BMW revitalises 4 Series range for 2016. Now cheaper

BMW has refreshed its 4 Series range with new model designations, increased power and sharper pricing. All variants also enjoy a significant lift in standard equipment.

Kicking off the 4 Series range is the 420i Coupe and Gran Coupe, priced from $68,900 plus on-road costs – a $2,200 reduction compared to the outgoing model.

All 420i models gain Adaptive M Suspension, Head-Up Display, Exterior Mirrors with Fold-in Function, Lane Change Warning, Driving Assistant and Surround View with Top and Side Views as standard.

The additional features build on an already-comprehensive specification, including:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Eight-speed sports automatic transmission
• Rear-view camera
• Electric Dakota sports leather seats with memory function
• Bi-Xenon headlights
• Front and rear Park Distance Control
• Navigation System Professional with RTTI
• BMW ConnectedDrive Emergency call and TeleServices
• BMW ConnectedDrive Lifestyle package
• Extended smartphone connectivity
• DAB+ digital radio

Sport or Luxury lines are available on the 420i for no additional cost; the M Sport Package is optionally available.

Under the bonnet, the 135kW/270Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine has been further refined to improve efficiency. Fuel consumption is claimed to have reduced to 5.8L/100km for Coupe and Gran Coupe (down from 6.1L/100km and 6.3L/10km respectively), and 6.2L/100km for the Convertible (down from 6.4L/100km).

Those choosing the 420d, which is priced from $71,200, representing a $2,200 reduction, gets a 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that is claimed to return 4.3L/100km for the 420d Coupe and Gran Coupe, or 4.7L/100km in the Convertible.

Succeeding the previous BMW 428i is the sporty 430i, priced from $79,900. The BMW 430i gains an additional 5kW over its predecessor, taking the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine to 185kW/350Nm. Significantly, fuel consumption is claimed to reduce to 5.8L/100km (down 0.6L/100km) in closed-roof versions and 6.3L/100km (down 0.4L/100km) for the 430i Convertible.

Standard specification now includes the M Sport Package as standard to the 430i. The Luxury line, which includes the sumptuous BMW Individual Leather Dashboard, remains available as a no-cost option.

The 430i also gains the following in addition to the 420i:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Comfort Access
• Electric lumbar support to driver and passenger seats
• Nine-speaker HiFi loudspeaker system
• M Sport Package offered as a no-cost option

Sitting at the top of the enhanced 4 Series range is the BMW 440i, supplanting the 435i. Priced from $99,900, the 440i variants are powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine producing 240kW/450Nm – an increase of 15kW/50Nm.

It is claimed to sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.0 seconds (a 0.1 improvement), while returning 6.8L/100km (down 0.6L/100km for the 440i Coupe and Gran Coupe, and 7.2L/100km (down 0.5L/100km) for the Convertible.

This enables the closed-roof 440i variants to qualify for a reduced rate of Luxury Car Tax.

The BMW 440i also gains the following in addition to the 430i:

• Variable sport steering
• Harman/Kardon surround sound system with 16 speakers
• BMW Individual leather instrument panel (with M Sport Package)
• Heated front seats
• Parking Assistant
• Active Cruise Control
• Adaptive LED Headlights
• Concierge Services
• Internet
• Air collar (440i Convertible)