MUNICH: BMW's 4 Series (G22) coupe - the latest iteration of the two-door model is now embarking on the final phase of dynamic testing.
Against its 3 Series four-door sedan, the G22 is 57mm lower - bringing its centre of gravity 21mm closer to the ground, while having a drag coefficient that's 0.015 better.
The G22 is said to have undergone exhaustive tests prior to its series production starting which includes having honed its driving dynamics at the German carmaker's winter testing centre in Arjeplog (Sweden), Miramas (France), the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife and race tracks among others.
Now, the prototypes are returning to the carmaker's headquarters where final touches will be made to the chassis by using the motorways and country roads around its Research and Innovation Centre in Munich, Germany.
Regardless of whether it's winding through country roads or switching between highways and urban traffic conditions, the G22 is under the microscope to receive a bespoked setup.
This means its steering, brakes, all-wheel-drive system, dampers, the intervention of the chassis control systems is said to help provide plenty of driving pleasure all the time.
At the front, the G22 has been given increased negative camber and 23mm-wider rear track to sharpen the car’s handling characteristics with greater agility and lateral acceleration by a "sizable margin".
Suspending the G22's body is the double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle configuration to help combine dynamic performance with comfort for everyday drives and long journeys.
Lift-related dampers – which debuted in the new BMW 3 Series sedan provides continuously variable and progressive damping control as a function of spring travel and have been tuned for an even sportier drive.
Custom-made tower-to-front end struts and an additional sheer panel on the bulkhead help to optimise steering precision and response, while bracing elements have been added around the rear axle to increase stiffness for straight-line stability and lateral acceleration.
The G22's range will now be spearheaded by a BMW M model in the form of the M440i xDrive Coupe and will be powered by a 374hp inline-six engine featuring a 48V mild-hybrid technology, 48V starter-generator and a second battery employed to ease the load on the engine and act in unison with it.
The electric motor will provide an additional 11hp of "boost" for an effortless get-away from a standing start or while rolling.
Managing power delivery to the all-wheel-drive system is an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with an M Sport differential.
The locking effect generated by an electric motor limits speed equalisation between the inside and outside rear wheel when cornering to further enhance traction and handling stability.
Other mechanical fitments include M Sport brakes and 18-inch M light-alloy wheels with staggered tyres.
