THE BMW 4 SERIES COUPÉ AND CONVERTIBLE, which were revealed overnight, will arrive in BMW Australia showrooms in Q2 this year.
Revisions to the exterior design underscore the dynamic character and contemporary style of both the 4 Series Coupé and Convertible, while modern touches and new equipment – headlined by the BMW Curved Display and BMW Operating System 8.5 – bring a renewed level of sophistication to the cabin.
New exterior paint finishes, light-alloy wheels and Laserlight rear lights, which deliver additional presence and a unique light signature, are also new for the 4 Series.
Production of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé and new BMW 4 Series Convertible will remain at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, which is also the birthplace of many other executive class and luxury segment vehicles from the brand. This includes the 8 Series and high-performance M4 models.
Distinct characters with a shared focus on driving pleasure
Since the previous model generation, BMW has grouped its premium midsize coupés and convertibles into their own model range.
The differentiation between the new BMW 4 Series models and the BMW 3 Series in design can be found not only in their proportions and lines, but also their distinctive front-end visuals. Wider tracks and specific tuning for their chassis technology lay the groundwork for dynamic prowess. Within the BMW 4 Series range, the coupé and convertible models represent distinct characters whose individual vehicle concepts target different priorities.
The BMW 4 Series Coupé combines its dynamically flowing lines and elegantly stretched proportions with a body optimised for extra handling agility and a chassis tuned for dynamic excellence.
The individual-seat character of the two rear seats helps to ensure passengers in the second row enjoy a cosseted, cockpit-style experience aboard the 4 Series.
The folding function of the three-section split rear seat bench increases the versatility of the interior when accommodating items for leisure activities and longer trips away.
Meanwhile, passengers in the BMW 4 Series Convertible’s four seats can sample the sporty driving experience characteristics of the 4 Series together with the joy of open-top motoring.
A highlight feature specific to the BMW 4 Series Convertible is its panel bow soft-top roof, which combines the solidity of a retractable hardtop with the classical aesthetic of a fabric hood. The roof’s electric drive mechanism can be activated when travelling at up to 50km/h, while the opening/closing process takes just 18 seconds.
Forward steps to further reduce the company’s carbon footprint
Highly efficient engines, intelligent lightweight design and optimised aerodynamic attributes make a significant contribution to enhancing driving pleasure in the new models while also lowering fuel consumption and emissions. As well as the bonnet, front side panels and doors, numerous chassis components are also made from aluminium. And with a Cd as low as 0.25 in the case of the coupé and 0.27 for the convertible, the two models can claim an impressive drag coefficient.
The new EfficiencyCoach in the My BMW App offers helpful tips for more efficient driving. The system analyses the fuel consumption figures and compares them with both the figures from the previous month and those achieved by other drivers in the community with comparable engines. It then uses this information as the basis for recommendations on more efficient driving.
In the interests of creating an even more sustainable overall concept, growing importance is attached to the use of secondary raw materials, alongside further optimised use of materials and energy-optimised production methods.
As well as working to optimise vehicle efficiency, the BMW Group is committed to the Paris Climate Agreement. It has also teamed up with the renowned Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to put in place CO2e reduction targets for its supply chain, production and use phase as part of its drive to achieve climate neutrality. At the heart of the company’s ambitious sustainability goals is the aim of cutting CO2 emissions by 40 percent per vehicle across the entire value chain by 2030, compared with the figure from 2019. At the same time, the BMW Group is pursuing the objective of full climate neutrality throughout the value chain by 2050 at the latest.
Exterior design: striking visual cues point the way to captivating dynamics
Sporting potency and elegance are the key themes reflected with authenticity in the design of the BMW 4 Series models. Precise modifications to their exterior visuals enable the new BMW 4 Series Coupé and Convertible to express their unique characters even more clearly. The new features sharpen the profile of the two models and provide eye-catching pointers to their captivating dynamics, exclusivity and technological advances.
With their distinctive lines and clean surface treatment, the coupé and convertible members of the BMW 4 Series line-up exude driving pleasure and distinctive style.
The features of the M Sport package add further punch to the cars’ dynamic appearance. They include a diffuser element in the lower section of the rear bumper, which is now painted in Black high-gloss. In addition, the exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear apron on the left and right have grown from 90mm to 100mm in diameter. As an extension to the M Sport package, customers can also order their vehicle with M Sport Pro.
Newly designed headlights, innovative Laserlight rear lights
Design cues specific to the BMW 4 Series include the visually powerful front end shaped by slim LED headlights and a vertically arranged BMW kidney grille. The air intakes of the strikingly forward-angled grille have a mesh structure, both in standard form and if the M Sport package is specified. Their surround now comes in matt chrome.
