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BMW releases two new-generation 4-Series Gran Coupes

Published

5 years ago

June 15, 2021

BMW has unveiled two new second-generation 4-Series Gran Coupes for the 2022 model year, the 430i and M440i xDrive, arriving at the showroom this August.
The company says production of the all-wheel-drive 430i xDrive Gran Coupe and rear-wheel-drive M440i Gran Coupe models will follow at a later date.
The cars have a 50-50 weight distribution according to the company.
Exterior
Its exterior updates include a redesigned kidney grille, headlights, front and rear bumpers, exhaust trim, and rear lights.
The standard LED headlights are 0.4 inches thinner than before while the grille is larger and is now surrounded by a one-piece frame.
The new 4-Series Gran Coupe’s exterior profile has been “sharpened,” according to the company.
It is 5.9-inches longer, an inch wider, and 2.1-inches taller than its predecessor, while the tracks have grown 1.6-inches in the front and 0.7-inches in the rear.
The wheelbase is 1.8-inches longer. The company says the new body includes “optimized aerodynamics” for better driving dynamics and efficiency.
“An active air flap control system, air curtains, streamlined light alloy wheels, and an almost completely sealed underbody serve to channel the airflow effectively,” the company said. The 430i’s drag coefficient is 0.28, 0.01 less than the previous model.
BMW said an “intelligent mix of materials helps to reduce vehicle weight while enhancing the body’s rigidity and crash safety,” including multi-phase steels and aluminum alloys.
The front end includes an extruded aluminum engine side member and die-cast aluminum spring struts, and the new car has an aluminum hood and front fenders.

Interior
The interior is larger, with a bit more headroom and more rear seat legroom.
The new Gran Coupe uses iDrive 7, with individually configurable display content. You can configure the content via touchscreen, iDrive controller, steering wheel buttons, voice control or optional BMW gesture control.
Heated front and rear seats are optional, as is front seat ventilation and wireless charging.
BMW says the cloud-based nav system’s performance has been “significantly enhanced” with “excellent accuracy” and an easier method of destination entry.
“The new generation navigation system offers extremely fast route calculation carried out dynamically and based on precise real-time traffic data transmitted at short intervals,” the company said.
Hi-tech
Drivers can enter any word when searching a destination, with the search results sorted by relevance.
“Alternatively,” the company says, “the destination can be entered simply by saying it. Points of interest (POIs) along the route are described in detail, with reviews, opening times and photos all included.”
The new system can help you find primo parking spots.
Engine/performance
The cars use BMW’s latest TwinPower Turbo 2.0-litre four- and 3.0-litre six-cylinder engines.
The M440i xDrive’s inline-six has a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Both the four and six feature a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection, fully variable valve timing, and variable camshaft timing, along with more efficient cooling and oil supply systems.
The M440i xDrive’s engine generates 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, good enough to run the car to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The four-cylinder in the 430i delivers 255 hp and 295 lb-ft for a 5.8-second 0-to-60 time.
All engines are mated to the latest eight-speed Sport Steptronic transmission with steering-wheel mounted shift paddles and launch control.
BMW says the new transmission delivers sharper shifts, improved efficiency, and faster gear changes.
The M440i xDrive has a Sprint function for “more dramatic bursts of mid-range acceleration,” according to the company.
BMW’s adaptive M suspension is optional, using electronically controlled shocks with continuously adjustable valves to allow the damping force to be metered at each wheel individually.
The modes are comfort, sport, and adaptive; the latter adjusts the steering, damping, accelerator, and transmission to suit the driving style.
M Sport brakes are also optional (standard on the M440i xDrive), and use a different hydraulic configuration with four-piston fixed front calipers and single-piston floating rear calipers.
The M Sport rear diff is standard on the M440i xDrive and optional on the 430i, optimizing putting the power down.
“Power which cannot be transferred to the road by the unloaded wheel on the inside of the corner—as it is liable to slip—is deliberately shifted to the wheel on the outside of the corner, rather than applying the brakes to neutralize its effect,” the company said.
“As a result, all the engine’s power can be channelled into providing a sporty driving experience. The carefully calculated distribution of drive power gives the car greater poise when negotiating a quick succession of bends and optimizes directional stability when changing lanes at the same time as during braking.”
Safety
Frontal-collision warning is standard, as is city collision mitigation with braking, lane -departure warning, active blind-spot detection, rear-cross traffic alert, and rear collision preparation.
BMW also updated its X3 and X4 coupes with revised exteriors, drivetrains, and infotainment systems.
The six-cylinder X3 M40i and X4 M40i models now have a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
The lineup includes rear-drive X3 sDrive30i and X4 sDrive30i models, all-wheel-drive X3 xDrive30i and X4 xDrive30i models, and M all-wheel-drive X3 M40i and X4 M40i models. The two M40is use a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
As in the 4-Series, the 2.0-litre four and 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engines feature TwinScroll turbos, direct injection, a variable camshaft system, and variable valve control system.
The four-cylinder produces 248 hp and 258 lb-ft, while the six produces 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
The straight-six in the mighty X3 M and X4 M now offers 473 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. All models use an updated eight-speed automatic.

