Few cars have grabbed headlines in the car world this year quite like the latest BMW 4 Series Coupe.
It’s undoubtedly this new car’s new front grille that has proven to be the key talking point, but aside from that this new model gains much of the tech seen in the latest BMW 3 Series as the 4 Series is essentially the coupe version of that car.
It’s set to reach showrooms in November, but ahead of that, here’s our buyer’s guide to this important new model.
What powertrains are available?
The key change being made to the 4 Series on the powertrain front is the introduction of 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, which has been rolled out across all diesel engines and the top-spec M440i. It helps to improve responsiveness as well as efficiency.
At launch, three petrol and a single diesel are available, with all models featuring an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
The petrol line-up starts with a pair of 2.0-litre diesel engines – the 420i and 430i. Each sends power to the rear wheels, with the 420i producing 181bhp and the 430i serving up 254bhp. Both offer excellent performance, with the former reaching 60mph in 7.3 seconds and the latter in just 5.6 seconds. They’re also surprisingly efficient for high-output petrol units – both returning around 40mpg, with CO2 emissions around 155g/km.
At the top of the 4 Series range, there’s the M440i xDrive, which delivers power to all four wheels. Its 3.0-litre petrol unit produces 369bhp, and means the 4 Series can sprint to 60mph in just 4.3 seconds. It’s unsurprisingly not the most efficient, though BMW still claims it’ll return 36mpg, with CO2 emissions of 175g/km.
At launch the only diesel option is the 420d, which uses a 187bhp 2.0-litre unit. You can choose it with either rear- or all-wheel-drive, and 0-60mph takes 6.9 seconds. It’s by far the most efficient 4 Series available, too, as it’ll return up to 59mpg, with CO2 emissions of 121g/km. More powerful diesel models are set to join the range in March next year.
What trim levels are available?
Three trim levels are offered in the new 4 Series, with equipment highlights and pricing as follows.
M Sport – from £39,870
There’s no shortage of kit on the 4 Series, with standard equipment including 18-inch alloy wheels, climate control, LED headlights and front and rear parking sensors. It also comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and BMW’s clever ‘Intelligent Personal Assistant’ voice control system.
M Sport Pro Edition – from £43,550
Upgrade to this version and it adds larger 19-inch alloy wheels, a gloss black styling kit and a more prominent styling kit. It also comes with tinted windows, revised exterior trim, M Sport seatbelts and adaptive M suspension, while models with the 430i engine benefit from an M Sport differential.
M440i xDrive – from £53,865
At the top of the range the M440i gains revised 19-inch alloy wheels and Cerium Grey styling elements, along with an M Sport braking system, M Sport differential and the 48-volt mild-hybrid system as standard. You also get the much larger and more powerful engine – that really being the key highlight on this model.
What about personalisation?
There’s certainly no shortage of personalisation and options on the 4 Series, with all three trim levels being separated by their own revised styling. The colour choice isn’t the most extensive, but by choosing M Sport Pro Edition and M440i versions you can have your car painted in Tanzanite Blue or Dravit Grey – two exclusive colours. A range of alloy wheels in various finishes are also offered.
A host of leather upholsteries are available as well, including black, tan, cream and red finishes, along with the possibility of different interior trim, including Piano Black and aluminium mesh effect.
Loads of optional extras are available, too, and they’re largely bundled into packages. The Comfort Package is appealing – adding an electric tailgate, extended storage and a heated steering wheel along with the Technology Package, which gains wireless charging, a harmon/kardon sound system and a head-up display. Just be aware that optional extras aren’t cheap, so it’s worth selecting them carefully.
Enquire on a new BMW 4 Series
