New looks, tech and tweaked pricing for BMW 4 Series

BMW’S updated and new-look 4 Series range will arrive in Australian showrooms in June without a diesel engine option and with a price hike of up to $2000 on some variants.

However, the inclusion of more standard equipment, the latest iDrive6 infotainment system and retuned suspension help offset the rise in cost for some variants, according to BMW.

Pricing has risen in the entry-level 420i Coupe and four-door Gran Coupe, now $1000 more expensive at $69,900 before on-road costs each, while the base convertible is now $2000 pricier than before at $87,900.

All 420i models are powered by a 135kW/270Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with a zero to 100km/h sprint time of 7.5 seconds, 7.7s and 8.4s for the Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible respectively.

Coupe and Gran Coupe versions also share the same 5.8 litres per 100km fuel economy rating and CO2 emissions of 134 grams per kilometre, while the Convertible is rated at 6.2L/100km and emits 144g/km.

Pricing for the 430i Coupe and Gran Coupe remain static at $79,900, while the mid-tier convertible rises $1000 to $97,900.

Powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, the 430i is tuned to 185kW/350Nm to cut 0-100km/h times to 5.8s in the Coupe, 5.9s in the Gran Coupe and 6.3s in the Convertible.

Fuel economy in the 430i Coupe and Gran Coupe however, match its 420i siblings at 5.8L/100km, while the 430i Convertible is rated at 6.3L/100km, 0.1L thirstier than the 420i Convertible.

CO2 emissions in the 430i range are 0.2g/km more pollutant than the 420i, with the Coupe and Gran Coupe outputting 136g/km and the Convertible producing 146g/km.

However, pricing for the sub-M-level 440i range remains static, with the 440i Coupe and Gran Coupe at $99,900 and the Convertible at $117,900.

Power comes courtesy of a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline six, producing 240kW/450Nm, resulting in 0-100km/h sprint times of 5.0s, 5.1s and 5.4s for the Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible respectively.

However, the extra performance comes with a cost, and fuel efficiency in the 440i Coupe and Gran Coupe is rated at 6.8L/100km, while Convertible versions use 7.2L/100km.

CO2 emissions are also higher in the 440i than its four-cylinder siblings, with the Coupe and Gran Coupe emitting 159g/km, while the Convertible spews 167g/km.

As standard, all versions send power exclusively to the rear axle through an eight-speed sports automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddles, or a no-cost six-speed manual gearbox.

Across the new 4 Series range, BMW has fitted it with bi-LED headlights, LED front fog-lamps and new-look L-shaped LED tail-lights, while 440i versions gain adaptive LED lighting.

BMW has also included the Luxury Line package as standard in the new 4 Series, which incorporates a redesigned front apron and 19-inch alloy wheels, while two new colours – Sunset Orange metallic and Snapper Rocks Blue – make their exclusive debut with the facelifted range.

Inside, BMW has fitted the new 4 Series with its latest iDrive6 infotainment system – which debuted with the 5 Series in March – and according to the brand, it “projects into a customisable touchscreen that offers app-style ‘tile’ displays that can be reordered by touch”.

The sports steering wheel has also been modified with Nora leather, the centre console is now finished in high-gloss black, and the wiper and indicator stalks have been redesigned for a more feedback.

Tweaks to the adaptive suspension has also seen the new 4 Series fitted with stiffer springs and improved dampers, while the electrically-assisted power steering system has also been recalibrated for more feedback and control, with Variable Sport Steering remaining an option.

Standard equipment in the entry-level 420i includes front and rear parking sensors, head-up display, leather interior, digital radio, lane change warning, surround-view cameras and six-speaker sound system.

Moving up to the 430i adds electronically controlled lumbar support for front seats, an uprated nine-speaker audio system, and keyless entry and start.

440i variants gain heated front seats, adaptive cruise control and a 16-speaker Harman/Kardon surround sound system.

2017 BMW 4 Series pricing*

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

*Excludes on-road costs