The new BMW 4 Series Coupé and new BMW 4 Series Convertible also feature visually and functionally upgraded headlights. The LED units, which provide the light functions, have been redesigned and have a new structure. Low and high beam are generated from a single LED module. And a pair of vertical and subtly arrow-shaped LED units house the side light, daytime driving light and turn signal indicator functions. The technically focused look of the new light sources gives the headlights a high-quality and progressive appearance.
Adaptive LED Headlights with non-dazzling matrix high beam are fitted as standard on the M440i xDrive variants. These light systems can be identified by blue inlays and include a cornering light function.
M high gloss Shadowline lights with dark inner accents are offered as standard on Australian-delivered variants, as is the Comfort Access system. The latter generates a Welcome Light Animation in the headlights once the driver and vehicle key come within three metres of the vehicle.
The new BMW 4 Series Coupé and BMW 4 Series Convertible in M440i xDrive form are fitted with expressive Laserlight rear lights. This model-specific version of an innovative lighting effect employs a technology first seen in the BMW M4 CSL high-performance special edition produced in a limited run of 1000 examples. Here, laser diodes each illuminate a fibre optic bundle, giving the rear units an intricate light graphic. The precise lines of the three-dimensional Laserlight give these units – which make their debut in a volume-produced vehicle – an exclusive and unmistakable design.
New exterior paint shades and light-alloy wheels
Customers can give the outside of their new BMW 4 Series Coupé and Convertible a personal touch with a choice of one solid and seven metallic paint finishes. Cape York Green metallic and Fire Red metallic are new additions to the range, while a wide variety of BMW Individual paint finishes and BMW Individual special paint finishes are also offered.
Attractive new additions can also be found in the selection of optional light-alloy wheels. The new BMW 4 Series Coupé and new BMW 4 Series Convertible are both offered with three new 19-inch variants. The new M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design can be ordered in either Jet Black or a bi-colour finish. And the new BMW Individual light-alloy wheels also have a Y-spoke design and are finished in Midnight Grey.
Interior and equipment: Progressive style and carefully honed refinement
Standard-fitment sport seats and newly designed steering wheels complement the driving experience in the new BMW 4 Series Coupé and Convertible. The large BMW Curved Display brings a fresh and modern interpretation of the driver focus with crisp, easily legible visuals. High-quality, meticulously crafted materials and a new operating concept for ventilation and climate control systems add to the cockpit’s premium allure. Modifications carried out to the interior of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé and Convertible ensure those on board can enjoy driving pleasure with progressive style and long-distance comfort.
New steering wheels in true M style
The latest-generation steering wheels available for the new BMW 4 Series Coupé and new BMW 4 Series Convertible stand out with their modern and sporty design.
Standard fitment for Australia across the model spectrum is the M leather steering wheel in three-spoke design with a flat-bottomed rim and a discreet centre marking.
Detail revisions for instrument panel, digital climate control
Introduction of the upgraded BMW iDrive with QuickSelect also brings improved operation of the ventilation and climate control functions in the new BMW 4 Series Coupé and Convertible.
Temperature selection, intensity of ventilation and seat and steering wheel heating can now be adjusted by touch via the BMW Curved Display or by voice command.
New adjustment controls for the air vent grilles in the centre of the instrument panel and on the driver’s and front passenger side of the cockpit allow the direction of airflow to be adjusted using rotating and tilting movements.
The standard ambient lighting in the new BMW 4 Series Coupé and Convertible now also includes contour lighting integrated into the trim around the central seam vents. As with the lighting for the footwells, the storage compartment in the front section of the centre console and the door openers, this can be adjusted for colour and brightness according to personal preference. Users can choose from nine colours. The functionality of the interior lighting also includes an atmospheric Welcome and Goodbye Animation and light signals indicating an open door or incoming phone call.
New interior trim strips, exclusive touches with CraftedClarity
The selection of available interior trim strips has also been revised. The M Sport package includes interior trim strips in brushed aluminium. Also on the options list are Ash Grey Blue open-pored fine-wood trim, and M interior trim carbon fibre.
The use of high-quality materials also allows distinctive touches to be included in other areas of the interior to enhance its modern premium character. Electroplated applications for the control panel in the doors, which includes the window controls and locking switch, are standard for the new BMW 4 Series Coupé and Convertible. On the M440i xDrive variants, the CraftedClarity glass applications provides the gear selector lever, BMW iDrive Controller and Start/Stop button a particular air of exclusivity, both visually and to the touch.
Engine line-up showcases power, response and efficiency
The line-up of powertrains for the new BMW 4 Series range comprises powerful and highly efficient petrol engines featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.
All drive units deliver an exceptional blend of sporting driving pleasure and fuel economy. They are also part of the current modular generation of Efficient Dynamics engines and mated to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission as standard.
