The 2017 BMW 4 Series LCI will arrive in BMW’s Australian showrooms in less than eight weeks – and while prices generally rise modestly, the Bavarian brand promises that any increases are offset by more standard equipment and through tweaks to the 4 Series’ dynamic character with retuned dampers and a stiffer spring setup.
BMW’s flagship iDrive 6 technology is now standard, as are bi-LED headlights, LED taillights and LED front fog lamps. Also, no new 4 Series has wheels smaller than 19 inches.
Material quality has taken a step up, with a more supple leather steering wheel, redesigned indicator stalks and a new gloss-black finish on the centre console.
Interestingly, diesel power has been dropped from the 4 Series range. With the departure of the 420d, three petrol engines of varying sizes remain, available as before in two-door coupe, four-door ‘Gran coupe’ or two-door convertible shapes. Over the two-door coupe, there’s no extra charge for four doors – but if you opt for the convertible, prepare to pay an exorbitant $18,000 more.
The entry-level 420i is $69,900 for the coupes (up $1,000) or $87,900 for the convertible (up $2,000). It retains its 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbo four producing 135kW and 270Nm. The 420i is well-equipped, though, combining the new iDrive 6 system with leather seats, a decent six-speaker stereo with DAB+ radio, a 360-degree camera and all-round parking sensors, blind spot assistance, and a heads-up display. Adaptive M dampers are also standard.
As standard, the 420i comes as a Luxury Line model – the more conservative aesthetic package – but you will be able to option the racier M Sport appearance for an extra fee.
M Sport is standard on the next engine up, though. The 430i is $79,900 for the coupes (no change in price) and $97,900 for the convertible (up $1,000). The 430i uses a beefier version of the 420i’s two-litre; it makes 185kW and 350Nm. Over and above the 420i, the 430i adds keyless entry and go, electric lumbar adjustment on the front seats and a nine-speaker stereo measuring in at 205 watts.
If you’d prefer the 430i with a more pared-back Luxury Line appearance, though, BMW can do that for no charge and will in fact throw in a leather-stitched dashboard.
From there it’s a significant step up to the six-cylinder 440i, which is $99,900 for the coupes and $117,900 for the convertible (no change in price). The three-litre turbo six produces 240kW and 450Nm – it’s not bumped to 250kW/500Nm like the M240i – but that’s enough to achieve 0-100km/h in five seconds flat in the coupe.
For the additional $20,000 over a 430i, the 440i adds active cruise control, a leather dashboard for M Sport buyers, heated front seats, automatic high beam, automated parking, adaptive LED headlights, a 16-speaker, 600 watt Harmon Kardon stereo and BMW’s Air Collar vents to warm necks, in the convertible.
There’s more personalisation to be found on the updated 4 Series. There are two entirely new BMW colours here, including Snapper Rocks Blue, named for – and resembling – the waters of the Australian beach. Inside, various leather colours are available, including a midnight blue, cognac brown and ivory white, while the surrounding trim can be had in various metallic, wooden or gloss surfaces.
Popular options are likely to include an autonomous safety package on lower models given standard active cruise is limited to the expensive 440i.
The updated 2017 BMW 4 Series arrives in Australian showrooms in June 2017.