BMW 4 Series Coupe enters final phase of dynamic testing

The latest incarnation of the BMW 4 Series Coupe is now embarking on its final phase of dynamic testing.

Following a series of exhaustive test drives held as part of the development process to prepare it for series production, BMW's engineers will put the final touches to the chassis after driving the prototypes on the motorways and country roads around the BMW Group's Research and Innovation Centre in Munich.

The cars have already had their driving qualities honed at the winter testing centre in Arjeplog, Sweden, at the BMW Group's test centre in Miramas, France, on the Nurburgring's Nordschleife circuit and at various other race tracks.

BMW promises the new 4 Series will deliver the proportions, aerodynamic properties and a weight distribution focussed on delivering unerringly exhilarating dynamic performance.

Next to the BMW 3 Series Sedan, the 4 Series has had its aerodynamic drag coefficient reduced by 0.015. The new car is also 57mm lower, and its centre of gravity is 21mm closer to the road. Increased negative camber at the front wheels and a 23mm wider rear track also sharpern the car's handling characteristics.

The 4 Series will utilise a double-joint spring strut front axle and a five-link rear axle configuration. Its lift-related dampers - which made their debut in the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and offer continuously variable, progressive damping control as a function of spring travel - have been tuned for an even sportier drive.

Custom-made tower-to-front end struts and an additional shear panel on the bulkhead optimise steering precision and response, while bracing elements have been added around the rear axle to increase stiffness for improved straight-line stability and lateral acceleration.

The 4 Series range will be spearheaded by the BMW M440i xDrive Coupe. Powered by an in-line six-cylinder engine delivering 369bhp, it will also feature 48V mild-hybrid technology, with a 48V starter-generator and a second battery employed to ease the load on the engine.

The power generated by the engine in the new BMW M440i xDrive Coupe is channelled to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and the car's intelligent all-wheel drive system. An M Sport differential is also on hand to make sure that drive power is deployed to optimum effect in demanding driving situations. Custom-tuned chassis elastokinematics, exceptionally powerful M Sport brakes and 18-inch M light-alloy wheels with mixed-size tyres will also contribute to the dynamics of the new BMW M440i xDrive Coupe.