The second-generation BMW 4 Series Coupe arrived in South Africa late in 2020. The so-called G22 was later joined by its cabriolet G23 and G24 Gran Coupe siblings. The 4 Series appears to be far more than a sportier version of the 3 Series this time around, with an entirely new aesthetic despite sharing the same underpinnings and engines. Let’s decide which engine is the pick of the bunch in the coupe line-up.
Related: What is the difference between a BMW 3 Series and 4 Series?
The figures
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BMW 420i coupe M Sport |
BMW 420d coupe M Sport |
BMW M440i xDrive coupe |
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Engine |
2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo petrol |
2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbodiesel |
3.0-litre, 6-cylinder, turbo petrol |
|
|
Power/Torque |
135kW/ 300Nm |
140kW/ 400Nm |
285kW/ 500Nm |
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Transmission Type |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
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|
Driven wheels |
Rear |
Rear |
All |
|
|
0-100km/h(claimed) |
7.5 sec |
7.2 sec |
4.5 sec |
|
|
Fuel Consumption(claimed) |
6.4 L/100 km |
4.8 L/100 km |
7.8 L/100 km |
|
|
Price |
R889 842 |
R936 958 |
R1 302 599 |
|
Related: Which of the outgoing BMW 4 Series engines are better: diesel or petrol?
Five models, three engines
With a model line-up that includes five variants, three trim levels and three engines, there are a few options for those looking to add a mid-size BMW coupe to their garage. For our comparison today, we'll be using the two M Sport models in the form of the 420i petrol and 420d diesel along with the M Performance M440i xDrive coupe petrol while excluding the base model 420i and 420d variants.
Related: BMW M4 vs Audi RS5 vs Lexus RC-F: Which one has the lowest running costs?
The petrol models
The turbocharged petrol engine in the 420i is the same as that seen in the 3 Series range, striking an ideal balance between performance and fuel consumption while currently being the cheapest 4 Series coupe. The M440i is the M Performance division's take on the 4 Series coupe and will slot in under the much-anticipated M4, set for local introduction in 2021. Predictably, the M440i provides the best performance while offering the lowest fuel consumption and price.
The diesel
The 420d sits in the middle of the 4 Series range in almost every area, middling the price and acceleration charts. It is, on paper at least, the most frugal of the bunch by a massive margin, offering over 1 200km of driving range on a single tank of diesel.
Analysis
The 4 Series range appears to be very well positioned by BMW within a local context, offering a more affordable petrol model and one that appeals to the performance enthusiast while making the diesel appealing to those who value frugality and brisk acceleration. As a sports coupe, the diesel may be less than ideal for keen drivers, while the petrol models' higher consumption may see those after a sporty look without the associated cost at the pumps find favour with the oil burner.
Verdict
Choosing a winner for diesel versus petrol in the 4 Series range may prove difficult as just one diesel model slots in perfectly between the two petrol models within the line-up. The 420i petrol model as significantly cheaper than the 420d diesel, offsetting the potential fuel saving of the diesel while offering the more linear performance of a petrol engine, befitting of a sports coupe. Because there is a better variety of petrol options within the range and because these offer a sportier driving experience, the crown goes to the petrol models on this occasion.
