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New BMW 4 Series Coupe in final testing…

BMW have released information and (heavily camouflaged) photos of the forthcoming 4 Series Coupe, which is currently undergoing final and exhaustive pre-production development testing, carried out at race tracks and other test facilities both in and around Munich and elsewhere in Europe. After having the new 4 Series’ driving qualities honed at the winter testing centre in Arjeplog, Sweden, at BMW Group’s test centre at Miramas, France and on the Nürburgring, the prototypes are now returning to their roots: engineers are currently putting the final touches to the chassis technology of the new 4 Series on the motorways, country roads and city streets around the BMW Group’s Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ) in Munich.

The new 4 Series Coupe is obviously based around the G20 3 Series platform, but there are changes. For instance, the saloon’s impressive drag coefficient is undercut by 0.015. The 4 Series sits 57mm lower than its four-door counterpart and its centre of gravity is 21mm closer to the road as a result. The front wheels carry increased negative camber and the rear track has been widened by 23mm to sharpen handling. The G20 3 Series already boasts extraordinary dynamism, but the new 4 Series Coupe raises agility and lateral acceleration by a sizable margin again. Lift-related shock absorbers – which made their debut in the G20, offer continuously variable, progressive damping control as a function of spring travel – and have been tuned for an even sportier drive in the new 4 Series.

BMW also confirmed that the range-topper (excluding the M4, which will be launched in 2021) will be the M440i xDrive, powered by a twinscroll turbocharged straight-six engine delivering 374bhp; it will also feature 48V mild-hybrid technology. A 48V starter-generator and a second battery are employed to both ease the load on the engine whilst also providing a punchier power delivery (an extra 11bhp is produced) when accelerating hard – expect an impressive 0-60mph figure.

The power generated by the engine in the new BMW M440i xDrive Coupe is channelled to the road via a ZF eightspeed steptronic automatic gearbox and the car’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system. An M Sport differential is also employed to make sure that drive power is deployed to optimum effect when pressing on.

Alpina releases details of the all-new D3S

Alpina’s new D3S combines the best of two worlds with a drivetrain that offers excellent throttle response at low rpms, yet is sporty and high-revving, unlike most typical modern diesels. The D3S’ twin-turbo straight-six 3.0-litre engine is rated at 355bhp and has 730Nm of torque (available between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm) at its disposal. The D3S also features BMW’s innovative mild hybrid technology employing a 48v system similar to that found in the upcoming 4 Series, which is adopted for the first time in an Alpina automobile.

The straight-six diesel engine is perfectly matched to the 8-speed Sport-Automatic 8HP76 Transmission, delivering stunning performance. The saloon accelerates from 0 to 60mph in 4.4 seconds (Touring in 4.6 secs), before running on to a top speed of 170mph, making the Alpina D3S one of the fastest diesel automobiles in its segment.

The all-wheel drive system is based on BMW’s excellent xDrive system, which distributes

torque as required between front and rear axles. The Alpina specific, traction-optimised adjustment of the torque distribution is predominantly rear-wheel-biased to match the sporting character of the Alpina D3S. The drivetrain also includes an electronically controlled limited-slip differential as standard for enhanced driving dynamics.

Suspension and chassis technology has been carried over from the super-fast and powerful BMW Alpina B3, making it ideally suited to the performance characteristic of this model. Also carried over from another Alpina model are the brakes, which consist of four-piston callipers and 395mm front discs, taken from the rapid 608bhp Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo. The rear discs are sized at 345mm; the brake calipers are painted in Alpina Blue and feature a white Alpina logo. Two wheel and tyre combinations are available for the new D3S - Alpina Dynamic 19-inch wheels, featuring a 5x4 spoke design and the optional traditional-style 20-spoke Alpina Classic 20-inch forged wheels.

The new D3S models are luxuriously and generously equipped, with lots of tempting extras also available - consult the Alpina website or contact Sytner UK for more details. The new Alpina D3S models are available to order immediately, with deliveries commencing November 2020. UK prices hadn’t been confirmed when we went to press, but factory RRP prices in Euros were €70,500 for the saloon and €71,900 for the Touring.

Alpina’s new D3S is equipped with a twin-turbo straight-six 3.0-litre engine rated at 355hp

BMW UK picks up five awards

BMW UK has reaffirmed its popularity with business customers after winning five categories at the Fleet News Awards 2020, retaining the highly coveted ‘Fleet Manufacturer of the Year’ award that is voted for entirely by readers. The awards took place in late March, just before the Covid-19 lockdown.

In addition to the top accolade, BMW’s 5 Series scooped the Best Executive Car award, whilst BMW also picked up a couple of gongs for the G20 3 Series, which was named Best Premium Car and Best New Company Car of the Year. Not to be outdone, the F40 1 Series was named the Best Compact Premium Car.

On awarding the Fleet Manufacturer of the Year title to Robert East, General Manager Corporate Sales at BMW UK for the second consecutive year, Stephen Briers, Editor-in-chief of Fleet News, said: “Market leading products, strong engagement with the fleet sector, and a real understanding of the needs of leasing companies, fleet end users and company car drivers has taken BMW to back-toback wins in this category. It continues to sit at the top of the fleet choice list.”

BMW at the forefront of ‘electromobility’

BMW continues to be one of the leading car manufacturers introducing electrification to its model line-up, and this is reflected in strong sales. A recent study covering new cars sold from April 2019 to March 2020 makes for interesting reading. The study includes all vehicles that are powered by either Electric, Electric with REX (Range Extendable), Electric without REX, PHEV Diesel and PHEV Petrol models. In Europe, BMW has 13% of the market. Only Tesla (16%) sold more vehicles than BMW. If you add in MINI sales (3%), BMW Group sales in Europe match Tesla’s. In the premium segment, BMW (13%) are the clear leaders in Europe. Volvo follows next on 6%, Audi (5%) and Mercedes-Benz have just 4% of the premium market.

Globally, Tesla has 20% of the fastgrowing ‘electric’ market, with BMW the second largest retailer of electric vehicles at 7% of the global market. The huge VW Group (including VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda) has 5% of the market. Other premium marques such as Mercedes Benz and Jaguar don’t register a percentage point on global market sales.