Wednesday, December 25, 2024
HomeLifestyleVehiclesThe New BMW 4 Series Unveiled, Coupe & Convertible

The New BMW 4 Series Unveiled, Coupe & Convertible

follow us on Google News

In the world of top-notch midsize cars, the perfect blend of driving enjoyment and stylish sporty design is embodied by the number 4. BMW has embraced these values since its early days, and the new BMW 4 Series Coupé and new BMW 4 Series Convertible reflect them more strongly than ever. The refined exterior design of these two models highlights their dynamic character and exclusive style. Inside, the modern cockpit design, featuring the BMW Curved Display, sets the stage for the latest version of BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, based on the new BMW Operating System 8.5.

BMW M4 Convertible
BMW M4 Convertible

Updates to the exterior include new paint options, light-alloy wheels, headlights with a striking design, and optional Laserlight rear lights. Stepping into the two-door models reveals key interior upgrades: redesigned steering wheels and instrument panels, seat coverings, interior trim elements, and optional CraftedClarity glass applications for certain controls. The new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect is now standard, and customers can also opt for an Augmented View display for the BMW Maps navigation system on their new BMW 4 Series.

Production of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé and Convertible will take place at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, where other executive and luxury cars, the BMW 8 Series sports car, and high-performance BMW M4 models are also born. The global release is set to begin in March 2024.

In March 2024, a third fully electric option will join the new BMW 5 Series Sedan lineup. The new BMW i5 xDrive40 Sedan uses electric power with a consumption rate of 20.0 – 17.2 kWh/100 km in the WLTP cycle. It features two electric drive units at the front and rear axles, producing a combined output of up to 290 kW/394 hp and peak torque of 590 Nm (435 lb-ft). With electric all-wheel drive, the BMW i5 xDrive40 Sedan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.4 seconds and has a top speed limited to 215 km/h (134 mph).

This electric business sedan stores its energy in a high-voltage battery located deep in the vehicle floor, delivering 81.2 kWh of usable energy. The Combined Charging Unit allows for standard AC charging at 11 kW and an optional 22 kW, while DC fast-charging stations support up to 205 kW. This means the BMW i5 xDrive40 Sedan’s range can be extended by 156 kilometers (97 miles) in just ten minutes. The standard Plug & Charge Multi Contract function allows automatic authentication at public charging points. The WLTP-calculated range is 463 – 538 kilometers (288 – 334 miles).

Starting March 2024, additional exterior paint options will be available for all new BMW 5 Series Sedan models, including BMW Individual Frozen Portimao Blue metallic and BMW Individual Malachite Green metallic. BMW Individual offers around 150 unique shades (solid, metallic, and matt) for customization. Customers can explore these options using the BMW Individual Visualizer through a link in the vehicle configurator.

Furthermore, new variants for seats and interior surfaces are introduced for the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. If optional comfort seats are chosen, the BMW Individual Merino leather trim is available in bi-color variants Dark Violet/Atlas Grey and Taupe Grey/Atlas Grey starting March 2024.

The new BMW X2 M35i xDrive in frozen black metallic
The new BMW X2 M35i xDrive in frozen black metallic

In March 2024, BMW introduces a new entry-level variant for the BMW iX2 as part of its electric mobility model offensive. The fully electric BMW iX2 eDrive20, with a power consumption of 16.9 – 15.3 kWh/100 km in the WLTP cycle, offers an economical approach to emission-free driving in a compact Sports Activity Coupé (SAC). Its 150 kW/204 hp electric motor accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.6 seconds, achieving a range of 439 – 478 kilometers (273 – 297 miles) in the WLTP cycle. The top speed is limited to 170 km/h (106 mph).

The high-voltage battery in the BMW iX2 eDrive20 provides 64.78 kWh of usable energy, supporting standard AC charging at 11 kW and up to 22 kW as an option. DC charging is possible at up to 130 kW, and the efficient charging software allows a significant increase in battery charge during brief stops. In just ten minutes at a fast-charging station, the BMW iX2 eDrive20 can gain enough energy to extend its range by 120 kilometers (75 miles). The standard Plug & Charge Multi Contract function is also included.

Accompanying the new iX2 variant is the BMW X2 xDrive20d, the second diesel variant of the compact SAC. Featuring 48V mild hybrid technology, its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, combined with an integrated electric motor, produces a maximum output of 120 kW/163 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm / 295 lb-ft. This allows the BMW X2 xDrive20d to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.6 seconds, with a top speed of 207 km/h (129 mph).

