While the BMW 4 Series is only entering its 2nd generation, it spent the bulk of its early days known as the 3 Series Coupe; you know, the car that many epic M3s were based on.  So, despite the questionable name change, an all-new one is still a big deal.

As you can expect, a new generation brings more power and better performance; as well as plenty of safety and tech upgrades.  Most of them courtesy of the 3 Series Sedan which was redesigned for 2019.

"By comparison, the 4 is longer, lower, and wider than the 3 series; but it shares the same 112 inch wheelbase.  And by now I’m sure you’ve heard of the enlarged kidney grille design of the 4 series. And it’s going to take some getting used to, but we’ll have plenty of time to do so considering it is the new face of BMW."

Two versions available at launch; 430i, in rear or all-wheel-drive, and M440i xDrive which comes only with all-wheel-drive.  

The 430 gets down the road with a 2.0-liter turbo-4 outputting 255-horsepower, which is 7-more than currently.  Torque increase is more substantial, up 36 lb-ft. to 294. 

The M440 gets an inline-6 of course, with a turbo aided output of 382-horsepower, up 62; and an additional 39 lb-ft. of torque for a total of 369.

Both work with an 8-speed automatic transmission; the M440 getting a 48-volt mild hybrid system added into the mix as well. 

"You do get a slight boost in performance from the 48-volt starter generator but the main purpose of this particular system is to store energy to run the vehicle’s electrical components and take that load off of the engine, giving it better overall performance as well as providing for a smoother auto start-stop function."

Everything remains driver focused and fairly familiar inside; with unique front seats and steering wheel. 

And of course there are many M Sport options to increase style or performance incrementally. 

The 2021 BMW 4 Series Coupe will arrive stateside this fall, with prices starting around $50,000.