All-new BMW 4 Series revealed

Sam JeremicThe West Australian
Camera IconBMW 4 Series. Credit: Supplied

BMW has unveiled the all-new, second generation 4 Series — and if you listen carefully, you can hear the cries of dismay from many purists worldwide.

Rather than make it largely a carbon copy of its 3 Series cousin, the 4 Series has a largely reworked version of the brand’s signature double kidney grille sure to polarize Bimmer fans.

BMW describes the grille as “vertically emphasised” and standing “confidently” in the centre of the front end.

It’s certainly tall, extending down almost to the lower edge of the front apron and forcing the number plate to sit right in the middle.

Really, we shouldn’t be surprised as it does resemble the Concept 4 from last year’s Frankfurt Show.

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Camera IconBMW 4 Series. Credit: Supplied

BMW says it reprises design from previous models, including the BMW 328 and 3.0 CSi.

Other updates include the slim headlights reaching well into the front wheel arches. Speaking of which, LED headlights with high beam assistant are now standard, while adaptive LED headlights with BMW Laserlight are available as an option.

The latter can increases high-beam range to more than 500m at speeds above 60km/h and follows the course of the road.

Inside, the instrument cluster and infotainment screen form a large-surface display, while standard acoustic glass should help with cabin noise.

Camera IconBMW 4 Series. Credit: Supplied

The new 4 Series has grown in every direction, to now be 4768mm long (128mm longer than before), 1852mm wide (+27mm) and with a 2851mm wheelbase (41mm).

It’s also 6mm taller than before, but still 57mm lower than the 3 Series sedan (though the centre of gravity is just 21mm lower).

It also has 23mm wider tracks than the 3.

To further differentiate itself from the 3 Series and emphasize its sporty personality, the 4 has bespoke body struts at the front end and in the rear axle area, while M Sport suspension is standard and incorporates specially tuned lift related dampers.

Buyers can also opt for Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers.

And there will be a bit of performance to be play with, with the M440i xDrive being confirmed as the range topping variant in Australia.

Camera IconBMW 4 Series. Credit: Supplied

It has a 3.0-litre twin turbo six-cylinder petrol offering 285kW 500Nm of torque, sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic.

It will likely have a similar 0-100km/h time as the M340i xDrive’s 4.4 seconds.

Also confirmed for Oz at the 4’s launch is the entry level 420i and mid-spec 430i, each armed with a 2.0-litre turbo four pot offering 135kW/300Nm and 190kW/400Nm respectively.

The new range will ariving in Australia in October, with pricing and specification details to be revealed closer to its arrival.

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