BMW 4 Series review: You little trimmer

Adding and taking away, BMW puts new engines in the 4 Series and drops prices.

BMW 4 Series 2016.

CLEVER BMW gave its 3 Series coupe a real leg up when it turned the car into the 4 Series three years ago.

This elevated the status of the coupe, making it more desirable by default. It meant it could charge more, too, because the coupe is $7000 more than the equivalent sedan.

Now the German brand is giving a little of the love back, with the release of a cheaper, better equipped 4 Series.

The upgraded model, priced from $68,990, comes as a two-door coupe, hard-roof convertible or the four-door Gran Coupe.

BMW 4 Series 2016.

Apart from some badging, it looks exactly the same. But it’s a different story under the bonnet where the petrol engines are all new, though displacements are unchanged. The turbo diesel carries over.

BMW says the changes are extensive and warranted a relaunch. The more powerful engines return better fuel economy and the extra features are valued at thousands of dollars. If you want something that looks different, wait until later next year when the car is due for a major facelift.

Meanwhile, the entry 420i and 420d models get a $2200 price cut. The mid-range 428i has been replaced by the $2500 cheaper 430i while the range-topping 435i has morphed into the 440i, the latter slashed a whopping $10,000 thanks mainly to a cut in luxury car tax.

The 420i and 420d come with more than $6000 worth of extra equipment including adaptive suspension from the M division, head-up display, folding rear-view mirrors, lane departure warning, auto braking and 360-degree views.

Buyers can choose between Sport and Luxury trim at no extra cost.

The 430i comes with $8000 more kit including the M Sport Package as standard, which drops the ride height 10mm.

The 440i gets almost $13,000 worth of extra gear including auto high-beam, adaptive LED headlights, active cruise control and self-parking.

Its six-cylinder twin turbo engine gains 15kW/50Nm over the outgoing 435i, powering it over the 0-100km/h dash in 5.0 seconds flat. Claimed thirst is 6.8L/100km.

There is fixed price servicing for five years or 80,000km. BMW hopes to reduce the cost of maintenance with the introduction of condition-based servicing — the car’s computer tells you when it needs attention.

BMW hails the 4 Series as a major success for the company since its launch in 2013. It appeals mainly to men, aged 40-60, a large percentage of whom are “conquests” or new customers to the brand. Product manager Howard Lam says most buyers opt for the coupe and the most popular choice to date has been the mid-priced 428i.

ON THE ROAD

BMW 4 Series 2016.

Slide behind the wheel of a Beemer and you get a taste of the superiority of rear-wheel drive. Generally, such cars have a more secure steering and driving feel, provide more feedback to the driver and as a bonus have a tighter turning circle.

The coupe — with a tighter, stronger body, wider track, slightly longer wheelbase and lower centre of gravity — builds on this successful formula.

We sampled the revamped 4 Series range in cold, wet and windy conditions.

Twin turbos boost performance in all models, with power going aft via an eight-speed automatic.

With its light and sharp steering, the entry level 420i (135kW petrol four-cylinder) showed enthusiastic performance and plenty of grip, even in the deplorable weather.

Best results came from changing gears with the wheel mounted paddle-shifters, especially when snappier responses were needed on ascents.

Moving up, the 430i delivers in spades, with its 185kW displaying silky smoothness and a surprisingly inspiring exhaust note.

Rising to meet expectations, the 440i’s twin turbo 3.0-litre straight six packs a serious wallop, with 240kW/450Nm delivering emphatic acceleration.

BMW 4 Series 2016.

VERDICT ★★★★

What’s not to like? The 4 Series cars are aspirational, look the part and go great — and the best part is that they’re cheaper.

VITALS

BMW 4 SERIES

PRICE From $68,900

WARRANTY 3 years/unlimited km

CAPPED SERVICING $1340-$3465 over 5 years/80,000km (condition based)

SERVICE INTERVAL 20,000km maximum

SAFETY â˜…★★★★, 6 airbags

ENGINE2.0-litre 4-cyl twin-turbo, 135kW/270Nm and 185kW/350Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 140kW/400Nm; 3.0-litre 6-cyl twin-turbo, 240kW/450Nm

TRANSMISSION 8-speed auto; RWD

THIRST 4.3L-6.8L/100km

DIMENSIONS 4638mm (L), 1825mm (W), 1362mm (H), 2812mm (WB)

WEIGHT 1540kg-1600kg

SPARE None; run-flats

0-100KM/H 5.0-7.5 secs

WHAT’S NEW

PRICE

Prices have been cut, equipment has been added. The range kicks off with the 420i coupe from $68,900, then 420d at $71,200, 430i is $79,900 and range-topping 440i is $99,900. Maintenance costs have also been reduced with introduction of condition-based servicing.

TECHNOLOGY

There is plenty of extra standard equipment. Entry level petrol and diesel models add adaptive suspension, head-up display, folding mirrors, lane change warning, auto braking and 360-degree views. The 440i gets M Sport Package and the Individual instrument panel and the 440i adds auto high beam, adaptive LED lights, active cruise and self-parking.

PERFORMANCE

Power comes from reworked 2.0-litre petrol and diesel turbo engines, plus a 3.0-litre straight six, all with eight-speed auto (six-speed manual is a no-cost option). Outputs of the diesel and base petrol are unchanged but they are more frugal than their outgoing counterparts. The higher-tuned petrol four and the six are marginally more powerful yet also thriftier.

DRIVING

Ride, steering and suspension maintain BMW’s high quality. Entry models get M division’s adaptive suspension as standard. You can flick between sport and comfort settings at the touch of a button. Head-up display is also standard so you can keep your eyes on the road. Better power delivery enhances the driving experience.

DESIGN

There are no changes in the way the cars look, apart from new model designations. There is a facelift due next year.