BMW has announced an update for the 4 Series Gran Coupe models, including the electric i4. A lightly reworked nose is among the highlights, along with an enhanced interior and updated technology.
Refreshed bodywork
Although the changes aren’t massive, as these images show, there have been some tweaks to the nose of the 4 Series, in line with those revealed earlier in the year for the 4 Series Coupe and Convertible. The slim headlights and oversized grille remain, much to the chagrin of some, but BMW has applied a matt chrome finish to every version of the Gran Coupe’s grille, as well as a silver mesh structure on the air intakes. The headlights have been upgraded, too, with arrow-shaped signatures and a cleaner-looking internal structure.
Vehicles with the M Sport package now get a high-gloss black diffuser element in the rear bumper, while the combustion-powered cars’ exhausts have grown from 90mm to 100mm in diameter. And there’s a new paint palette, with Fire Red and Cape York Green joining the metallic hues on offer.
Sporty cabin
BMW had already updated the 4 Series cabin with its ‘Curved Display’ infotainment system, housing both the touchscreen and instrument display in one wide fairing, but now the company has upgraded the infotainment system further to improve the voice control and access to the touchscreen climate control system.
The steering wheel has changed, too, with a new polygonal rim and illuminated multifunction buttons, while the M Sport package now adds a flat-bottomed steering wheel with a discreet centre marker denoting the 12 o'clock position.
Changes have been made to the upholstery, too, with the inclusion of new and more sustainable ‘M Performtex’ upholstery for the M Performance models. At the same time, the optional ‘Vernasca’ leather trim with quilting is now offered in a new two-tone, black-and-red colourway, while the BMW Individual Merino leather is offered in three colours.
Petrol or electric power
Diesel versions of the updated 4 Series Gran Coupe do not appear on the Irish price list, and neither does the new all-wheel-drive i4 xDrive40 model announced for some markets.
Performance options
As before, the 4 Series Gran Coupe and the i4 will both be offered with top-of-the-range M Performance models, dubbed the M440i xDrive and M50 xDrive respectively. The former’s 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine sends 374hp to all four wheels, while the latter has two electric motors that send up to 544hp to the road.
Summer launch
Both i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe will go on sale in July this year. The entry-level electric version is the BMW i4 eDrive35, at €61,910, while the petrol-fuelled 420i Gran Coupe retails at €67,180.