BMW introduced the fourth-generation coupe of the new generation (G22). The design did not come as a surprise, but the debate about it after the official presentation flared up even hotter. Does technology really interest anyone else?
BMW announced the giant nostrils that adorn the front of the “four” generation G22 back in September last year on the conceptual harbinger of new items, but many fans of the brand could not believe that they would be kept on the production version of the model – too unusual and provocative. Particularly strange are such nostrils that look in combination with a front number plate that cuts them horizontally. Then it would be time to follow the example of Alfa Romeo cars, for which the number plate is installed to the right of the company signboard – also not the most elegant solution, but even with it the designers ’idea is understandable, and in the case of the“ four ”BMW the plate is out of place. However, on the American version of the model it will not be, so the Yankees will be able to fully enjoy the aesthetics of the new coupe, if, of course, they like it. Half of BMW engines will disappear in 2021
The Chinese will surely be delighted, even with a sign, even without – for them, the more branded attributes, the better. In this regard, of course, the rejection of Hofmeister’s signature bend in the design of the rear side windows looks rather unexpected, and now the BMW “four” on the side resembles the Infiniti Q60, but the related “3” G20 was caught flirting with Japanese motifs and shamelessly copies some Lexus IS exterior design elements.
The feed of the new “4” also sends greetings to the Infiniti Q60: the contours of the lanterns of the German and Japanese coupes are very similar. The rear bumper seems overly embossed.
It’s not interesting to discuss the interior: from the driver’s point of view, it’s exactly the same as the G30 “3”, with unreadable side scales on a virtual 12.3-inch instrument panel, obliterated by central air ducts climate control screen, a typical multimedia 10.25-inch tablet with the operating system BMW 7.0 and other common places. The rear seats with integrated head restraints seem to hint that it is better for adult passengers not to sit there, and the Euro NCAP score for the geometry of such head restraints is unlikely to be satisfactory. However, even the larger and status coupe of the 8 Series has, in fact, a 2 + 2 landing formula, so it was hardly worth expecting from the “4” more comfort for second-row passengers. BMW Concept i4, an advance on the next electric sedan
As for the technical side, the coupe body is 57 mm lower than the sister 3 Series sedan, and the center of gravity is 21 mm lower than the three-wheeler. To increase the angular rigidity of the body and suspension, additional amplifiers are installed. The rear wheel track is extended by 23 mm. Brakes and steering received special compartment settings. As options, a stiffer or adaptive suspension, more powerful M Sport brakes and a M Sport self-locking rear differential are available. Weight distribution – perfect, 50:50. Curb weight – in the range from 1525 to 1740 kg, depending on version. Trunk volume – 440 liters.
At the moment, three petrol modifications are announced for the European version of the coupe – 420i (184 hp, 300 Nm), 430i (258 hp, 400 Nm), M440i xDrive (374 hp, 500 Nm); and four diesel engines – 420d and 420d xDrive (190 hp, 400 Nm), 430d xDrive (286 hp, 650 Nm), M440d xDrive (340 hp, 700 Nm). All modifications except the 420i and 430i have a 48-volt hybrid appendage in the form of an 8-kilowatt (11 hp) starter generator, slightly improving the environmental, economic and dynamic characteristics of the car. Transmission – only an 8-speed hydro mechanical “automatic”. Four-wheel drive as an option will be available for all modifications from March next year, and the start of sales is scheduled for October 24 this year