The BMW 4 Series LCI/facelift has been unveiled by BMW, and both the coupe and convertible get a refreshed look that further separates them from the 3 Series. There’s a new front-end design as well as updates that we have already seen on the 3 Series LCI. Together with the 4 Series LCI, BMW has also unveiled the new M4 LCI.
The front end gets a new set of headlights with new inner workings. The new design has the low and high beams generated from a single LED module and a pair of vertical and subtly arrow-shaped LED units that house the side light, daytime driving light, and turn signal indicator functions. The grille has also been revised.
According to BMW, the updated front end of the 4 Series LCI further distinguishes it from the 3 Series. On the outside, there are now two new colour options for the 4 series – Cape York Green metallic and Fire Red metallic. There are also three new 19-inch wheel designs.
On the inside, the 4 Series now follows in the footsteps of the BMW 3 Series and the BMW i4 with its new curved display and new BMW Operating System 8.5. The 4 Series gets a new instrument panel, new standard-fitted sports seats, a new steering wheel design, and new seat coverings.
As for the powertrain, the 4 Series’s range is now fully electrified, with all 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines now getting assistance from a 48V mild hybrid system. The auxiliary electric drive takes the form of a 48V starter generator and makes output of 8 kW/11 hp instantly available in response to the slightest movement of the accelerator.
Variants of the BMW 4 Series include:
- 420i (Coupe & Convertible)
- 430i xDrive (Coupe & Convertible)
- M440i xDrive (Coupe & Convertible)
- 420d (Coupe & Convertible)
- 420d xDrive (Coupe)
- 430d (Convertible)
- 430d xDrive (Coupe)
- M440d xDrive (Coupe & Convertible)
Among the “normal” iterations of the new 4 Series, the M440i xDrive is the sportiest with a maximum output of 374 hp and 500 Nm. The 48V mild hybrid system provides a nominal power of 11 hp.
As for the “M’ versions of the 4 Series, customers will have the choice of the following options:
- M4 (Coupe)
- M4 Competition (Coupe)
- M4 Competition with M xDrive (Coupe & Convertible)
The M4 sources power from a 3.0-litre inline-6 TwinPower Turbo engine that makes 480 hp and 550 Nm. Its engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Only available as a Coupe, the M4 does 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds, onward to a top speed of 290 km/h (with optional M Driver’s Package).
The M4 Competition, on the other hand, makes 530 hp and 650 Nm, also from a 3.0-litre inline-6 TwinPower Turbo engine. The transmission in useis an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic box. Also only available as a Coupe, it does the century sprint in 3.9 seconds, onward to a limited top speed of 290 km/h (with optional M Driver’s Package).
In its most extreme form, the 4 Series is designated as the M4 Competition with M xDrive. The same 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo inline-6 engine found in the M4 Competition makes 530 hp and 650 Nm, but this time, power is sent to all four wheels. With the same 8-speed automatic gearbox, the M XDrive allows for a faster century sprint time of 3.5 seconds. Its top speed is capped at 290 km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package.
Production of the new BMW 4 Series LCI will continue to take place at the company’s plant in Dingolfing. Its worldwide market launch is expected to take place in March this year.
GALLERY
