The new BMW 4 Series Coupé: Designed for driving pleasure

The new BMW 4 Series Coupé: Designed for driving pleasure

The new BMW 4 Series Coupé heralds the dawn of a new coupé era at BMW. Launched as the fourth generation of BMW’s sporty mid-size Coupé, the new BMW 4 Series Coupé 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 in abundance. Indeed, the new BMW 4 Series Coupé 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 Coupé and emphasises not only its stand-alone design, but equally an even greater technical differentiation from its BMW 3 Series cousins, something that can also be seen in new premium features such as the optional full LED headlights.

The new BMW 4 Series Coupé is visibly larger in width and wheelbase than the outgoing BMW 3 Series Coupé, and its dynamically stretched coupé silhouette sits considerably lower to the road. This, together with its BMW-typical short overhangs, long bonnet and set-back passenger compartment with flowing roofline, lends the BMW 4 Series Coupé impeccable 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 Coupé also underlines its dynamic convictions. A new element of the BMW 4 Series Coupé are the Air Breathers, positioned rearwards of the front wheel arches to reduce drag in this area. The Coupé’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.

Individual equipment lines for the interior and exterior.

The interior of the BMW 4 Series Coupé presents a stylish fusion of sporting allure and exclusivity. All the controls central to driving are arranged ergonomically around the driver and give him or her optimum access to all functions. The doors are designed so that all the lines converge towards the rear, pulling the focus of the interior clearly towards the front. In the rear compartment, contoured seats underline the sporting credentials of the BMW 4 Series Coupé. Recessed head restraints and broad, continuously moulded side supports give the rear bench the appearance of two individual seats. High-grade material combinations and unbeatable finish quality accentuate the premium ambience of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé. Customers can choose from three equipment combinations and an M Sport package as alternatives to standard specification. The Sport Line, Modern Line and Luxury Line packages allow visible individualisation of the car’s exterior and interior appearance.

Driving dynamics from the top drawer.

The defining ingredients in the involving driving experience laid on by the new BMW 4 Series Coupé are its impressive driving dynamics and assured handling properties. The BMW engineers have succeeded in making key improvements in areas such as steering accuracy, precision and agility, as well as honing, further still, the instincts of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé as an unadulterated driving machine. Sophisticated chassis technology, torque steer-free Electric Power Steering, 50:50 weight distribution, a programme of fine-tuning in the wind tunnel and an innovative lightweight construction concept gave them the tools to achieve their aims.

The new BMW 4 Series Coupé has a longer wheelbase, wider track and lower ride height than the BMW 3 Series Coupé it replaces. Its lower suspension brings the car’s centre of gravity down to below 500 millimetres, giving it the lowest centre of gravity of any car in the current BMW model line-up. As a result, the new BMW 4 Series Coupé is one of the sportiest series-produced cars in the BMW range and sets new dynamic standards in the segment.

Six-cylinder and four-cylinder engines available from launch.

The sporting two-door model will be available from launch powered by the following engines: the six-cylinder in-line petrol engine in the BMW 435i Coupé, the four-cylinder petrol unit for the BMW 428i Coupé. All the engines work using the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and cover an output spectrum stretching from 180 kW to 225 kW. These state-of-the-art engines not only imbue the BMW 4 Series Coupé with outstanding acceleration and elasticity, they also join forces with the car’s intelligent lightweight construction concept to deliver further improvements in driving dynamics and lower fuel consumption.

Six-speed manual gearbox or eight-speed Sports automatic.

The power from the BMW 428i is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. BMW will also fit all the engine variants – as an option – with an eight-speed Sports automatic gearbox (standard on the BMW 435i), which allows the driver to change gear manually as well using shift paddles on the steering wheel.

BMW EfficientDynamics.

The driving pleasure available on board the new BMW 4 Series Coupé is a product of outstanding economy as well as sporting dynamics. The force behind this talent for fuel saving is the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, whose fruits can be found in almost every area of the new model. In addition to the petrol and diesel engines, with their optimised fuel economy, the car’s intelligent lightweight construction concept and honed aerodynamics – headlined by the Air Curtains and Air Breathers – also help to maximise efficiency. The BMW 4 Series Coupé may be set up to specialise in dynamic excellence, but other technological features, such as the Auto Start Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator and on-demand operation of ancillary units, do their bit to ensure it impresses with low fuel consumption and emissions, too. Indeed, ECO PRO mode gives the car the potential to cut fuel use by as much as 20 per cent. In conjunction with the optional automatic transmission, the BMW 4 Series Coupé now also features a coasting mode for the first time. Another innovation is the Proactive Driving Assist.

