BMW 4 Series

BMW’s 4 Series goes beyond being just the coupe and convertible versions of the 3 Series. Following BMW’s new naming policy that allocates even numbers to sporting model lines (with one glaring exception in the 2 Series Active Tourer MPV), the 4 Series presents an almost bewildering choice of body styles and drivetrains that essentially mirror the 3 Series, yet place a greater emphasis on dynamics.

Buyers can choose from four turbocharged petrol engines and one turbo-diesel in hardtop convertible, five-door ‘liftback’ and two regular coupe body styles if you count the mighty M4, with its different bonnet, wider tracks and flared guards, as an additional variation.

There is no denying the efficiency of BMW’s new petrol engines, nor their performance: even the humble 420i returns 6.0L/100km and is capable of 0-100km/h in 7.3sec, while the brilliant 428i (a hot version of the same 2.0-litre four) is even more impressive with 6.4L/100km and only 5.8sec to 100km/h.

As proof of the incredibly rapid progress in petrol engine development over the past five years, the twin-scroll turbo 3.0-litre six in the muscular 435i drinks just 7.4L/100km, yet its 5.1sec 0-100km/h time is quicker than an E46 M3’s.

The Coupe’s stiffer body structure and added braces may account for our belief that the Four eclipses the Three for handling and ride, at least from our memory of the sedan during COTY testing two years ago, when it became obvious that the optional M Adaptive suspension (specified by only five percent of buyers) was a must-have if the 3 Series was to live up to our expectations of a BMW. The dead steering and the wallow, float and pitch that we found so disappointing on the base F30 3 Series are banished on the 4 Series Coupe, which gets adaptive dampers standard.

But what are we to make of the Gran Coupe? Yes, the hatchback tailgate ensures it’s more practical than the 3 Series sedan, but actual boot volume is identical, it weighs 100kg more, and doesn't offer as much rear-seat space. Then there’s the lack of individuality in its ho-hum styling, which must be an even bigger marketing problem for BMW. This is no Audi A5 in the beauty stakes.

What’s even harder to ignore is the question of value: the 4 Series Coupe is about $10K more expensive than the 3 Series sedan and the Gran Coupe is up to $8K dearer than the more accommodating (and more stylish) 3 Series Touring. Paying more for less is always a tough sell in COTY.

BODY
Type : 2-door coupe/2-door convertible/5-door hatchback, 4-5 seats
Boot capacity :  220-480 litres
Weight : 1450-1790kg

DRIVETRAIN
Layout : front engine (north-south), RWD
Engines : 1995cc 4cyl turbo-diesel
(135kW/380Nm);
1997cc 4cyl turbo (135kW/270Nm);
1997cc 4cyl turbo (180kW/350Nm);
2979cc 6cyl turbo (225kW/400Nm);
2979cc 6cyl twin-turbo
(317kW/550Nm)
Transmissions
6-speed manual
7-speed dual-clutch
8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Tyres 225/45R18 – 275/35R19
ADR81 fuel consumption
4.6-8.8L/100km
Greenhouse emissions
121-213g/km
Collision mitigation n/a
Crash rating 5-star (Euro NCAP)
Prices $69,500 – $178,430