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Nelspruit - Following the launch of its new 5 Series locally, BMW's 4 Series has arrived in South Africa.
Since its launch in 2013, BMW has sold nearly 400 000 units of its 4 Series with more than 5500 finding owners in SA.
The new range comprises of a Coupe, Convertible, Gran Coupe and the monstrous M4.
The 4 Series has a lower centre of gravity than the 3 Series (Coupe -40mm, Gran Coupe -30mm, Convertible -20mm), a wider track at the front (+14mm) and the rear (+22mm).
So what’s new?
Borrowing styling cues from the 3 and 5 Series, the automaker's latest 4 Series sports redesigned LEDs (replaces the xenons) and LED rearlights fitted to the model for the first time. It has modified air intakes, a new rear apron and minor styling tweaks throughout. The cabin has been enhanced with additional trim and technology.
Why buy a 4 Series? Think of the new model as the 3 Series' sexier sibling, sporting fewer doors and available as a droptop.
The new 4 Series isn’t a sports car, at least not in the truest sense. Its leans towards practicality rather than performance, though it allows drivers to engage in occasional mischief on weekends. It’s not as traditional as a 3 Series nor as ostentatious as a 6 coupe, instead it has something unique in its segment - personality.
Engines
The engine line-up is unchanged; the 4 Series coupe and gran coupe are available in three turbopetrol versions (420i, 430i, 440i) with outputs respectively of 135kW, 185kW and 240kW respectively. A single turbodiesel (420d) model is rated at 140kW. The Convertible is only offered in petrol guise. The 317kW M4 is available in Coupe and Convertible guise.
Transmission choices remain the same with a six-speed manual or eight-speed Streptronic auto (440i is offered in auto only), and six-speed manual or seven-speed M Double Clutch for the M4 derivatives.
Driving it
The new Coupe and Gran Coupe have revised suspension for, says BMW, sportier handling. All new 4 Series models have improved steering. High-performance tyres are available as a factory-fitted option for all models from the BMW 430i upwards.
Its design tweaks promises an exciting drive and the latest 4 delivers.
It's well balanced through bends, instilling confidence to take on corners and equally at home stitching corners together as it is cruising along a highway. Steering is precise though its suspension is tuned to be on the firm side (to give it that sporty feel says BMW). Unfortunately, this comes across as harsh on typical SA roads (read: poor conditions).
Transmissions haven't changed and that's a good thing as gear-shifts remains silky smooth. Overall, the new model could be more lively, though if you're seeking a sportier car there's always the monstrous M4. Overall, BMW has created a good-looking coupe/convertible with the ability to carry four people in relative comfort.
The 4 Series is one of the most practical coupes/convertibles in its class, with loads of space and a decent boot. If you're in the market for a luxury coupe or convertible, or something in between (Read: Gran Coupe), the 2017 4 Series should be near the top of your list in SA.
Inside
The redesigned cabin has chromed trim and a centre console in high-gloss black and double stitching along the instrument panel. Two new colours are available; Blue and Orange and there is also one new model-specific wheel design each for the Sport Line, Luxury Line and M Sport equipment lines. An abundance of additional equipment options offers ample scope for tailoring the car to individual tastes.
New satnav, displays
The optional Navigation system Professional for the new BMW 4 Series now features an interface with large tile-style control pads that is even easier to use. The control pads can be arranged as desired and display a constantly updated version of the linked menu content, making operation even more intuitive for users.
The BMW 4 Series range can be optionally fitted with the Multi-functional Instrument Display, giving the driver the choice of different visualisation options for all displays depending on the driving experience mode selected.
New M4 - coupe & convertible
The new M4 coupe/convertible is powered by a 317kW six-cylinder M TwinPower Turbo. The sportiest members of the 4 Series family also boast a new look; both are fitted with adaptive full-LED headlights (with hexagonal graphic) and new LED rearlights.
Both M4 models feature new, illuminated M emblems on the front seats, chromed trim and sporty touches along the instrument panel. The M4 Coupe and Convertible now come as standard with the ConnectedDrive navigation package, including inductive mobile-phone charging. The BMW M4 models also gain a start menu featuring display graphics with large, configurable tiles.
Competition Package
Since 2016, BMW M GmbH has been offering a Competition Package for both M4 body variants. As well as improved handling, the package includes a 14kW power hike to 331kW.
BMW M4 Coupe: 8.8 – 8.3 l/100 km; CO2 emissions 204 – 194g/km
BMW M4 Convertible: 9.1 – 8.7 l/100 km; CO2 emissions 213 – 203g/km
With the optional seven-speed M Double-Clutch Transmission is specified, the BMW M4 Coupe races from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds (standard: 4.1 s), while the BMW M4 Convertible takes 4.3 seconds (standard: 4.4 s) to hit the same mark.
The model variants with six-speed manual transmission also shave 0.1 seconds off the time of the same derivative without the Competition Package.
As part of the model update measures, the Competition Package is available with the option of new forged 20" alloy wheels in Star-spoke 666 M style in black.
Prices:
BMW 420i Convertible: R715 400 (M) / R736 200 (A)
BMW 430i Convertible: R827 600 (M) / R848 400 (A)
BMW 440i Convertible: R985 100 (A)
BMW 420i Gran Coupe: R603 200 (M) / R624 400 (A)
BMW 420d Gran Coupe: R639 300 (M) R660 100 (A)
BMW 430i Gran Coupe: R690 300 (M) / R711 100 (A)
BMW 440i Gran Coupe: R861 100 (A)
BMW 420i Coupe: R603 200 (M) / R624 400 (A)
BMW 420d Coupe: R639 300 (M) / R660 100 (A)
BMW 430i Coupe: R690 300 (M) / R711 100 (A)
BMW 440i Coupe: R861 100 (A)
