Launched as the fourth generation of BMW’s sporty mid-size Coupe, the new BMW 4 Series Coupe embodies the very essence of aesthetic appeal and dynamics in the premium segment. Its stylistic features carry the promise of a powerful presence on the road, stand-out dynamic ability and driving pleasure is in abundance. Indeed, the new BMW 4 Series Coupe represents a paragon of balanced proportions and the final chapter in a story of development.The “4” in its title headlines this new era for the Coupe and emphasises not only its stand-alone design, but also an even greater technical differentiation from its BMW 3 Series cousins.
The new BMW 4 Series Coupe is visibly larger in width and wheelbase than the outgoing BMW 3 Series Coupe, and its dynamically stretched coupe silhouette sits considerably lower to the road. This, together with its typical BMW short overhangs, long bonnet and set-back passenger compartment with flowing roofline, lends the BMW 4 Series Coupe impeccable visual balance. The car’s striking front end – with its characteristic BMW design features, such as the double-kidney grille, twin circular headlights and a large air intake in the front apron – is keen to display its family ties with the BMW 3 Series. However, the more sporting interpretation of the BMW 4 Series Coupe also underlines its dynamic convictions.
A new element of the BMW 4 Series Coupe are the Air Breathers, positioned rearwards of the front wheel arches to reduce drag in this area. The Coupe’s muscular wheel arches and wide track make a particularly prominent contribution to the hunkered-down design of the rear, with its prominent horizontal lines.
The BMW 435i is powered by a straight six 3.0l turbocharged motor which produces around 225kW and 400Nm of torque. This is no lazy cruiser, the 435i has some serious get-up-n-go. Pop it into Sport mode -using BMWs very efficient drive select program- and expect some sweet exhaust burbles and a rev needle that is not afraid to hit the red line. The 435i comes with BMWs fantastic 8-speed gearbox with flappy paddles on the steering wheel. I managed to achieve a fuel economy figure of around 9.2l/100km over my week long test period.
Inside this Luxury spec model one can expect to find wood trim -which I do like- and ample leather. The test car was also fitted with an array of optional extras which have the tendency to push the price up rather high, close to R800 000 in this case. However things like the 360 degree park assist, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist with blind spot assist are features that I would highly recommend. They make driving and parking more convenient as well as safer.
The BMW 435i is a great open road cruiser and even better for popping down to the shops to get some bread and milk, however, in the right hands on a twisty stretch of road the BMWness of the new 435i comes out to play and it transforms into a serous sports car that demands respect.
The outgoing model, known as the E92 gave us -in my opinion- one of the best sports cars of the 21st century, the BMW M3 V8. Now though the new M version will be known as the M4 and if the new 435i is anything to go by, the eagerly anticipated M4 is going to be quite a beast.