BMW ConnectedDrive.

The new BMW 4 Series Coupé deploys a unique combination of driver assistance systems and mobility services (available as standard or as an option under the BMW ConnectedDrive banner) to set the benchmark in terms of safety, comfort and infotainment. Among the highlights are a new generation of the Navigation System Professional, which offers extra capability, sharper graphics and 3D elements for the map display, the full-colour BMW Head-Up Display, Driving Assist Plus, which warns the driver of a potential collision with a pedestrian, the intelligent, glare-free LED High Beam Assist, Active Protection with Attentiveness Assist and the latest development stage of the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. As far as infotainment is concerned, extremely efficient interface technology enables the integration of smartphones and numerous Bluetooth office functions. The latter now also offer the driver the services of a dictation function with full speech recognition.

Design: Flawless aesthetics come together with individuality and sporting ability.

The launch of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé marks the arrival of the fourth generation of BMW’s sporty premium mid-size Coupé. The BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé, which celebrated its world premiere at the NAIAS 2013 in Detroit, previewed the evolutionary development of BMW’s design language. And now this progression is enshrined in the series-production model. The BMW 4 Series Coupé represents the epitome of aesthetic appeal and sporty dynamics in the premium segment and reinforces the company’s claims to leadership in the international marketplace. Its stylistic features carry the promise of a powerful presence on the road, stand-out dynamic ability and unbeatable driving pleasure. Indeed, the new BMW 4 Series Coupé 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 Coupé and emphasises not only its stand-alone design, but also its even sharper sporting dynamics, increased exclusivity and clear technical differentiation from the BMW 3 Series range. At the same time, BMW is using the new nomenclature to latch onto the fine tradition established by the large BMW 6 Series and BMW 8 Series Coupés.

Athletic elegance, impeccable proportions.

The dynamic proportions of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé differ significantly from those of the outgoing BMW 3 Series Coupé. Although only 26 millimetres have been added to the car’s length (4 638 mm), a 50-millimetre longer wheelbase (2 810 mm) and a roofline that now runs 16 millimetres lower than before (1 362 mm) shine a particularly vivid spotlight on the dynamically stretched coupé outline. These dimensions combine with the BMW 4 Series Coupé’s BMW-typical short overhangs, long bonnet, set-back passenger compartment and flowing roofline to produce a silhouette boasting impeccable visual balance. The athletic appearance of the BMW 4 Series Coupé is rounded off by the 43-millimetre increase in the Coupé’s width (1 825 millimetres). For the first time, the rear wheel arches mark the car’s broadest point – a clear statement of dynamic intent. The resultant 45-millimetre-wider front track (1 545 mm) and full 80 millimetres of extra width at the rear axle (1 593 mm) promise – before so much as a wheel is turned – further improvements in the already superlative sporting characteristics for which BMW is renowned.

Eye-catching front end with prominently sporting contours.

Signature BMW front-end design features, such as the double-kidney grille and twin circular headlights, identify the BMW 4 Series Coupé as a BMW without the need for a second glance. Indeed, it is undeniably keen to show off its close family ties with the BMW 3 Series. However, the BMW 4 Series Coupé displays a more sporting approach to its work, underlining its dynamic convictions. The car’s head-turning front end is a demonstration of precise contours and multifaceted surfaces. The eye-catching full-LED twin headlights (optional), with their hexagonal design, team up with the slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille to form a single stylistic unit and strengthen the athletic presence of the BMW 4 Series Coupé on the road. Below the headlight line, the BMW 4 Series Coupé features a large air intake in the front apron. Its extremely width-accentuating design creates the impression of a sporty three-way split. On the far left and right-hand edges of the air intakes are the additional, aerodynamically motivated small vertical apertures for the Air Curtains. These vents improve the airflow around the outside of the front wheels and lead to a reduction in fuel consumption at higher speeds.

Flowing lines shape the elegantly sporty silhouette.