Straight-six engines can be found under the bonnet of the M440i xDrive variants in both model series, delivering smooth running and outstanding responsiveness.
The line-up also includes two four-cylinder petrol engines developing 135kW and 190kW respectively for the 420i and 430i variants. The engine’s power is fed to the road via either classical rear-wheel drive or the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, depending on the model variant.
Bespoke chassis technology for a spirited driving experience
Outstanding body rigidity, intelligent lightweight design, 50:50 weight distribution and optimised aerodynamic properties provide the new BMW 4 Series Coupé and new BMW 4 Series Convertible with agile and dynamic handling abilities. This is further aided by sophisticated chassis technology tuned precisely for the weight spread at hand.
Lift-related dampers refine the balance between captivating sporting prowess and exemplary long-distance comfort. The BMW 420i Convertible now comes as standard with adaptive M suspension, bringing it line with the entry point to the 4 Series Coupé line-up, the 430i.
Wide variety of systems for automated driving and parking
The range of systems for automated driving and parking is just as extensive. The new BMW 4 Series Coupé and Convertible are fitted as standard with the front collision warning system with brake intervention, Cruise Control with brake function, Speed Limit Info, manual Speed Limit Assist and Lane Departure Warning with lane return.
Driving Assistant Professional, which comprises the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function and route speed control, is also now standard fitment on the 420i Convertible.
Parking Assistant Plus with Park View, Panorama View and Remote 3D View functions is additionally now standard equipment for all Australian-delivered 4 Series variants as part of the model update.
M Performance models top the new BMW 4 Series ranges
The new BMW 4 Series Coupé and Convertible ranges are spearheaded by sporting models cast in the familiar M mould.
Performance offerings from BMW M GmbH showcase the dynamic potential woven into the vehicle concepts of the BMW 4 Series range to impressive effect. Powerful six-cylinder in-line engines, a bespoke chassis set-up and signature M design cues both inside and out mark them out as a proposition apart.
The M Performance models in the BMW 4 Series feature petrol engines with a displacement of 3.0 litres. The M-typical performance attributes of these straight-six units are underpinned by, among other aspects, the latest M TwinPower Turbo technology – which is tailored individually to the engine at hand.
The six-cylinder in-line petrol engine in the BMW M440i xDrive Coupé and BMW M440i xDrive Convertible generates maximum output of 285kW and peak torque of 500Nm. Adaptive M suspension with variable sport steering can be found on the standard equipment list for the range-topping models, along with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, M Sport brakes and the M Sport differential.
New-look BMW kidney grille, black tailpipe finishers as standard
An array of select design flourishes announces the dynamic character of the M Performance models even more vividly. For instance, the new edition of these models features a BMW kidney grille with a surround in Black high-gloss and horizontally arranged bars adorned by an M logo. All front apron elements that were previously finished in Cerium Grey now come in Black high-gloss. As a result, the models’ appearance when viewed from the front recalls the design of the BMW M4 high-performance sports cars to an even greater extent.
At the rear end of the M Performance models, trapezoidal tailpipe trim signals the presence of the potent power unit under the bonnet. They are now in Black high-gloss as standard, meaning that all elements of the M High-gloss Shadowline trim option are already included in the standard specification.
BMW M exterior touches elevate styling even further
Another design element from the BMW M4 range has been incorporated into the flanks of the latest M Performance models from the BMW 4 Series, with M exterior mirrors in the distinctive and aggressive twin-stalk design included as a standard feature.
Heightened sports car ambience in the cabin
Interior trim elements in fine brushed aluminium, M door sill trim and M-specific graphics for the BMW Curved Display characterise the distinctive aura inside the M Performance models.
M Sport seats can be ordered in Black with blue contrast stitching or the new Black/Coral Red bi-colour finish for the coupe. The convertible offers the additional upholstery offering of Oyster on standard sport seats.
The new BMW Operating System 8.5 and innovative digital services
Advances in digitalisation in the latest edition of the BMW 4 Series are also clear. This is chiefly thanks to the upgraded BMW iDrive display and control/operation system with QuickSelect based on BMW Operating System 8.5. In order to provide intuitive, easy control of numerous functions along with access to innovative digital services, the latest-generation BMW iDrive system fitted in the new BMW 4 Series Coupé and Convertible features a new-look home screen and QuickSelect rapid access tech, bringing an improved menu structure that takes its cue from consumer electronics devices.
The enhanced BMW iDrive featuring Quick select is packaged together with the BMW Curved Display and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, meaning it has been carefully geared to operation using the touchscreen and natural language. The control/operation system in the new BMW 4 Series Coupé and Convertible additionally comprises multifunction buttons on the steering wheel and the BMW Head-Up Display.
