What is it?
The lightest, most aerodynamic and fuel-efficient version of the all-new second-generation BMW 4 Series – which, in all five of its two-door coupé-bodied launch derivatives, has now landed in the UK. Pretty soon, then, if you haven’t already, you’ll get a chance to make up your own mind about how it looks in the metal.
And if your opinion reflects what seems to be the pretty widely shocked, confused and occasionally disgusted majority consensus, your next question might well be to wonder what the 4 Series’ wider package can possibly do to make up for the deficiencies of what we might call its ‘impactful’ styling. That’s a word chosen quite deliberately, by the way – because the only rationale this tester can think of to explain why this car looks the way it does is so that you might be able to inadvertently involve it in a light frontal collision and, from a distance at least, not immediately see the difference.
There are four engines on offer in this car to begin with; five versions in all if you count two- and four-wheel-drive derivatives separately. The range-topping 369bhp M440i xDrive is for now the only multi-cylinder option and is one of only two all-wheel drive options, the other being an xDrive version of the 420d. If you like your diesels with more than four cylinders, meanwhile, there will be 430d and M440d options arriving on sale in the UK in the new year.
Among the more affordable four-cylinder options, though, BMW offers 181bhp 420i and 255bhp 430i turbocharged petrols, but only the diesels and the six-pot petrol get the benefit of BMW’s new 48V mild-hybrid assistance set-up. I’m not sure why that’s the case, but it certainly stands to widen still further the gap that has traditionally separated the real-world fuel efficiency of BMW diesels and petrols. Almost 20mpg now stands between the ‘WLTP combined’ lab test running economy of a new 420i and 420d, which is enough to make anyone think twice about whether they’re quite ready to move to petrol power for their next German coupé.
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BMW finally designs an appealing grill.
With one caveat.... the SE version of the new 4 without the machismo M Sport ancillary variations is a very integrated and appealing look to me.
I bought a new 320d Sport this year and while I'm delighted with the driving experience and interior the exterior design always looks slightly odd, both front and rear.I don't have that look over my shoulder after parking pleasure I've had from other cars I've owned. This new frontal design (again I stress in SE version) has an old school American muscle car influence that really appeals to me. It also move away from the Russian doll approach even if modern BMW interiors are virtually indistibguishable from each other. If I had to have one or the other I would have this unique and distinctive look and settle for what is probably a very well designed interior anyway. I acknowledge that the SE version is not on sale in UK/Irl yet but I reckon it will be launched within a few months.
This car makes me want to buy
This car makes me want to buy an SUV. Ugly on the outside and another rubbish BMW interior. It lacks any appeal. Cars like this need to excite if they want a future.
Jaguar sell very few XEs yet
Jaguar sell very few XEs yet it comes with 2 completely different front ends. BMW are just being stuborn not offering people a choice between this new design, or something more traditional.
As for the diesel version tested, i do wonder who will buy this now. It wont be company car drivers, who will want to pay less tax and something that comes with a plug, it wont be private buyers, unless they cover vast distances under the warranty, and dont care what its worth afterwards.