Powerfully taut surfaces and precise, sweeping lines define the athletic outline of the BMW 4 Series Coupé. The gently sloping roofline – a hallmark coupé trait – creates a smooth transition into the rear, stretches the car’s overall appearance and elegantly accentuates the sporting profile of the flanks. Added to which, the shallow, homogeneous side window graphic with frameless glass and the signature slimline BMW Hofmeister kink at the trailing edge of the C-pillar generate a dynamic visual tension. Below the windows, the double swage line – made up of two character lines running alongside each other – teams up with the striking door sill line to strengthen the body’s dynamic wedge shape. The small, shrinking shadow below the swage line above the rear wheel accentuates the flared rear wing, emphasising the car’s dynamic potential and hallmark BMW rear-wheel drive.

Located just rearwards of the BMW 4 Series Coupé’s front wheels are Air Breathers designed to reduce drag around the wheel arches. Together, the Air Breathers and Air Curtains underline the sporting character of the car’s design and provide tangible evidence of the innovative aerodynamic solutions devised by BMW as part of its BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy.

Prominently flared wheel arches offer a clear window into even greater sporting ability.

The sporting character of the BMW 4 Series Coupé extends into the powerful design of the rear. The prominent horizontal lines and broadly stretched tail lights positioned at the outer edges of the rear draw extra attention to the muscular wheel arches and wide track. The sharply angled rear window has a lowering effect on the car’s tail and gives the body as a whole an even more powerful look. It also shows off the car’s broad shoulders with satisfying clarity. The L-shaped rear lights of the BMW 4 Series Coupé blend harmoniously into the car’s overall design. They continue the path of the swage line from the flanks, creating a seamless link to the rear end.

Exclusivity and dynamic intent dominate the interior.

The interior of the BMW 4 Series Coupé blends sporting intent and exclusivity to stylish effect. In the front of the cabin, an approach known as layering – i.e. the clever utilisation of space through the structuring of lines and surfaces into layers – provides a natural canvas for the hallmark BMW driver focus, but is careful not to exclude the front passenger from the action. All the controls central to driving are arranged ergonomically around the driver and give him or her optimum access to all functions. Automatic belt feeders, a Sports steering wheel, crystal-clear circular instruments in blackpanel look and the freestanding, flatscreen iDrive monitor underline the sense of functional elegance. The iDrive Touch Controller – within easy reach on the centre console – and the optionally fore-and-aft sliding/folding armrest between the front seats add the finishing touches to the cabin’s exceptional usability and comfort.

The dynamic horizontal lines of the instrument panel extend into the optional two-tone door and side panel trim, wrapping around the driver and front passenger in an unbroken sweep and lending the interior an engagingly dynamic feel. The interplay of surfaces and lines in the car’s side sections also provides an effective showcase for the typically long coupé doors and, through the continuation of the accent strip, creates a visual connection between the front and rear of the interior. In the rear compartment powerfully contoured seats lend further emphasis to the sporting credentials of the BMW 4 Series Coupé. Recessed head restraints and broad, continuously moulded side supports give the rear bench the appearance of two separate seats.

In the interests of maximising the car’s variability, the backrest of the BMW 4 Series Coupé’s rear seat bench can be folded down, as an option, in a 40:20:40 split and adapted extremely effectively to suit the requirements of the situation at hand. Folding down the centre segment alone creates a large through-loading facility, which can accommodate several pairs of skis or snowboards while still allowing space for four people on board. The boot can also be opened remotely using the optional Smart Opener as part of the Comfort Access feature. Here, a short movement of the foot under the centre of the rear bumper is all it takes to raise the tailgate.

Individual equipment variants.

High-class material combinations, exclusive colours and individual equipment variants boasting unbeatable quality of workmanship define the premium ambience on board the new BMW 4 Series Coupé. As well as the basic trim level, whose material and colour concept accentuates the more classical side of the car’s character, customers have a choice of three other equipment combinations and an M Sport package with which to add individual stylistic touches to the car’s exterior and interior. The Sport Line, Modern Line and Luxury Line embody different takes on the car’s character and set it apart from the basic trim level by adapting the following features: design and colour scheme for the kidney grille and air intakes, exterior mirror caps, Air Breathers and side window graphic, trim strips in the front and rear apron, door sill strips, model badges on the front side panels, range of wheel rims, and a high-gloss black surround for the centre stack in the interior.

Driving dynamics: Sporty handling properties underpin an involving driving experience.