Related Topics:2022 BMW 4 Series GC Featured

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Toyota Celebrates Customers, Partners as Zenith Bank Clinches Top Honour

Published

18 hours ago

June 14, 2026

Trends Admin

L-R: Chairman of Toyota Nigeria Limited, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo; Head of Admin and Due Diligence, Zenith Bank, Mr. Callixtus Nwodo; and Head, Dealer Development and Special Duties at Toyota Nigeria Limited, Mr. Henry Ojuoko, during the presentation of Toyota Starlet Cross to Zenith as winner of TNL Evergreen Customer award in Lagos.

Toyota Celebrates Customers, Partners as Zenith Bank Clinches Top Honour

Toyota (Nigeria) Limited celebrated customer loyalty, strategic partnerships and industry excellence at its 2026 Awards and Customers’ Night in Lagos, with Zenith Bank, AGL Motors and leading automotive journalists emerging among the biggest winners.

The event, which coincided with Toyota Nigeria’s 30th anniversary celebrations, attracted customers, dealers, government officials, financial institutions, media practitioners and other stakeholders who have contributed to the company’s growth over the past three decades.

A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Evergreen Customer of the Year Award to Zenith Bank Plc in recognition of its status as Toyota Nigeria’s most consistent customer over the last five years.

The award came with a brand-new Toyota Starlet Cross, presented by the company’s Chairman and founder, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo.

Managing Director of Toyota Nigeria Limited, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo; Chairman of TNL, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo, and MD/CEO, AGL Motors Ltd, Alhaji AbdulAfeez Gabar Lado, at the presentation of the 2025 best customer award to AGL Motors at the Toyota Awards in Lagos.

AGL Motors received recognition as Customer of the Year after recording the highest volume of Toyota vehicle purchases in 2025. The Nigerian Army and Zenith Bank finished as first and second runners-up respectively in the category, with winners receiving office equipment worth several millions of naira.

Toyota Celebrates Customers, Partners as Zenith Bank Clinches Top Honour

Auto

Toyota moves to ease vehicle ownership amid economic challenges

Published

3 days ago

June 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Toyota Nigeria unveils plans to ease vehicle ownership

As rising costs put car ownership beyond the reach of many Nigerians, Toyota Nigeria Limited says it is rolling out fresh measures to make buying and maintaining vehicles easier for customers.

Managing Director, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo, announced the plans at the company’s 2026 Awards and Customers’ Night in Lagos, where he reaffirmed Toyota’s commitment to expanding mobility solutions in the country.

A statement on Thursday quoted Ade-Ojo as saying Toyota Nigeria would continue to innovate and introduce strategies that would enable more Nigerians to own and maintain Toyota vehicles while enjoying quality after-sales support.

According to him, the company’s commitment goes beyond selling vehicles to ensuring customers enjoy a seamless ownership experience through a robust nationwide service network.

“We will continue to innovate, adapt and elevate our product offerings and service delivery. Our ambition remains clear: to sustain industry leadership while contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development as a responsible corporate citizen,” he said.

He added that the company’s future plans are aligned with Toyota’s global vision of enriching lives through mobility, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and value creation.

