New BMW 4 Series
FIRST UK DRIVE We try most popular version of revised coupé on UK roads
Revised coupé hits Britain. Plus new 530d Touring
A RELATIVELY minor round of updates has hit the BMW 4 Series range, and new models now feature revised head and tail-lights, plus a slightly different bumper design and some more in-car tech.
We’ve already driven the range-topping petrol-powered 440i on wet and icy European roads (Issue 1,470), but now we’ve got the best-selling 420d version in Britain to see if it’s still our pick of the range. It has always offered an impressive mix of performance, refinement and economy, and luckily little has changed for this new model.
BMW has updated the chassis slightly, although we found it tough to notice any difference over the pre-facelift version. That’s no bad thing, though, as the 4 Series remains top of its class to drive, beating the Mercedes C-class and Audi A5 Coupés when it comes to driver involvement.
Our manual test car appeals more to the heart than the head. It’s fun to change gear yourself, but the automatic is probably the better choice, if only to make commuting more pleasant. It’s more frugal too; it manages 65.7mpg compared with the manual’s 62.8mpg.
The 420d’s steering isn’t as sharp as it could be, but the responsive and agile feel you get on a quick road is unbeaten in this class. The low, sporty driving position and well judged control weights mean it feels fun, no matter how quickly you drive. That doesn’t come at a cost to the ride quality; while it’s not as supple as a Mercedes, it remains composed even on bumpy roads.
Performance is great too, and even though you can get a potent six-cylinder 435d model with 308bhp, the 2.0-litre has more than enough shove, and is great for overtaking as well. Plus, it’s quieter and more refined than the C-class’ diesel.
As standard, the 4 Series still uses the smart-looking physical dials, but you can now get a digital display for £295 that adds extra functionality such as sat-nav directions and trip information. However we’d stick with the classy-looking normal dials and specify BMW’S colour head-up display instead.
An 8.8-inch screen with sat-nav is included on M Sport cars (the top-selling trim in the UK), and it’s now kitted out with the latestgeneration software. There are a few new features, but on the whole it’s a similar system to before, and one that works very well. It’s simple to control; BMW has avoided switching to a fiddly touchscreen.
There are also some new interior colours and trims to choose from, as well as fresh alloy wheel designs. That means 4 Series owners looking to renew their lease deal will have something different to choose from – but it won’t be a deal-maker for most buyers.