The keen dynamics and supreme handling of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé are dominant themes in its engaging driving experience. To satisfy even the most demanding expectations of a sporty coupé, the BMW chassis engineers have pulled out all the stops, allowing the sporty two-door car to give full rein to its talents at any speed and under a variety of conditions. This required another round of improvements to the recognised qualities of its predecessor in terms of precision, lightness and agility, further sharpening the car’s profile as a pure driving machine. The new BMW 4 Series Coupé is therefore one of the sportiest series-produced models in the BMW line-up, setting new dynamic standards in its segment.

Hallmark BMW set-up makes the difference.

The new BMW 4 Series Coupé benefits from BMW’s customary approach of splitting steering and drive forces between the front and rear axle, which creates the ideal platform for dynamic driving characteristics, impressive directional stability and agile handling. It also has 50:50 weight distribution, which likewise sets it apart from its rivals. When you add to the mix its extremely low centre of gravity, bespoke chassis set-up and intelligent lightweight construction concept, the result is an exceptionally dynamic overall package which will even sate the appetite of customers with a passion for sporty driving.

Significantly lower centre of gravity.

The new BMW 4 Series Coupé has an even clearer sporting brief than the outgoing BMW 3 Series Coupé and displays an immediate road presence to match. This is down in no small part to the longer, 2 810-millimetre wheelbase (+ 50 mm) and wider track – 1 545 millimetres at the front and 1 594 millimetres at the rear (+ 45/+ 80 mm). As standard, the BMW 4 Series Coupé also sits 10 millimetres closer to the asphalt than the latest BMW 3 Series Sedan. This helps to bring the car’s centre of gravity down below 500 millimetres, i.e. significantly lower than its predecessor’s. As these figures show, new BMW 4 Series Coupé drivers can look forward to an alluring package of assured road holding, agile handling and enhanced precision and feedback. However, these dynamic qualities do not come at the cost of comfort, confirming the sporting two-door’s status as a car equipped to meet the varied challenges of everyday use.

A rigorous focus on sports performance.

The chassis construction of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé is based on that of the latest BMW 3 Series Sedan, although its springs and damping, axle kinematics and elastokinematics have all been tailored precisely to the hugely engaging character of the new Coupé. Indeed, the chassis engineers have managed to make further improvements to the agility and accuracy offered by the chassis, thanks to modification and fine-tuning of variables such as the camber angle, the track and the roll centre. Last but not least, special body strengthening elements in the front section of the car help to further enhance steering precision and feedback.

Air Curtains and Air Breathers.

The aerodynamic fine-tuning process takes in every area of the body. For example, the now familiar BMW Air Curtains in the front apron generate a veil of air which reduces turbulence – and therefore drag – around the front wheels. The aerodynamically designed wheel arches and the air deflectors in front of them contribute to the dynamic qualities of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé. The new Air Breathers positioned rearwards of the front wheel arches divert some of the air flowing through the wheel arches, thereby reducing air resistance. They work particularly effectively in combination with the Air Curtains.

BMW EfficientDynamics: Higher performance, lower fuel consumption.

The engaging driving pleasure available on board the new BMW 4 Series Coupé is a product of outstanding economy as well as impressive dynamics. This is down to the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, the results of which are incorporated into virtually every area of the sporty two-door model. In addition to petrol and diesel engines with optimised fuel economy, the new BMW 4 Series Coupé’s highly efficient transmissions, intelligent lightweight design, optimised aerodynamics and further efficiency-promoting measures secure its status as a winner not only in terms of sporty and dynamic qualities, but also with regard to its enviable fuel consumption and emissions figures.

State-of-the-art petrol engines forge a perfect alliance of power and efficiency.

The petrol engines available for the BMW 4 Series Coupé stand out with their exceptional power, free-revving character and refinement, combined with peerless efficiency. To this end, the engines feature a range of innovative technical solutions, brought together into a complete package of technology. They include BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with twin-scroll turbocharging, High Precision Direct Injection, Double-Vanos variable camshaft control and Valvetronic fully variable valve control. In addition, these low-friction engines feature a lightweight, all-aluminium crankcase.

Optimised power transfer also offers potential for fuel savings: the six-speed manual gearbox and eight-speed Sports automatic.

Both the six-speed manual gearbox and eight-speed Sports automatic (standard on BMW 435i) stand out with their optimised efficiency, compact construction and reduced weight. In the case of the eight-speed automatic, minimised torque converter slip, high internal efficiency, low friction losses and intelligent transmission control create substantial potential for fuel savings. New BMW 4 Series Coupés fitted with the automatic gearbox option therefore offer identical or even lower fuel consumption and emissions.

