Audi isn’t the only luxury brand preparing a new-car onslaught for 2020.
The BMW 4 Series will touch down in October, with pricing set to kick off at $70,900 before on-road costs and extend to $116,900 before on-roads.
Although it’s technically a two-door take on the 3 Series sedan, the 2021 4 Series has been more significantly differentiated from its practical stablemate than ever before.
Compared to the previous-generation, the new 4 Series is 130mm longer, 27mm wider, and has a 41mm longer wheelbase, while the front and rear track have been widened by 28mm and 18mm respectively.
The body and suspension have been stiffened compared to the 3 Series, as BMW chases sharper handling and a more distinct character for its Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe.
Pricing
- 420i: $70,900
- 430i: $88,900
- M440i xDrive: $116,900
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Engines
The BMW 420i and 430i are both powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, sending power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The entry-level 420i has 135kW of power and 300Nm of torque, while the more expensive 430i ups those numbers to 190kW and 400Nm.
The range-topping M440i xDrive packs a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine with 285kW of power and 500Nm of torque, sending power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic.
Fuel Economy
BMW Australia hasn’t revealed local fuel economy figures for the 4 Series, but in the related 3 Series the base 2.0-litre uses a claimed 6.3L/100km, and the more powerful 2.0-litre in the 330i uses a claimed 6.4L/100km.
The M340i xDrive uses a claimed 7.7L/100km. Expect similar figures from the equivalent 4 Series models.
Safety
The gamut of standard driver-assistance features include eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, evasion aid, a surround-view camera view, and adaptive cruise control.
Although the 4 Series hasn’t yet been crash tested, the related 3 Series was awarded a five-star ANCAP rating in 2019.
It managed a near-perfect 97 per cent score for adult occupant protection, 87 per cent for child occupant protection, 87 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 77 per cent for safety assist.
Dimensions
The BMW 4 Series measures 4768mm long, 1852mm wide and 1383mm tall, with a 2851mm wheelbase.
Standard Equipment
Standard equipment in the BMW 420i includes:
- M Sport package
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Powered sports front seats
- Alcantara and ‘Sensatec’ trim
- LED headlights
- Auto high-beam
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise
- Reversing assistant
- Parking sensors
- Dual 8.8-inch displays
- Satellite navigation
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless phone charging
- DAB digital radio
Moving to the 430i adds:
- Adaptive M Suspension
- Keyless entry and start
- Leather upholstery
- M Sport brakes
- Surround-view camera
The 420i and 430i are offered with a Comfort Package that brings automatic tail gate operation, lumbar support and seat heating, and keyless entry for the base 420i.
The M Sport Plus includes M seat belts and an M rear spoiler, along with M Sport brakes in the 420i and an M Sport differential in the 430i.
The 420i is available with the Driver’s Assistance package with tyre-pressure monitoring, and the full suite of semi-autonomous park assists.
The range-topping M440i packs:
- M Sport Differential
- Automatic boot lid
- Powered glass sunroof
- Ambient lighting
- Heated front seats
- Laser headlights
- Harman/Kardon surround sound system
Warranty and Servicing
The 4 Series is backed by a three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Maintenance is managed by a range of sensors in the car, which alert the driver when servicing is required. Two service packages are available.
You can purchase a five-year/80,000km service package for $1565, or pay $4110 for an expanded Plus package that covers additional consumables such as brake pads and discs, wipers, and clutch disc/plate.
