Forget the looks, 4-Series is brilliant
Seems this year there have been many talked about cars making quite an entrance. One that has done so unlike any other has been the 4-Series. With those unusual looks and controversial styling would it live up to previous BMW coupes, or be the car we’d love to hate. Ernest Page finds out!
“It’s actually not that bad!” Is the sentiment that echoed as we stood back and stared at the oversized grille on the new 4-Series. If you’re reading this that’s probably the question you’ve been wanting to get answered but before I give you my final verdict on those looks lets talk about its other abilities first.
The Engines
Featuring the famed B58 engine found in the Supra and M40i the M440i flagship 4-Series certainly makes all the right pops and crackles as it zings its way past 7000rpm and to the 100km/h mark in just 4.7 seconds. The 275kW is delivered instantly via the new software on that 8-speed gearbox and although there aren’t any burps in between gears, there certainly isn’t much waiting around as the car changes up through the cogs. The other model driven, the 135kW 420d is unsurprisingly great at doing the job and dare I say, more suited to the chassis for when it comes to long-distance touring. My driving partner and I opted to hoon around in the M440i first and then had a leisurely cruise around Hermanus in the 400Nm 420d. The torque provided was plenty with mid-speed cruising a joy in the diesel model. The 440d arrives in March 2021 and should be a brilliant car based on my experience with the 420.
Fuel consumption is rated at 7.1l/100 for the M440i and 4.2l/100 for the 420d.
Behind the wheel.
The seats are soft yet oh so supportive. BMW once again shines when it comes to interior look, feel and details. The rev counter is still the one we’re all trying to get used to but as with most things (maybe not that grille), it’s starting to grow on us. The suspension on the M440i is unsurprisingly firm and the 420D quite the opposite. Completely inline with potential customers requirements. Of course, there’s not much space to speak about at the rear but, if you need rear legroom, get the 3 series. USB C plugs abound and unlike Mercedes, BMW has given us the large, and small plug options.
The 4-Series, just like most BMW’s is almost flawless upon first inspection. The only gripe from me is the steering feels numb and after some thought, I think it might have something to do with those run-flat tyres. I was left quite disappointed as the response and feedback doesn’t line up at all with the rest of the M440i’s dynamic ability. X-Drive in the 440i also makes sure that coming out of corners fast or launching off the line at speed is a non-issue and one can feel the extra chassis bracing working to make the car feel sporty and sharp.
Those looks
4-Series isn’t bad from most angles. Some angles work well and this certainly is a car that needs to be appreciated in the flesh, so I would suggest reserving judgment until you’ve seen it for yourself. Having said that I still don’t like the grille, but for me, it’s not a deal-breaker. passers-by stare and wave and most people that we surveyed said they liked it much more when enjoyed up close and in person. The typical 4-Series owner is style-conscious, so I’m quite content to sit back and see how well this marketing tactic plays out.
The first part of BMW’s marketing plan certainly has worked. We’re all talking about those looks and the 4-series has made a massive splash in the media. I’m willing to look past those looks as this is, frankly a brilliant car, perfectly suited at what it’s supposed to do. And who knows, in 10 years time, we’ll look back at this design as fondly as we do the Bangle designs of yore.