BMW iDrive with QuickSelect: functions shown on a single level with rapid-access tech
The new BMW Operating System 8.5 home screen continuously displays the navigation system’s map view or other individually configurable graphics on the control display. On the same level, widgets appear in a vertical arrangement on the driver’s side of the display. Drivers can switch between them with a vertical swipe of the finger.
The QuickSelect feature allows the function selected in this way to be activated directly without having to enter a submenu. Once the relevant settings have been chosen, a quick tap on the home icon at the lower edge of the control display is all it takes to return to the home screen.
Icons for direct access to the climate control menu, All Apps menu and, if activated, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, can also now be found next to the home icon.
The new flat menu structure makes it easier to activate the desired functions and settings. The digital content – as with the hardware in the form of the BMW Curved Display – is designed to enhance the driver focus.
BMW Maps navigation system now with Augmented View
The cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system forms part of the standard BMW Live Cockpit Plus. Following the introduction of BMW Operating System 8.5 in the new BMW 4 Series Coupé and Convertible, the system now makes it even easier to input destinations and can offer additional information while driving.
Another new feature is the Augmented View function, which is part of standard fit BMW Live Cockpit Professional. This supplements the navigation system’s map display by showing a live video stream of the driver’s view on the control display or instrument cluster and augmenting it with tips and information to match the context.
At confusing junctions, for instance, an animated directional arrow is integrated into the video image to help the driver take the best turn-off for the planned route. The Augmented View function can also come to the driver’s aid when searching for a parking spot by showing supplementary information.
Personalisation using BMW ID and My BMW App
Drivers of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé and Convertible will also find it easier to use their BMW ID to personalise the user experience. In future, signing into the vehicle by using a smartphone to scan a QR code is all it will take to import the customer’s personal profile, load settings and automatically link the key detected in the vehicle with the BMW ID.
The vehicle can also be added to the My BMW App in seamless fashion. Available free of charge from the app stores for both iOS and Android, the My BMW App acts as a universal digital interface that provides information at any time on the vehicle’s status, including its remaining range and any servicing and maintenance requirements. Depending on the specification, it also enables remote operation of functions such as locating the vehicle, locking and unlocking the doors or monitoring the car’s immediate vicinity and interior with Remote View. The My BMW app can additionally be used to send destination addresses from a smartphone to the vehicle’s navigation system. The My Trips feature including EfficiencyCoach and monthly review provides the user with data and evaluations for distances travelled, fuel consumption and average speed.
BMW 4 Series pricing and specification
The new BMW 4 Series Coupe and Convertible deliver a raft of new features in concert with an increased level of specification.
Existing standard equipment is listed below for each variant, with new additions in bold type.
430i Coupé: $109,700 (plus on road costs)
- M Sport Package
- 19-inch M light alloy wheels with runflat tyres
- M Sport brakes
- Adaptive M suspension
- Automatic operation of tailgate
- Comfort Access system
- Seat adjustment, electric
- Luxury instrument panel
- Driving Assistant Professional
- Parking Assistant Plus
- DAB tuner
- HiFi loudspeaker system
- Connected Package Professional
- Wireless charging for smartphones
- Live Cockpit Professional including BMW Head-Up Display
- M Sport seats inc. Lumbar Support
- M high-gloss Shadowline with extended contents
- Leather ‘Vernasca’ upholstery
- Steering wheel heating
- Glass sunroof, electric
- Seat heating, front
M440i xDrive Coupé: $134,400 (plus on road costs)
Additional specification over 430i Coupé:
- BMW xDrive
- 19-inch light alloy wheels with sport tyres
- Tyre repair kit
- Adaptive LED headlights
- harmon/Kardon surround sound system
- Steering wheel heating
- Tyre pressure monitor
- CraftedClarity glass application
420i Convertible: $106,500 (plus on road costs)
- M Sport Package
- 19-inch M light alloy wheels with runflat tyres
- Comfort Access system
- Seat adjustment, electric
- Luxury instrument panel
- Wind Deflector
- DAB tuner
- HiFi loudspeaker system
- Connected Package Professional
- Wireless charging for smartphones
- Live Cockpit Professional including BMW Head-Up Display
- Lumbar Support
- M high-gloss Shadowline with extended contents
- Leather ‘Vernasca’ upholstery
- Steering wheel heating
- Adaptive M suspension
- Air Collar
- Driving Assistant Professional
- Parking Assistant Plus
M440i xDrive Convertible: $150,900 (plus on road costs)
- BMW xDrive
- 19-inch light alloy wheels with sport tyres
- Tyre repair kit
- Adaptive LED headlights
- harmon/kardon surround sound system
- Steering wheel heating
- Tyre pressure monitor
- CraftedClarity glass application