Auto

Zenith Bank tops awards list as Toyota Nigeria celebrates three decades of excellence (plus photos)

Published

1 week ago

June 7, 2026

Trends Admin

Zenith Bank tops awards list as Toyota Nigeria celebrates three decades of excellence (plus photos)

Zenith Bank Plc has emerged as the biggest winner at the 2026 Toyota Awards and Customers’ Night, clinching the coveted Evergreen Customer of the Year Award for the second consecutive year in recognition of its exceptional patronage of Toyota vehicles over the past five years.

The colourful event, held on Friday, May 5, 2026, at The Podium Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos, brought together an impressive gathering of customers, dealers, government officials, corporate partners, media practitioners and industry stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL) and strengthen the partnerships that have sustained its leadership in Nigeria’s automotive industry.

The annual awards ceremony serves as a platform to reward loyal customers, honour strategic partners and reinforce the company’s customer-first philosophy.

The highlight of the evening came when representatives of Zenith Bank were invited to the stage to receive the prestigious award for purchasing the highest number of Toyota vehicles from TNL dealerships in 2025.

The banking giant also secured the same honour last year after emerging as the customer with the highest cumulative vehicle purchases between 2020 and 2024.

In recognition of the feat, Chairman and founder of Toyota Nigeria Limited, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, presented Zenith Bank with the keys to a brand-new Toyota Starlet Cross.

The competition in the Customer of the Year category was equally keen. AGL Motors emerged as the overall winner, while the Nigerian Army and Zenith Bank finished as first and second runners-up respectively. The winners received office equipment worth several millions of naira.

The 2026 edition of the awards carried special significance as Toyota Nigeria celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of operations since its establishment in 1996.

In keeping with its tradition of recognising contributors across its business ecosystem, Toyota Nigeria also honoured outstanding automotive journalists whose reports and analyses helped shape public understanding of developments in the industry.

Veteran motoring journalist, Theodore Opara of Vanguard, was named Journalist of the Year for his consistent coverage of the automotive sector and insightful reporting on industry trends and Toyota’s innovations.

Mike Ochonma of Transport World emerged as the runner-up, while Rasheed Bisiriyu of Newstrends was recognised as the second runner-up for their contributions to automotive journalism, particularly in the areas of vehicle technology, mobility solutions and market analysis.ĺ

Earlier in his keynote address, Managing Director of TNL, Kunle Ade-Ojo reflected on the company’s journey, describing the milestone as a testament to resilience, innovation and customer loyalty.

“Tonight is a moment of reflection, celebration and renewed commitment,” he said.

“For us at Toyota Nigeria, this annual gathering is more than a tradition. It is a deliberate expression of our enduring philosophy of putting the customer first. It provides a unique platform to honour the loyalty, trust and partnership that have defined our journey over the years.”

According to him, Toyota Nigeria has evolved from modest beginnings into one of the country’s most trusted automotive brands through a relentless focus on quality, reliability and service excellence.

“Since commencing operations in 1996, our journey has been defined by resilience, growth and transformation. Our progress over the past three decades has been anchored on one unwavering principle—creating value for our customers.

“Beyond delivering vehicles that meet diverse mobility needs, we have invested significantly in building a nationwide after-sales ecosystem designed to provide a seamless and premium ownership experience.”

Ade-Ojo assured customers and stakeholders that Toyota Nigeria would continue to innovate and improve its products and services despite prevailing economic challenges.

Several dealers and business partners used the occasion to commend Toyota Nigeria for its continuous investments in dealer development, training initiatives and workshop upgrades aimed at improving service delivery nationwide.

Ade-Ojo expressed gratitude to Toyota Nigeria’s extensive network of stakeholders, including dealers, customers, suppliers, consultants, financial institutions and employees.

“The journey of the past 30 years would not have been possible without the unwavering support and contributions of our stakeholders,” he said.

The managing director also acknowledged the support of Toyota Nigeria’s principal partner, Toyota Motor Corporation, as well as the company’s board of directors led by Chief Ade.Ojo.

He further assured customers that Toyota Nigeria would continue to introduce customer-friendly initiatives designed to make vehicle ownership more accessible despite economic headwinds.

“Despite the monumental challenges in the economy, Toyota Nigeria will continue to devise means that will enable our customers to enjoy their preferred auto brand—Toyota. We will continue to initiate customer-friendly business improvement strategies aimed at making our vehicles more affordable.”