By: IOL Motoring Staff
BMW's 4 Series is finally getting with the (engine) programme, with local models now gaining the improved technology that made its debut in the facelifted 3 Series last October.
Topping the charts is a new 440i, which replaces the 435i and features BMW's newly-developed, lightweight 3-litre six-cylinder 'TwinPower' turbopetrol engine. It produces 240kW between 5500 and 6500rpm and 450Nm from 1380, gaining 15kW and 50Nm over its identically-sized predecessor.
The new engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, as standard, and according to BMW, you can expect the 440i Coupé to sprint from 0-100km/h in exactly five seconds, with the five-door Gran Coupe taking 5.1 seconds and the heavier convertible needing 6.3s.
May the four be with you
The new six-cylinder is part of BMW's new modular engine family, which has also spawned a new 2-litre, four-cylinder TwinPower petrol that you can now sample at the lower end of the 2016 4 Series range.
As per the 3-Series, two versions of this engine are available to local buyers. Playing the middle man is the new 430i (yes with a 2-litre, not 3-litre as the badge might imply). This one's good for 185kW at 5200rpm and 350Nm from 1450, an improvement of 5kW over the 428i that it replaces.
At the bottom end, and with a badge to match the engine, is the 420i, fitted with a 135kW/270Nm version of the new engine, which matches the outputs of its predecessor.
The 420i and 430i are sold as standard with a good ol' fashioned manual gearbox and both can be ordered with BMW's eight-speed auto. Despite missing two cylinders the 430i actually runs its bigger brother close against the clock, with a claimed sprint time, for the Coupe, of 5.9 seconds (manual) and 5.8 seconds (auto). The 420i takes 7.3s as a manual and 7.5s in auto guise.
This big happy modular engine family also includes a new diesel in the 420d, with power and torque up from 135kW/380Nm to 140kW and 400Nm, and 0-100km/h times of 7.1 - 7.3 secs.
Standard features across the range include Dakota leather seats, automatic climate control, cruise control with brake function, keyless engine start and a six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth and steering wheel controls. A vast array of gadgets then awaits those prepared to brave the options list.
PRICES
4 Series Coupe
420i manual - R530 096
420i auto - R548 198
420d manual - R563 500
420d auto - R582 400
430i manual - R612 122
430i auto - R629 426
440i auto - R786 876
4 Series Gran Coupe (5-door)
420i manual - R530 096
420i auto - R548 198
420d manual - R564 000
420d auto - R582 900
430i manual - R613 122
430i auto - R630 426
440i auto - R786 876
4 Series Convertible
420i manual - R624 850
420i auto - R642 724
430i manual - R727 876
430i auto - R744 952
440i auto - R895 446
ALTERNATIVES
Audi A5 Sportback 2.0T SE (165kW) - R585 000
Audi S5 Coupe quattro (245kW) - R847 500
Ford Mustang 2.3T Fastback (233kW) - R699 900
Ford Mustang 2.3T Convertible (233kW) - R779 900
Lexus RC 200t EX (180kW) - R688 800
Lexus RC 350 F-Sport (233kW) - R776 000
Mercedes C200 Coupe (135kW) - R552 924
Mercedes C300 Coupe (180kW) - R664 518