The new BMW 4 Series has officially been unveiled and it’s sparked huge amounts of online discussion. I wonder if anyone can guess what the topic might be…
No prizes for guessing it was that grille but we’ll come back to the appearance in a bit. First, let’s get all of the technical stuff out of the way.
Initially unveiled in its standard two-door coupe form, the new 4 Series will spawn a cabriolet, a four-door Gran Coupe, a hot M version as well as an all-electric i4 over the next 12 months. It’s substantially larger than the outgoing model – 127mm longer, 28mm wider and 6mm taller. It doesn’t sound like much but the difference will definitely be noticeable.
BMW claim that the new 4 Series benefits from an improved suspension setup, “precisely optimised body structure and chassis technology” and a centre of gravity that sits 21mm lower than that of the 3 Series. This should, in theory, make the new 4 Series a sharper and more enjoyable driving experience.
In terms of engines and performance, the current headline is the M440i xDrive. It’s powered by the same 3.0-litre straight-six as the M340i but gets an extra 11bhp thanks to a 48V mild hybrid system bumping the total output up to 380bhp.
The 420i and 430i are the other petrol options. Both use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 184bhp and 258bhp respectively. If you want diesel power for your 4 Series, you can choose from the 190bhp 420d, 286bhp 430d or the six-cylinder, 340bhp 440d.
For the first time, the new 4 Series is available exclusively in M Sport trim. Just so there is some form of hierarchy, however, BMW has introduced the M Sport Pro package which offers bigger wheels, bigger brakes and high gloss trim finishes amongst other upgrades.
The new “driver-focused cockpit design” gives the 4 Series more of a sporty driving experience. A new instrument cluster, which can be swapped out for a fully digital 12.3-inch unit, compliments the 10.25-inch media display. A new steering wheel and leather seat design add to the coupe’s sporty feel.
“Significantly enhanced acoustic and thermal comfort” should add to the driving experience. Three-zone automatic climate control, Harmon/Kardon surround sound, ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof will also make the new 4 Series’ cockpit a more enjoyable place to be.
It all sounds very promising but I feel like the coupe’s appearance may let it down in the eyes of many.
The obvious starting point would be the grille. We knew it was coming and it’s controversial to say the least. Whilst I don’t hate it as much as I thought I would, it certainly doesn’t do the front end any favours.
Looking beyond the grille, the new BMW 4 Series is much more streamlined than its predecessor and, if I’m being completely honest, I actually don’t mind it. The extra width is exaggerated by the slim headlights, curved roof lines and shallow rear windscreen.
It has that long, sleek side-profile you’d expect the 4 Series to have. One other criticism would perhaps be that there’s just a bit too much metal above that rear wheel.
Whilst the rear end does slightly resemble that of a Lexus with its width and sharper lines, it’s definitely the new 4 Series’ best side. Those narrow taillights look very smart and the black accents on the rear bumper really make a difference.
Overall, it’s really not that bad. I adore the current 4 Series, especially the M4, and it’s certainly not nearly as nice as that. Like I said, though, maybe it’ll grow on us. BMWs often do. Some of you may even love it already.
What may let it down compared to its predecessor is that it’s appeal will vary from car to car. Some in a good spec with the right paint will look great. On the other hand, there will be some awful looking examples of this car. I don’t think that’s a problem the current 4 has.
If it helps, BMW has wasted no time in showing us what M Performance parts will be available on the new 4 Series. Among the available options are multiple carbon trims such as the lip spoiler on the rear lid, tinted lights and glass and some rather smart black M Performance alloys.
What are your thoughts on the new BMW 4 Series? Do improved performance and driving experience make up for the disappointing design? Is its appearance even an issue for you? Let us know what you think in the comments section below or via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
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