmeister-kink work in concert to create an attractive flow. Around back, the 4 Series remains fairly simple, leaving the front end as the only polarizing styling element.

The exterior of the 4 Series may look radically different than its sedan counterpart but on the inside, the two look nearly identical. All of the switchgear remains the same, as do the steering wheel, shifter, iDrive system, and infotainment/gauge cluster screens. An 8.8-inch center touchscreen and a 5.1-inch color gauge display come standard but a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen and a fully digital 12.3 gauge cluster are optional. BMW has also added wireless compatibility for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Unlike the 3 Series though, the 4 Series includes sport seats and a sport steering wheel as standard equipment. Every light in the cabin is LED and buyers can opt for an ambient lighting package with adjustable color options across the instrument and door panels.

A fast M4 model is forthcoming but for now, the 4 Series will be available with two different engine options. The base 430i model is powered by a familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 255 horsepower and 294 lb-ft of torque going out through an eight-speed automatic transmission. With rear-wheel-drive, the 430i can hit 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and this number drops to 5.3 seconds with xDrive all-wheel-drive.

Those who need more speed should opt for the M440i xDrive, which is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six sending 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. With AWD as the only option, the M440i takes just 4.3 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph. The B58 engine in the M440i is familiar but like the facelifted 5 Series, it now features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to boost performance and aid the stop/start system.