From March 2024, all variants of the new BMW X2 and iX2 will offer an expanded range of exterior paint finishes, with Frozen Black metallic being a new addition to the selection.

As the newest member of BMW M GmbH’s first-ever electrified high-performance model, the new BMW XM 50e (fuel consumption, combined: 1.7 – 1.3 liters/100 km [166.2 – 217.3 mpg imp]; electric power consumption, combined: 32.2 – 31.5 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions, combined: 37 – 30 g/km in the WLTP cycle) brings together the distinctive M dynamism, bold design, and modern interior luxury with maximum efficiency. Its M HYBRID drive system comprises a six-cylinder in-line petrol engine and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, producing a system output of 350 kW/476 hp and maximum system torque of 700 Nm / 516 lb-ft.

The improved 3.0-liter combustion engine in the BMW XM 50e features enhancements such as the Miller combustion cycle, dual injection, electrically operated VANOS variable camshaft timing, and a patented pre-gearing stage for the electric motor. The high-performance model, equipped with the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). With an electric range of 77 – 83 kilometers (48 – 52 miles) in the WLTP cycle, the BMW XM 50e can handle much of its daily driving with zero local emissions, even beyond city limits at speeds of up to 140 km/h (87 mph).

The new M HYBRID system’s most efficient version complements the unique presence of this high-performance model in the Sports Activity Vehicle segment. Specific design features include a black accent band along the sides, a surround for the BMW kidney grille, Pearl-effect Chrome detailing for the rear diffuser, Black high-gloss exhaust tailpipe trim, and a silver-colored border for the model badge. For those seeking a personalized interior, the BMW XM 50e offers features like exclusive Vintage leather for the upper section of the instrument panel and door trim panels, enhancing the M-specific cockpit, M multifunction seats, sculptural headliner, and M Lounge in the rear compartment.

Relaxed long-distance travel and an impressive semi-automated driving experience are now available beyond the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, thanks to the introduction of the Highway Assistant in other current BMW models.

As an additional feature of the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, part of the optional Driving Assistant Professional, the Highway Assistant manages speed, distance, and steering on motorways with separated lanes when driving up to 135 km/h (84 mph). The driver can comfortably place their hands elsewhere, provided they stay attentive to the road and can take control of the steering when needed. This Level 2 semi-automated driving function, according to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), will also be offered for the BMW 7 Series luxury sedan, BMW iX, BMW XM, BMW X5, BMW X6, and BMW X7 starting in spring 2024.

Enhancing the semi-automated driving experience, the Active Lane Change Assistant, a part of the new Highway Assistant, introduces an additional layer. When the traffic situation allows, it can execute steering movements for maneuvers like overtaking and adjust the vehicle’s speed as needed. Notably, the driver can now confirm a suggested lane change by simply looking in the exterior mirror, thanks to the Active Lane Change Assistant with eye confirmation, marking a first for this system.

From spring 2024, a range of new digital services will be available for vehicles equipped with BMW Operating System 9. Notably, the extended smartphone integration allows users to activate the Siri voice assistant on their Apple iPhone directly through voice commands, eliminating the need to press the push-to-talk button. Additionally, the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system now provides an enhanced display of information on charging stations, including images and ratings, presented both in the search results list and detailed display. The charging station ratings are now depicted clearly on a scale from zero to five stars.

In several European countries, the BMW iDrive display and control system in many current models enables digital payment of parking fees and, in Germany, fuel top-ups from within the car. This convenient feature utilizes the credit card information pre-stored in the vehicle apps for payment.

The My BMW App, serving as a universal digital interface between the customer and their car, continues to expand its functionalities. Starting from spring 2024, Comfort Access with the BMW Digital Key Plus will be integrated into the My BMW App for vehicles equipped with BMW Operating System 8, 8.5, or 9. Additionally, the map view for selecting navigation destinations imported into the vehicle has been redesigned, improving the search function and the visibility of relevant content. Map and routing functions will now be suggested based on current vehicle or user contexts.

Introducing the new E-mobility Analysis function in the My Trips menu item, the My BMW App will analyze the customer’s driving behavior and recommend the most suitable BMW model with an all-electric drive system. These personalized recommendations aim to generate interest among users of combustion-engined vehicles to consider switching to an electric vehicle.


Discover more from SNAP TASTE

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

FEATURED

RELATED NEWS

Discover more from SNAP TASTE

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading