When the BMW 4 Series was unveiled to the world back in 2013 at the North American International Auto Show, it shared an abundance of technical specification with the F30 3 Series. As such, it was only a matter of time before the “sportier 3 Series” gets the midlife update, or in BMW terminology – Life Cycle Impulse (LCI), as seen on the F30 LCI.
Last week, BMW has officially revealed the 4 Series LCI. The LCI treatment was given to the entire 4 Series range – F32 Coupe, F33 Convertible, F36 Gran Coupe, F82 M4 and F83 M4 Convertible. BMW explained that the LCI includes some minor updates inside and out, as well as enhanced handling dynamics across the range.
On the exterior front, the LCI now brings the 4 Series closer to its sedan sibling thanks to the updated bi-LED headlights which now features the brand’s signature Corona Ring DRLs, LED fog lamps as well as reshaped LED tail lamps akin to the M4 GTS‘ organic LED tail lamps. Adaptive LED headlamps can be had as an option while M4 models get them as standard fitment.
Other than that, the front and rear bumpers are new, which further bring out the car’s sporty nature. A selection of wheels ranging from 18- to 19-inch can be specified according to the variants selected.
Hop on inside, the 4 Series will look no different to the untrained eye. For starters, an optional digital Multifunctional Instrument Display with interchangeable design is new, as are new driving modes and the latest BMW Navigation system Professional. The interior also benefits from new trims such as high-gloss black cover panel at the centre console, double stitching as well as new material on the leather wrapped steering wheel.
Optional extras that can be specified to spice up the interior include Dakota leather upholstery finished in Midnight Blue, Cognac or Ivory White. Meanwhile interior trims can be had in Carbon Aluminium, Light Fineline or High-gloss Black with Pearl Chrome accent strip.
BMW has offered the 4 Series with three petrol engines – 420i, 430i and 440i alongside four diesel engines – 418d, 420d, 430d and 435d. The M4 Coupe and Convertible get the same carryover unit, the 3.0-litre bi-turbo straight-six that blasts out 431 hp. Power is sent to the rear-wheels via a seven-speed M dual-clutch transmission or six-speed manual transmission.
The 420i and 430i variants are powered by a 2.0-litre TwinScroll turbocharged four-cylinder that outputs 184 hp & 270 Nm and 252 hp & 350 Nm respectively. Range topping 440i variants get a 3.0-litre unit that churns out 326 hp and 450 Nm of torque and is capable of a 5.0 seconds century sprint time (for the automatic variant).
As for the entry level 418d and 420d, both employ a 2.0-litre twin turbocharged diesel unit, producing 150 hp & 320 Nm and 190 hp & 400 Nm respectively. On the other hand, the 430d and 435d is motivated by a 3.0-litre bi-turbodiesel that pushes out 258 hp & 560 Nm and 313 hp & 630 Nm respectively.
Two transmission choices are available regardless of engine choices – a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic. Expect nothing else but the eight-speed auto for the Malaysian market. Power is sent to the rear wheels as standard but customers can opt for the BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system. However, the 435d is available exclusively as an xDrive unit while the 418d is only available in rear-wheel drive.
The suspension has been stiffened and are fitted with more advanced damping technology, along with an upgraded steering setup. These collectively give the 4 Series LCI reduced body roll, more neutral response at the limit, greater straight-line stability and more precise steering.
Lastly, BMW has also added two new exterior paint jobs that’s exclusive to the 4 Series model – Snapper Rocks Blue and Sunset Orange. BMW Malaysia currently sells the 428i Gran Coupe and 428i Convertible, and it’s only a matter of time before the LCI finds its way here. Now, let’s see whether Audi Malaysia has any plans for the A5 Coupe and Cabriolet, then maybe we can have proper a German Trio Coupe/Convertible shootout!
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