BMW 4 Series update due here in June

BMW has announced local pricing for the ‘Life Cycle Impulse’ 4 Series range, which now starts from $69,900 for the entry-level 420i Coupe and Gran Coupe variants.

That price, a $1000 increase from the previous model’s, is offset by the upgrade to bi-LED headlights, LED front foglights, LED tail lights, revised frontal styling, a new rear bumper, new wheel designs and revised suspension and steering.

Prices have risen by as much as $2000 for the 420i Convertible and $1000 for the 430i Convertible, but the prices of the 440i, the 430i Coupe and Gran Coupe are unchanged. BMW will not reintroduce diesel variants of the 4 Series, and the M4 versions are still some way off from local release, expected to arrive here late in the third quarter or even the fourth quarter this year.

The upgraded suspension is only available in the Coupe and Gran Coupe models, not the Convertible variants. Ride height has been lowered to match the 3 Series M Sport suspension setting and both springs and dampers have been chosen for “their dynamic capabilities” without detriment to ride comfort, BMW claims. There’s also now a wider gulf between Comfort and Sport settings in the Driving Experience facility, and BMW advises that body roll has been reduced and straight-line stability has been enhanced.

Inside, the revised 4 Series now comes with a double-stitched dash (in Dakota leather for the 440i), high-gloss black trim for the centre console and chrome and electroplated finishes throughout the cabin. BMW has introduced three new Dakota leather colour options: Midnight Blue, Cognac and Ivory White. Hard trim options for the 4 Series now include: Carbon Aluminium, Fine-wood ‘Fineline’ Light and High-Gloss Black with Pearl Chrome accents.

Wiper and indicator stalks have been ergonomically redesigned for a distinct ‘snapping’ action and the buttons for the high-beam assist and rain-sensing wiper facility now stay depressed in place when actuated.

All 4 Series models make the jump to BMW’s iDrive6 infotainment system, with customisable tile displays for the various apps.

Additionally, all 4 Series variants are offered with two new colours: Sunset Orange metallic and Snapper Rocks Blue. The latter is said to have been inspired by Australian surf beaches. Buyers wanting something that stands out even more can opt for Individual colours Frozen Silver and Aventurine Red, which have been previously available exclusively to the 7 Series range.

As the base grade variant, the 420i models are trimmed to Luxury Line specification, which is a no-charge option for the 430i. This package comprises 19-inch alloy wheels, a ‘Nora’ leather-bound sports steering wheel, BMW legend on the door sill plates, ‘Luxury’ badging and chrome accents for bumpers/air ‘breathers’/kidney grille/window trim. When specified for the 430i, the Luxury Line also features leather upholstery for the dash.

The M Sport package that’s standard for the 430i and twin-turbo six-cylinder 440i includes a different design of 19-inch alloy in a star-spoke pattern, Individual high-gloss shadow line finish, Anthracite headlining, aluminium hexagon trim, blue accent, M Aerodynamics package, M leather-bound steering wheel, M legend for door sill plates/front quarter panels, black high-gloss finish for air breathers and kidney grille.

Mechanical specifications are as before, with the 420i and 430i models powered by turbocharged four-cylinder engines developing 135kW/270Nm and 185kW/350Nm respectively. Fuel consumption is 5.8L/100km for both cars in steel-roof form, according to the NEDC combined-cycle test. The convertibles use fuel at the rate of 6.2 (420i) and 6.3L/100km (430i).

Accelerating to 100km/h from a standing start takes the 420i Coupe 7.5 seconds, while the 430i Coupe manages the same run in 5.8 seconds. Times for the Gran Coupe and Convertible variants are 7.7/8.4 seconds (420i) and 5.9/6.3 seconds (430i), with the Convertibles posting the slower time in each case.

The six-cylinder 440i produces 240kW/450Nm and whips up to 100km/h from a standing start in 5.0 seconds flat in Coupe form. That stretches out to 5.1 seconds for the Gran Coupe and 5.4 seconds for the Convertible. Fuel consumption is officially 6.8L/100km for Coupe and Gran Coupe, or 7.2L/100km for the Convertible.

“The BMW 4 Series range brilliantly combines sportiness and sophistication,” says BMW Australia CEO, Marc Werner.

“This latest update adds further visual and technological distinction to with its strong range of efficient, powerful engines.”

The 4 Series LCI has already entered production, with effect from last month, and will hit our shores in June. Prices are as follows:

420i Coupe – $69,900
420i Gran Coupe – $69,900
420i Convertible – $87,900
430i Coupe – $79,900
430i Gran Coupe – $79,900
430i Convertible – $97,900
440i Coupe – $99,900
440i Gran Coupe – $99,900
440i Convertible – $117,900