Auto Start Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration, ECO PRO mode, coasting mode and Proactive Driving Assistant.

As standard, the new BMW 4 Series Coupé comes with the Auto Start Stop function, which can also team up with the eight-speed automatic gearbox. Another standard feature is Brake Energy Regeneration, which ensures that – as far as possible – power for the vehicle’s electrical system is generated during braking and coasting. ECO PRO mode plays a particularly effective role in helping the BMW 4 Series Coupé driver to maintain an efficient and economical driving style. As well as tweaking the accelerator’s responses and the engine management system, ECO PRO mode also reaps the rewards of intelligent energy and climate management. The system gives the driver tips and ideas – tailored to the driving situation at hand – on how to reduce fuel consumption even further through adjustments to his or her responses at the wheel. In conjunction with the optional automatic transmission, a coasting mode is now also available for the first time. In ECO PRO mode, this function decouples the powertrain as soon as the driver backs off the accelerator at speeds between 50 and 160 km/h, allowing the car to glide along with no engine braking effect and burning minimal fuel. The BMW 4 Series Coupé boasts a further innovation in the form of the Proactive Driving Assist function.

On-demand operation of ancillary units saves energy.

The new BMW 4 Series Coupé’s ancillary components also play a role in the car’s intelligent energy management. Examples include the on-demand coolant pump, the map-controlled oil pump and the Electric Power Steering system, which only consumes electricity when steering assistance is actually required. The special air conditioning compressor works on the same principle. As soon as the driver switches the air conditioning off, the belt drive to the compressor is disconnected to minimise power drain.

Intelligent lightweight design further reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The use of lightweight materials makes a significant contribution to efficiency and agility, and helps to give BMW cars their impressive dynamic capability. Indeed, intelligent lightweight design can be found in every area of the development process and its reach extends to every component. As well as the use of plastics and cutting-edge composite materials, the increased deployment of aluminium components in the engine and chassis construction has also reduced the weight of the corresponding assemblies. The results are impressive: although the new BMW 4 Series Coupé has grown in terms of dimensions, it is up to 25 kilograms lighter than its predecessor.

BMW ConnectedDrive: Wide range of mobility services and new driver assistance systems enhance safety and comfort.

BMW ConnectedDrive provides renewed evidence of its technical leadership and underscores the innovative character of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé with new functions and an unmatched combination of standard and optional driver assistance systems and mobility services. The intelligent link-up between passengers, their vehicle and the outside world ensures unbeatable levels of on-board comfort, infotainment and safety.

Navigation System Professional: Touch Controller takes over the reins.

The new generation of the Navigation System Professional (standard on the BMW 435i) impresses with its new design and optimised operating system. It has a significantly greater breadth of functionality and a high-resolution, contrast-rich colour display. The familiar menu navigation has been retained, although extra functions have been added. The graphics of the previous user interface have been completely overhauled and the navigation system’s maps given 3D elements. The central Control Display is operated in the familiar way using the ergonomically perfectly positioned iDrive Touch Controller in the centre console, which now has an integral new, touch-sensitive surface and proximity sensor technology for even easier use. Users can now use their finger to write characters into every text input panel on the touchpad can and switch between handwriting and the conventional rotate-and-press method at any time. Plus, the ring cursor in the Navigation System Professional’s interactive map can also be moved around using the touchpad. This makes selecting a POI, for example, an intuitive and efficient process.

High-res projection in colour: the Head-Up Display.

One of the highlights of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé is the optional latest-generation full-colour Head-Up Display, which projects key information onto the windscreen in sharp resolution to appear directly in the driver’s field of view. Depending on the vehicle specification, not only is the current speed displayed, but speed limits and overtaking restrictions are also flashed up for the driver’s benefit, along with navigation instructions and various warning messages. The variety of driver assistance systems available for the new BMW 4 Series Coupé brings the amount of information that can be shown in the Head-Up Display to a whole new level. The intensity of the projections adapts automatically to the light conditions and therefore follows the illumination of the cockpit dials. The precise positioning of the projections on the windscreen can also be adjusted easily using the iDrive Controller.

A system of many talents: Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function.

