The BMW 4 Series range has been updated. Here is what you should know, including the UK price, running costs, what’s new and when you can buy it.
June, 2013. That is when the 4 Series rolled into view, turning a two-door 3 Series Coupe into a model of its own. Now it has been ‘substantially refreshed’, to quote BMW, for 2017 onwards.
More than 400,000 4 Series cars have been delivered over its lifetime, suggesting the appreciation from motoring journalists and consumers has been mutual. Here’s what to expect from the 2017 BMW 4 Series, including details of the (slightly) revised M4.
1) Does it look any different?
It does, indeed, and 4 Series fanatics may have noticed inspiration has been taken from the 4 Series concept from 2012. Twin-LED head lights, LED tail lights, a new air intake with bars and rear apron all give it a less clean cut-look.
2) What about the 2017 4 Series interior?
BMW has made a few changes to the cabin to freshen it up. The air vents and door controls are now encased in electroplated inserts, while the air conditioning and audio controls are surrounded by chrome.
There is also a glossy black finish for the centre console and revised steering wheel that is said to be grippier, thanks to a new inlay.
3) What about 4 Series customisation?
As a response to increasingly fussy buyers, the 4 Series can now be trimmed in three new interior options: Night Blue Dakota, Cognac Dakota and Ivory White Dakota. The trim options, meanwhile, now include Aluminium with Pearl Chrome and Black High-Gloss with Pearl Chrome.
As for the exterior, there are more alloy wheel designs to choose between and three new exterior paintjobs: A new turquoise, Snapper Rocks Blue and Sunset Orange.
4) What about the handling and ride?
The suspension of the new BMW 4 Series Coupe and 4 Series Gran Coupe has been made stiffer and the steering ‘upgraded’ to improve handling and reduce body roll, whether you go for the standard, M Sport or Adaptive suspension. But the level of comfort is said to be the same.
5) How fast is the new 4 Series?
As fast as before. The slowest 184hp 420i Convertible takes 8.2 seconds to go from 0-62mph with the manual gearbox or 8.4 seconds with the automatic. The 313hp 435d xDrive Coupe needs 4.7 seconds, bettering the 326hp 440i petrol’s time of 5.0 seconds.
6) What about the top speed?
Top speed is 155mph for the faster models and in the 140s for the smaller outputs, which is overkill for the UK anyway but somewhat useful if you take it to the Autobahn in Germany.
7) What about the 2017 BMW M4?
It has the same power output of 431hp, the same 0-62mph time of 4.1 seconds with the automatic and 4.3 seconds with the manual. Even the top speed is the same electronically limited 155mph.
But it does, however, benefit from 3D LED rear lights and new LED head lights – the latter available as Icon Adaptive variants if you are willing to pay extra for the privilege.
8) What if I want yummy carbon bits?
Then you have come to the right place. Your £3,000 gives the M3 Saloon and M4 Coupe a touch of carbon on the front and lower trims, spoiler and rear diffuser. The M4 Convertible can also benefit for £2,500 extra.
On the subject of carbon fibre, the Carbon Mirror package (£400) adds carbon mirrors and the Black Exterior package (£500, available on standard models only) adds black to the kidney grille, side bars and exhaust tips.
If more carbon fibre is needed, the Carbon Interior package (£850) provides an Alcantara steering wheel with carbon fibre inlays. The same carbon finish can also be found on the gear surround and selector for added sportiness.
9) What about fuel economy and emissions?
BMW claims 32.1mpg at the very least from the M4 Coupe (real world figures will be lower). The most frugal engine is the 420d, which boasts up to 70.6mpg if you go for the automatic. The automatic improves fuel efficiency in all engines where it is available.
CO2 emissions come in at 114g/km for the 420d Coupe and 134g/km for its larger 430d sibling. A 440i can emit as much as 167g/km, but that it still noticeably less than the 213g/km an M4 Convertible puffs out its exhaust.
10) BMW 4 Series cost and when can I buy?
The cheapest BMW 4 Series starts from £32,580 and that gets you the 420i Coupe. If you want xDrive all-wheel drive Coupe you can expect to pay from £34,380. A 420i Convertible starts from £37,630.
At the pricier end of the scale, a 440i Gran Coupe costs from £44,820 while the 435d Convertible costs from £50,670. Above them all sits the M4, which can be yours for £58,365 for the Coupe and £62,460 for the Convertible before extras.
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