Although his appearance seems to have more opponents than advocates, colleague Roy was very happy driving the new 4-series. Great, but what about that enthusiasm if you go for the absolute basic version?
BMW 420iA Coupé
€ 52,516
To get ahead of the jokers: yes, that grille is just standard on the BMW 4-series. In the four-cylinder petrol and diesel models, it is finished in chrome and filled with a mesh pattern that is reserved for M Performance variants on other models. So no vertical bars for the 4-series, such as a 3-series that, for example, is included.
The choice falls on a 420i, because with a price of € 52,500 it is just a bit cheaper than the 420d. With 184 hp, the base-4 is not super fast, but you do not have to be ashamed. The car goes from 0 to 100 in 7.5 seconds and an automatic transmission is standard on all variants, so there is no need for gear changes. The added value of a 430i is also more limited than before, because a six-seater is only reserved for the much more expensive M440i.
Rarity
A simply equipped 4-series will always remain a rarity. After all, sporty packages, such as BMW’s own M Sport model variant offers, cannot be dragged around. You can bet that a large part of the buyers in the 4-series would also go for a car in M trim, basic engine or not. That is actually a shame. The M-front (see below) does look more aggressive, but is also less tight than the standard one. We have mainly added the ‘sliding plate’ below to show how great the effect of ‘High-gloss Shadow Line with extension’ is. This package includes a black grille frame, which, especially in combination with a dark body color, is therefore considerably less noticeable than with the standard chrome.
That aside, back to the slip-on. The standard version is equipped in Alpinweiss III, or white. Black is also possible, without paying a cent. The ‘Styling 778’ alloy is the only wheel available in the 17-inch size, all other wheels are 18-inch or larger. Fortunately, LED lighting all around is standard, as is a round exhaust end piece on each side of the rear bumper. Striking: the window frame is finished in black as standard and can only be finished in chrome under the ‘BMW Individual’ banner.
Sports seats
In the interior there is absolutely nothing to choose for the real knakenrijder (although…). A black combination of fabric and ‘Sensatec’ is the only option here and can only be combined without spending money with decorative moldings in ‘Quartz Silber’. To underline the sporty character, the 4-series comes standard with sports seats with – in fact – seat extensions.
It is also noteworthy that the 4-series is equipped with a climate control system with three zones as standard, while the rear seats in a coupé often remain unused. Also standard are a keyless start system, cruise control (without spacer), an automatically dimming interior mirror and a rain sensor.
Plus is standard
Under the heading ‘navigation, communication and infotainment’ we find the most important ingredient ‘BMW Live Cockpit Plus’. This basic package includes an 8.8-inch screen, which can be operated either by touch or with the central iDrive button. The instrumentation still has round clocks, but is supplemented with a relatively large color screen. Navigation is available, but in a fairly simple form. Fortunately, a comprehensive suite of connectivity options is also standard, so every 4 Series comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Naturally, the Bluetooth connection with the telephone is also part of the standard equipment.
Get dressed
What do we not have? Well enough. This starts when you get in, because the standard-4 simply has to be unlocked at the touch of a key. For example, seat heating is also missing. Every BMW gets a solid boost from a ‘High Executive’ package. In the case of the 4 Series, this includes leather upholstery, a serious alarm system, heated seats, LED fog lamps, laser light headlamps and the BMW Live Cockpit Professional package, which includes a larger screen, more extensive navigation system, digital instruments and additional USB. connections. Nice stuff, but that costs € 4,995. Add to that the necessary loose options and a more cheerful exterior, and you know that you will also very quickly spend a five-digit amount on decoration with this car.