Updated 2017 BMW 4 Series ditches diesel power, gains more tech

BMW’s refreshed 4 Series range will arrive into Australian showrooms in June without a diesel line-up and slight price increase on some variants.

Following last year’s engine update across the range, the new 2017 BMW 4 Series LCI – stands for Life Cycle Improvement – brings updated styling and enhanced equipment levels to the entire range including the Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe.

The line-up now benefits from new Bi-LED headlights with LED front fog lights fitted as standard equipment. Opting for the range-topping 440i range brings Adaptive LED headlight functionality as standard (optional on 420i and 430i). Luxury Line – now standard on 420i – variants gain a revised front apron to further enhance the new lighting signature.

At the rear, new L-shaped LED tail lights and a revised reflector design add further appeal. Luxury Line variants benefit further from a revised rear bumper design. Opting for the Luxury Line brings elegant new 19-inch wheels, while fresh M Sport double spoke 19-inch rollers are also available on cars equipped with the M Sport package.

Two new, 4 Series-specific metallic paint options also debut: Sunset Orange metallic and Snapper Rocks Blue, inspired by the colour of Australian surf beaches.

Inside, updates include a new multi-functional instrument display (available from July 2017 production) and the latest BMW navigation system professional fitted as standard across the range. It incorporates the latest iDrive6 functionality that makes its debut in the BMW 5 Series.

Offering touchscreen capability as well as access via the traditional iDrive controller and voice recognition software, the iDrive6 operating system projects onto a customisable touchscreen that offers app-style ‘tile’ displays that can be reordered by touch.

The sports steering wheel has been enhanced with ‘Nora’ leather for improved tactility and the double-stitched instrument panel adds a further element of craftsmanship. The high grade 440i variants showcase a Walknappa leather instrument finish.

The centre console is now finished in high-gloss black, lifted by an array of chrome highlights and electroplated finishes.

Key touch points are further improved, newly-designed wiper and indicator stalks now ‘snapping’ into position. Buttons for high beam assist and auto rain-sensing wipers now stay depressed when in operation, furthering ease-of-use.

Driving dynamics step up a notch in the new 4 Series thanks to a redesigned suspension layout. Stiffer springs and improved damper response have been employed for the standard Adaptive M Suspension, which enables sportier handling balance without sacrificing ride comfort in either comfort or sport settings, according to BMW.

Straight line stability is said to have been improved and cornering roll reduced, while the electrically-assisted power steering system has also been fine-tuned. Variable Sport Steering is now optional across the range.

Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine developing 135kW/270Nm and driving the rear wheels, the BMW 420i range is now fitted with the Luxury Line trim package as standard.

Standard Specification includes:

  • 19-inch light alloy wheels
  • Eight-speed sports automatic transmission – Adaptive M Suspension
  • LED Headlights and LED fog lights
  • Exterior mirrors with anti-dazzle function
  • Front and rear Park Distance Control
  • Navigation System Professional with iDrive6
  • Head Up Display
  • Dakota Leather upholstery
  • Electric sports seats with memory function
  • Extended smartphone connectivity
  • Real-time traffic information
  • DAB+ radio capability
  • Lane change warning
  • Driving Assistant
  • Rear View Camera with Surround View
  • Six-speaker stereo
  • Automatic tailgate (Gran Coupe)

The BMW 430i Coupe, Gran Coupe or Convertible are powered by a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 185kW/350Nm, driving the rear wheels. They bring the following specifications in addition to the 420i:

  • M Sport Package as standard equipment (Luxury Line a no-cost option)
  • BMW Individual leather instrument panel (Luxury Line)
  • Comfort Access
  • Electric lumbar support for driver and front passenger
  • Nine-speaker, 205W HiFi Loudspeaker System

The 240kW/450Nm turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder powered, rear-drive BMW 440i Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible gain further standard equipment, including:

  • BMW Individual leather instrument panel (for M Sport Package)
  • ConnectedDrive Concierge Services
  • Heated front seats
  • High Beam Assist
  • Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function
  • Parking Assistant
  • Adaptive LED Headlights
  • harman/kardon 16-speaker, 600W surround sound system
  • Air Collar (Convertible)

2017 BMW 4 Series Range Australian Pricing (excluding on-roads)

ModelPower/Torque0-100km/hFuel UsePricing
420i Coupe135kW/270Nm7.5sec5.8L/100km$69,900
420i Gran Coupe135kW/270Nm7.7sec5.8L/100km$69,900
420i Convertible135kW/270Nm8.4sec6.2L/100km$87,900
430i Coupe185kW/350Nm5.8sec5.8L/100km$79,900
430i Gran Coupe185kW/350Nm5.9sec5.8L/100km$79,900
430i Convertible185kW/350Nm6.3sec6.3L/100km$97,900
440i Coupe240kW/450Nm5.0sec6.8L/100km$99,900
440i Gran Coupe240kW/450Nm5.1sec6.8L/100km$99,900
440i Convertible240kW/450Nm5.4sec7.2L/100km$117,900

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