BMW reveals refreshed 4 Series coupe and convertible models

BMW has revealed details of its refreshed 4 Series coupe and convertible models, which are set to land later this year and display minor exterior changes with more substantial interior and technology overhauls.

Two trim levels will be available from the off, beginning with the ‘420i M Sport’ and its 184bhp four-cylinder engine. It will start from £43,020 for the coupe and rise to £49,695 for the open-top alternative.

Then comes the ‘440i xDrive’ with a 374bhp straight-six engine, four-wheel drive and mild-hybrid assistance by way of a 48-volt battery. There’s a noticeable price hike here, with the coupe offered from £59,735 and the convertible toppling the £65k mark. Not cheap, is it?

All 4 Series models will also use BMW’s eight-speed ‘Steptronic’ transmission and be supplied with M Sport suspension, brakes, and differential as standard. The Bavarians are also aiming for a 50-50 weight distribution to keep the lineage as driver-focused as possible, though we suspect most of the front end’s mass probably comes from the weight of disappointment for having to carry that silly grille around. We understand, 4 Series.

Let’s talk design. That weight of disappointment will sit right between a remodelled headlight cluster, with posh Laserlight rear bulbs available as one of the many optional extras. You’ll also find a black gloss-painted diffuser below the rear bumper, while the exhaust tunnels have grown by 10 millimetres and a range of new alloys, including two new sets of 19-inch Y-spoke designs, can be had.

For M Sport models, the air intakes will have a mesh structure and matte chrome finish, abandoning the former gloss look. The paint selection has also been expanded to feature two new solid and eight metallic options, adding to the standard and ‘Individual’ offerings.

Moving into the cabin, the instrument panel, seat upholstery, and steering wheel have all been redesigned, with some of the smaller interior trim accents now finished in ‘Crafted Clarity’ glass for a sharper look. Lighting strips will cascade across sections of the cabin, and let’s face it, who doesn’t love a bit of ambience?

BMW’s curved infotainment screen has also been recalibrated with its latest iDrive unit and corresponding Operating System 8.5. An augmented display for the BMW Maps navigation system can also be had for a few more of His Majesty’s finest pounds but may be a bit irrelevant if you’re a Waze sorta’ person. Or someone with more sense than money.

The convertible will also see a few differences here, boasting Vernasca leather trim and decorative quilting as standard over the seats - an optional extra for the coupe. Both will, however, share a heated steering wheel and seats.

The final talking points involve the revamped tech and safety gear, including collision avoidance/lane departure warning/brake intervention features among the standard kit. The 'Driving Assistant Professional' package can be chosen to enhance your 4 Series even further with steering and lane control assistance, cruise control and a 'Stop and Go' function among others.

Finally, all customers will have access to the ‘My BMW’ smartphone app for free, which can help them check the vehicle’s status or perform small remote tasks such as locking/unlocking the car or even locating it. Y’know, on those days following a post-Biryani nap, when you’ve no idea of where you are or how you got there.

Production of the new BMW 4 Series coupe and convertible models will commence this Spring, with deliveries expected soon after.