BMW 4 Series gets upgraded features, downgraded prices

Changes to BMW’s 4 Series range reflect almost identical revisions made last year to the 3 Series sedan/wagon on which the 4 Series coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible are based.

The revised BMW 4 Series line-up arrives in late May, and includes revisions to two of the nameplates for consistency across the German brand’s full vehicle line-up. The 428i becomes the 430i and the 435i transforms into the 440i.

BMW 420i and BMW 420d

Standard features of the entry-level petrol and sole diesel variants are increased with sports-tuned, electronically-adjustable suspension, head-up windscreen display, electrically folding side mirrors, vehicle camera guidance with top and side views, and a lane change warning system.

The 420’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces the same 135kW and 270Nm but fuel consumption improves by between 0.2 and 0.5 litres per 100km. The coupe and Gran Coupe now officially use 5.8L/100km, and the Convertible 6.2L/100km.

BMW 430i

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The most powerful four-cylinder version of the 4 Series is now standard with the M Sport Package that was previously only standard on the 435i and cost $2000. It gives the model formerly known as 428i extras including 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels, upgraded interior and exterior trim, Dakota leather upholstery and an M-badged sports steering wheel.

Engine power increases by 5kW to 185kW, with official fuel use of the coupe and Gran Coupe dropping by 0.6 litres to match the 5.8L/100km of the 420i. The Convertible improves by 0.4L to 6.3L/100km.

BMW 440i

The variant that sits just one rung down from the flagship M4 improves its value through a big price cut rather than additional features. The 440i coupe and Gran Coupe cost $10,000 less than the 435i models they replace, and are now priced from $99,990. The 440i Convertible drops $10,100 to $117,900.

The same six-cylinder from BMW’s new modular engine family, already installed in the 340i and recently announced M140i and M240i models, sits beneath the 440i’s bonnet.

Power increases by 15kW to 240kW and torque jumps by 50Nm to 450Nm, resulting in a fractionally quicker 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.0 seconds. The engine is also more efficient, officially using 0.6 litres less per 100km than before in the coupe and Gran Coupe, at 6.8L/100km. The Convertible version improves by half a litre to 7.2L/100km.