It seems like an eternity since the last batch of
BMW 4 Series
images and specifications appeared at the end of last year. But now we have the nitty gritty on the entire range ahead of its unveiling at the Frankfurt motor show.
Wheelbase +50mm over predecessor, same as saloon
As was confirmed in 2012, the 4 Series is 26mm longer than the outgoing E92 and 45mm wider. Its wheelbase is identical to that of the current
3 Series
, but the 4 Series is again longer (by 23mm) and lower (by 67mm). Suspension tweaks (more on those soon) drop the ride height by 10mm over a 3 Series, giving the 4 Series the lowest centre of gravity for any BMW. A specific figure hasn't been announced, instead BMW saying it is 'under 500mm'.
Perhaps the most significant news since last December is the availability of RHD xDrive 4 Series models. Previous non-SUV 4WD BMWs had been denied to Britain. BMW is to offer the 4 Series as an xDrive with three engines; the 420i, 420d and 435d.
The turbocharged engine range mirrors that of the more powerful 3 Series saloon models, and is none the worse for that. Initially the range starts with the 184hp, 280lb ft 420d, the 4 Series being launched with a 245hp 428i and 306hp 435i also. The 420i, 430d, 435d and the xDrive option will follow soon after. Whilst producing the same power as a 420d, the 420i only makes 199lb ft of torque. Predictably, it's with the big diesels that torque is in abundance; the 430d offers 413lb ft (and 258hp), the 435d a huge 464lb ft (and 313hp). Notably the 435d will be xDrive-only in Britain.
4 Series has lowest CoG of any current BMW
Gearboxes have rather been PH discussion of the month recently, so we tip out hats to BMW for offering 4 Series buyers a choice (mostly). All models bar the 430d and 435d will use either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed auto, the six-cylinder diesels being automatic only. Launch Control is standard on the automatic cars also. Of course, the manual cars return worse figures on the CO2 and economy tests but, regardless, BMW's gesture is appreciated.
Speaking of mpg and CO2, a few stats. The 420d is likely to be the biggest seller, and will return 124g/km and 60.1mpg as a manual. Its top speed is 149mph, and the 0-62mph time is 7.5 seconds. Opt for the auto and the CO2 drops to 121g/km and economy rises to 61.4mpg, whilst the top speed falls by 5mph and two tenths are taken off the 0-62mph time. The numbers for the 435i are perhaps more extraordinary as, with the auto, they are as follows: 155mph, 5.1 seconds, 39.2mpg and 169g/km.
Sport trim one of five levels available
Like the 3 Series, the 4 Series will be offered in SE, Sport, Modern, Luxury and M Sport specifications. BMW's Drive Performance Control is standard on all models, the normal Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport modes supplemented by a Sport+ option on Sport and M Sport cars.
Underneath, BMW has tweaked the springs, dampers and caster angle specifically for the 4 Series. It claims moreover to have 'uniquely tuned' the responses 'of both axles... to ensure the 4 Series is agile and engaging to drive'. BMW also says the 4 Series is 60 per cent stiffer 'in the front section' than a 3 Series coupe, which should aid turn-in and steering response.
The interior will be familiar to 3 Series owners with its driver-focused centre console. Standard equipment on all 4 Series models includes dual-zone air conditioning, leather with heated front seats, DAB, parking sensors all-round and a 6.5-inch iDrive screen. Luxury and M Sport cars come with the Business Media pack as standard. A comprehensive options list will undoubtedly appear should buyers wish to indulge, with adaptive LED headlights and the ConnectedDrive media package set to be a must-have extras.
Estoril Blue M Sport offers hints for M4
And so we move on to the pricing of the 4 Series... The range will start at £31,575 for the 420d SE, which doesn't compare too well against the £28,410 320d SE saloon. However, the current 320d SE coupe still costs £31,035. For the extra style, modernity and desirability of the 4 Series, that small premium seems warranted. A 428i SE will cost from £32,595 against £31,825 for an E92 325i SE, the premium offset by another 30hp.
The BMW 4 Series goes on sale here on 5th October, with the 420i, 430d, 435d and xDrive models beginning production in November. The M4? Hopefully we'll see something in 2014.