Tuesday 17th January 2017

Updated BMW M4 announced

A new look and more equipment for the 4 Series flagship, plus a refresh for the rest of the range too

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Never before has an M-car divided enthusiasts quite like this generation of BMW M3, and of course now M4 as well. Back when it was first driven nearly three years ago we loved it, then reception was less warm back in the UK, then it swung back around to proper admiration after a few months living with one. But only after one PH contributor named it his disappointment of the year. Divisive, see.

This latest change probably won't convert the detractors, being as it is a cosmetic change in line with the rest of the range rather than an overhaul. To that end the M4 features new LED lights front and rear, with changes inside including more chrome, new stitching and fresh M emblems for the seats. Of most significance in an admittedly light refresh is the optional ConnectedDrive nav, which brings a new display, inductive phone charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay.

Otherwise it's as you were for the M4, with 431hp (or 450hp in the Competition Package). Prices start at £57,817 for the coupe, with the Convertible - if you must - coming in at £61,910. For the equivalent Competition Pack cars you're looking at £60,815 and £64,110.

For the rest of the 4 Series range, BMW's "dynamically contoured athlete", the updates are more far reaching. Interestingly too BMW says 50 per cent of the 400,000 cars sold so far are Gran Coupes, with the two-door and convertible accounting for 25 per cent each. Styling changes front and rear are there to accentuate the car's width, with new lights and bumpers the main differences.

While we could mention the interior updates here, you can see those for yourself; of more interest is what's happened underneath, with BMW claiming suspension tweaks that have "greatly enhanced the cars' dynamic handling capabilities without compromising on their impressive ride comfort." You'll remember back when we had a 435i long-termer that it didn't feel all that to drive; these new models now boast stiffer suspension with "more advanced damping technology and an upgraded steering set-up", both of which sound encouraging. BMW says the car should be more neutral and less prone to roll in all three (standard, M Sport and adaptive) suspension configurations.

In the UK the 4 Series will be offered in those three bodystyles with six engines: 420i, 430i, 440i, 420d, 430d and 435d. The 20i, 20d and 30d models are available with xDrive and prices start at £32,525 for the 420i two-door. Orders are being taken from Thursday. Oh yes, and the outgoing M4 is now from £35K. Tempting...

 

[GTEYE]

I see they've nicked the M2's special turquoisey blue for the regular 4 series range...

Can't really see much else has changed. To say the changes are "far more reaching" is rather stretching reality for some new lighting graphics, dabs of interior chrome and retuned suspension...

Edited by GTEYE on Tuesday 17th January 12:24

Edited by GTEYE on Tuesday 17th January 12:33