FIRST DRIVE: BMW 4 Series Facelift

Originally launched in 2014, the BMW 4 Series receives subtle beauty touch-ups for 2017.

I’ve owned a 1 Series, 2 Series, and several 3 Series models. I’ve driven the 5 and 6, and for the longest time I’ve been eyeing the 4s on the road. The launch of the new BMW 4 Series presented the perfect opportunity for me to get my mitts around one.

When I grow up…

Roaming in my 235, the 435 seemed to be my “one day when I’m big, I want to be…!” car.

Alas, BMW has done away with the 435i and the 428i. In its place is the 440i and 430i respectively.

Prior to this launch, the 4 Series was already a great car. It has enjoyed global sales of 400 000 since launch, with 5500 of those being in South Africa. The cars have been well accepted by buyers the world over.

There are 3 petrol engines and 1 diesel engine in the 4 Series line-up. Models consist of the 420i, 430i, 440i and the 420d.

What’s new?

Minor changes have been made to keep the model fresh.

It’s quite commonly known that the BMW 4 Series shares a platform with the 3 Series. However, it has a wider front and rear track (I’m not sure if I’m allowed to say “that a## though!” but to quote the urban dictionary, it’s phat!) In addition, it also has a lower center of gravity for better handling.

Under the hood, the engine remains the same with the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder and the twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six. Changes shine through the redesigned chassis. It now has a stiffer suspension for sportier handling without deducting from its ride comfort. There’s also an upgraded steering set-up. All derivatives come with the 8-speed Automatic Steptronic transmission. However, a Sport Automatic Steptronic transmission and 6-speed manual gearbox is available. Only the 440i comes standard with the  8-speed Sport Automatic Steptronic transmission as the only gearbox option.

In the cosmetic department, two stunning colours are now exclusively available for the 4 Series line-up. These colours are known as Snapper Rocks Blue and Sunset Orange. The BMW shades of blue can make people go wild, I know I do.

The new 4 Series also has new LED headlights, rear lights, and fog lights. Moving away from the “angel eyes,” it now has hexagonal day-time running lights from the original concept car. The 4 Series Coupé Concept was first shown at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

Moreover, it has new wheel options that are also exclusive to the 4 Series. Each trim; Sport Line, Luxury Line and M Sport, have its own unique wheel.

 Inside the cabin

The vehicle has three new leather upholstery options: Midnight Blue, Cognac, and Ivory White. Conversely, there has been no mention of this for the South African market. Sometimes, you just have to take what you get, I guess. Refinement is of normal BMW standard – which is great. Seats are really comfortable and the center console has everything in reach. The cabin materials have a more upmarket feel.

There is practically no boot space in the convertible when the hard-top is down, we managed to squeeze in a laptop bag and backpack. As can be expected of a hardtop convertible. The roof can open in around 15 seconds and fold back in around the same time. Unlike the soft top, the retractable hardtop roof can only be operated when parked.

The soft top roofs can be opened or closed at a speed less than 40km/h.

The infotainment interface has also been tweaked slightly, with an addition of a Multifunctional Instrument Display as optional. I like this new set-up, it still super user-friendly and allows connectivity of both Apple and Android devices now. And, you can view three things at once.

The German automaker has also developed a digital instrument cluster display that’s in line with the other Germans. The tachometer and speedometer show in a traditional dial style. Navigation also displays in the center of the dials.

The drive

On launch we got to drive the 420d and the 440i. Both of these hold magnificently to the road. Its Sport mode is superb. I can’t begin to explain how incredible the 440i sounds. The BMW engine notes are something else. Steering is quite light though, not something I’m use to from my other BMW’s. However, it feels properly direct. Through the twisting and bending mountainous roads, both cars handled superbly. Great power, handling and brakes. 

Output figures range from 135 kW in the BMW 420i and goes up to 240 kW in the BMW 440i.

Fuel economy figures for highway driving displayed around 7 litres in the 420d and around 9.7-9.9 litres in the 440i. It can be said that these figures didn’t come from ‘Miss Daisy’ driving, so its pretty good consumption. 

With the focus on dynamics, BMW has made a good car even better beneath the skin. The new BMW 4 Series comes with a slight price increase as there is now more standard spec fitted. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed driving these cars as much as I do looking at them. There’s the right dosage of everything and there’s nothing that disappoints.

BMW Finance and Pricing

BMW is now offering new finance options along with guaranteed future value that protects its buyers from unexpected depreciation. There’s also flexible end-of-term options. These can enable you to trade your older BMW and get into a newer BMW in a shorter time frame.

Pricing

BMW 4 Series Coupe

Standard Model	420i	420d	430i	440i
6-spd Manual	R603,200	R639,300	R690,300
8-spd Auto	R624,000	R660,100	R711,100
8-spd Sport Auto	R629,800	R665,900	R716,900	R861,100

 

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

Standard Model	420i	420d	430i	440i
6-spd Manual	R603,200	R639,300	R690,300
8-spd Auto	R624,000	R660,100	R711,100
8-spd Sport Auto	R629,800	R665,900	R716,900	R861,100

 

BMW 4 Series Convertible

Standard Model	420i	430i	440i
6-spd Manual	R715,400	R827,600
8-spd Auto	R736,200	R848,400
8-spd Sport Auto	R742,000	R854,200	R985,100