Like most people, we’re occasionally skeptical of change. Sometimes you wonder why they didn’t simply leave it well alone, although often it can be refreshing. And so we approached the newest BMW 4 Series using a degree of trepidation, mourning the division of one of the greatest family ofWe were concerned there wouldn’t be sufficient differentiation involving the 4 and 3 Series to justify the newest nomenclature, but first sight of the attractive new 2014 BMW 435i Coupe put our minds relaxed. A BMW representative also explained that with extra models scheduled, it would be quicker to identify the workhorses in the racehorses – the F30 sedan can be joined by an F31 wagon and (F34) Gran Turismo model, while the F32 coupe would spawn an F33 convertible and even a (F35) Gran Coupe, and that knows if there’ll be an X4 SUV to follow?
On first acquaintance, the 2014 BMW 435i we’d be driving had elements of the 6 Series design, having its sharper nose and swage lines making a more defined wedge shape. There’s additionally a dose of 3 Series familiarity to preserve the family heritage, but overall the F32 looks pleasingly distinctive.
Its unique elements include a lower roofline and wider track than the 3 Series. The BMW 4 Series gets a different front-end, using new headlights (full LED option), slightly forward raked grille along with a front valance that ducts air around the wheels to smooth the airflow. They work along with the “boomerang” Air Breather gills on the side to contribute to the car’s low .28 Cd figure that helps with efficiency and stabilityWith its typical long hood and rearward cabin structure, the prominent swage lines across the flanks highlight the rear fenders. And for the first time on a BMW (we find this hard to believe), those rear fenders are wider compared to door handles. This emphasizes the car’s sporting nature, making the 4 Series appear more purposeful from the rear.
Being a BMW, it’s not all window dressing. The F32 gets the obligatory 50/50 weight distribution that made it so balanced in the Estoril racetrack where we sampled the auto. The 4 Series also sits 10mm lower than the equivalent 3 Series, and the core of gravity is below 20 – which makes it the lowest associated with a BMW and additional contributing to its stability and cornering ability.
The suspension underpinning the BMW 4 Series is distinct to the F30, having additional front bracing, different pivot points and also the lower ride height. We spoke to Sebastian Sauerbrei, head of 3 and 4 Series vehicle dynamics testing, who explained: Which is useful because it’s easier to change a sketch than the body in white.?, “The most essential thing for chassis tuning is the body… We have a good relationship with the designers?
Sebastian then outlined how the F32 has different control arm mounting points on new axle hubs, giving it a 19mm lower roll center than the F30. The new bracing reinforces the top subframe for the sill rails, creating a stiffer platform and allowing more precise reaction to steering inputs.
Similarly with the rear, the wider track required new components to mount the 5-link axle, repositioning the pivot points and altering the car’s characteristics in comparison to the existing sedan version.
2014 BMW 435i twin turbo engine cover
2014 BMW 435i red stitched interior
2014 BMW 435i red leather seating
The 4 Series coupe gets power steering with Servotronic speed-sensitivity. There’s yet another variable ratio rack option, which lessens input at low speed or in sudden maneuvers. The 435i has four-piston front brakes along with the cars were equipped with the wonderful eight-speed ZF automatic with paddle shifters. However, a no-charge six-speed manual is available on the 428i, 435i and 435i xDrive, the sole exception being the 428ix.
Is going to be better equipped, though starting at $40500 for the 428i and rising to $48000 for your 435ix, the BMW 4 Series coupe is priced considerably more than the equivalent sedan. It appears in the usual Luxury, M, Sport and Modern Sport Lines that bring their own equipment and trim levels to mirror the theme, with the sporting models getting black window surrounds, intakes, boomerang, valances and mirrors etc.
This was also our first chance to sample the new iDrive Touch controller that allows you to input finger movements onto its upper surface, spelling out a location, as an example.
The coupe gets automatic seatbelt feeders to save you reaching back for the belt after entry. There’s also an interesting optional two-tone side and door panel trim that makes the interior feel more cosseting. The red trim on our Sport models ran across the dash, as it does on the F30, and to the doors to generate more flow. While the rear bench was sculpted to create two individual seats – which is unfortunate for a fifth person, who would have to take a seat on the center divider…
As with the exterior, the modifications have created an alternative look and feel for the interior, which benefit the occupants and differentiate the coupe from the sedan.
You might have seen us driving the 2014 BMW 435i about the famous Estoril racetrack in Portugal in a video on Roundel magazine’s website. The surprisingly small but technical circuit gave the 435i a chance to shine, with long straights where it could enter into its stride, and tight hairpins to show the remarkable lack of body roll, plus the punch through the engine. With traction control off, the coupe would light up its tires without too much provocation, leading to some very predictable drifts that merely added to the overall entertainment.
2014 BMW 435i cornering
2014 BMW 435i side view
2014 BMW 435i rear view
The powerful brakes and precise steering gave you total confidence to keep pushing for the limits, with the stability control stepping in at the last minute to avoid any embarrassment.
The six-cylinder’s rich engine note and its abundance of torque allied to the wonderful eight-speed auto meant the engine was constantly in its sweet spot, able to power out of any turn, irrespective of how tight.
Crucially the car went exactly where you pointed it, even though we heard some complaints about lack of steering feel, that is inevitable with low-energy electric systems. With its natural balance, the 2014 BMW 435i is utterly predictable. This means you know what the car is going to do and may instinctively correct any situation.
For larger, heavier cars such as a BMW 4 Series, the notion of racecar steering feedback is redundant. And while we mourn its passing, the alternative we have here is an excellent replacement in exactly what is a truly excellent car for both the road and track. BMW has scored another perfect ten, though we don’t understand how they do it every time.