The latest development stage of the familiar Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function (ACC Stop&Go) uses a front-mounted camera on the rear-view mirror in addition to the full-range radar sensors to provide an enhanced interpretation of the traffic situation ahead. When driving in slow-moving traffic or traffic jams, the driver is able to safely move along with the flow of traffic and let the vehicle’s automatic systems handle the tasks of stopping, pulling away again and approaching junctions where there are already vehicles waiting ahead. Combining radar and video data in this way improves detection of other vehicles and cuts the system’s reaction time. If a vehicle ahead brakes very sharply in free-flowing traffic, requiring the driver to take action, he or she is prompted to do so by a two-stage warning. Active Cruise Control with automatic distance control is now available at speeds between 30 km/h and 210 km/h. The intelligent cruise control function remains active at speeds above 210 km/h.

In conjunction with the Navigation System Professional and Navigation System Business, Speed Limit Info helps to keep the driver informed of the speed limit for the current stretch of road. The front-mounted camera ensures that additional signs or temporary restrictions – at roadworks, for example – are taken into account. Information on speed limits or overtaking restrictions then appears in the instrument cluster or Head-Up Display.

Using sensors and camera monitoring: Lane Change and Lane Departure Warning systems.

Among the convenience and safety-enhancing assistance systems on offer are Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning, with the latter only available as part of the Driving Assist option. These systems employ radar sensors and camera monitoring to alert drivers to potential collision risks when changing lane or if they veer out of lane unintentionally, and also issue a warning when driving too close to the vehicle ahead.

LED headlights with glare-free High Beam Assistant.

The BMW 4 Series Coupé is available with the option of full-LED headlights (xenon as standard), which provide a further safety boost when driving at night. The bright white light they emit illuminates the road ahead with an exceptional intensity. Together with the glare-free High Beam Assist function, Adaptive Headlights with cornering lights and variable headlight distribution, they set the benchmark. With high beam activated, the headlights are partially masked as and when required in order to eliminate the danger of dazzling vehicles as they approach. However, the High Beam Assist can also adapt to the traffic situation by switching to low beam on one or both sides.

Superb overview not just when parking: Surround View, Side View, Top View and BMW Parking Assist.

In addition to the rear view camera and Park Distance Control, customers are also able to opt for the Surround View function with Side View and Top View, which provides a bird’s-eye view of the BMW 4 Series Coupé and the area around it, enabling the driver to carry out precise manoeuvres in tight spaces. If the car is moving at under 20 km/h, the Side View function can additionally be activated to allow the driver to keep an eye on cross-traffic. Convenience is further enhanced by the BMW Parking Assist system, which is able to manoeuvre the car into parking spaces parallel to the direction of travel. All the driver has to do is operate the accelerator and brake pedal while the BMW Parking Assist takes care of the steering.

Active Protection monitors the driver’s behaviour at the wheel.

The Active Protection safety package is now even more extensive thanks to the addition of the Attentiveness Assist function. The system’s electronics analyse driving behaviour on the basis of various onboard signals. If the system detects an increased frequency in the telltale signs of fatigue build-up, the Control Display prompts the driver to take a break by displaying a coffee cup symbol.

The Active Protection safety package with extended protection measures and the Emergency Call function with automatic vehicle location help passengers to mitigate the consequences of an accident, should the worst come to the worst. Active Protection is activated shortly after the journey begins, ready to pull the driver and front passenger belts tight and close the side windows and sunroof if the car enters a critical pre-crash scenario. If the system detects an impending collision and senses that a crash is unavoidable, the car will be decelerated automatically and held at a standstill with its brakes locked. This significantly reduces the likelihood of – or entirely forestalls – a second collision.

Pure infotainment: further services from BMW ConnectedDrive.

High-performance interface technology provides top-of-the-range infotainment capability that enables the driver and passengers to make extensive use of external mobile phones and music players. Users are furthermore able to access selected products from BMW Apps (optional). The latest-generation Navigation System Professional features a full speech recognition function and optimised voice control system to complete the portfolio of office functions offered by ConnectedDrive. The dictation function uses the full speech recognition system to enable drivers, for the first time, to dictate text freely and compose short text-based messages simply by saying what they wish to write. Internet-based services, as well as calendar entries and text-based messages, can still be viewed in the Control Display of the iDrive operating system and read out via the Text to Speech function. In addition, passengers can access their personal music library on their smartphone or music player. The BMW Connected app allows in-car use of AUPEO!, web radio and social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. Finally, information and office services, along with travel and leisure planners using the Google Maps and Panoramio services, further increase levels of individual convenience aboard the new BMW 4 Series Coupé.