It’s the brand new BMW 4 Series with controversial grille and all. It has officially launched in South Africa. We have to get this out there, we like the new grille, but we do see why some do not. For now, we will put that aside and take a look at what is being offered in SA.
New styling to make the BMW 4 Series unique.
Before, the BMW 4 Series was a bit like another 3 Series, and what’s the point of it all if you can’t stand out? This is why BMW has completely changed its design. Now the 4 Series is its own car getting a little bigger with pride too.
Inside, BMW has fitted the new model with an M leather steering wheel and sports seats. Just like the 3, this 4 Series will get a 10.25 infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster.
Three options on launch with more to come.
At launch, BMW is offering the 4 Series in three variants. 420i, 420d and the flagship M440i xDrive. It won’t stay that way for too long because a new flagship, the M4 Competition, will arrive next year with a convertible M4 too.
To kick us off, let’s start with the 420i. It gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 135 kW and 300 Nm. This should be good to go from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds. Top speed caps off at 240 km/h.
Next up is the 420d, the diesel option which is actually quicker than the petrol. It’s equipped with a 2,0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. It’s 140 kW and 400 Nm make a spring to 100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds. Although the top speed is the exact same at 240 km/h.
Lastly, we have the M440i xDrive. It’s larger 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine produces 275 kW and 500 Nm. This will get the car to 100 km/h in a mere 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.
All three models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and are fitted with lift-related dampers featuring bespoke tuning. This comes with a beefed-up M suspension as well.
Local pricing in South Africa.
As standard, the BMW will come with a two-year/unlimited km warranty and a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
- 420i: R762 438
- 420d:R807 316
- M440i xDrive: R1 185 954
Source: BMW