The originally-announced price of the BMW 4 Series Coupe has been reduced, and a new entry-level model added, in time for the 3 Series Coupe replacement to go on-sale.
Where previously the diesel 320d Coupe was the entry-level car, the direct replacement BMW 420d Coupe is now $1165 cheaper than before at $71,800, and $1400 cheaper than the price announced by BMW Australia in early August.
Yet the 420d Coupe is now a second-tier model, with a new entry-level model, the BMW 420i Coupe, announced as a late addition to the range priced from $69,500.
Both 420i and 420d are equipped with a standard 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, climate control, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, front and rear parking sensors with rear-view camera, leather trim with electrically adjustable front sports seats, and professional navigation.
Engines follow the equivalent 3 Series with the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel both producing 135kW, the former with 270Nm of torque and the latter with 380Nm. Each send drive to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission and claim a 7.3 second 0-100km/h, while the diesel lists 4.6L/100km combined consumption to the petrol’s 6.3L/100km.
The $80,200 BMW 428i Coupe, meanwhile, is a full $6300 cheaper compared with the planned pricing announced two months ago. It adds 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive dampers, auto-dip rear-view mirror, premium audio, internet functionality and lumbar support. Its more powerful version of the 420i petrol engine produces 180kW and 350Nm, with the same auto helping it achieve a 5.8 second 0-100km/h and 6.4L/100km combined consumption sticker.
At the top of the new coupe range, the $108,500 BMW 435i Coupe has had no price alteration, and includes exterior M Sport package with aerodynamic package, unique alloy wheels and steering wheel, auto keyless entry and start, black roofliner, Harman Kardon audio and variable Sport steering. Its 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder makes 225kW and 400Nm, with the auto version sprinting 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.1 seconds and slurping an indicated 7.4L/100km combined.
Modern, Luxury and Sport exterior and interior packages are no-cost options across the entire BMW 4 Series Coupe.
On 420i and 420d, the adaptive suspension – which is much-needed on the 3 Series to provide decent country-road body control – is a $1692-2200 option (depending on whether the vehicle as-optioned exceeds the $75K luxury tax threshold), while Sport steering can be added to those models and the 428i for $400-520.
An M Sport kit, including adaptive suspension, is available for $3231-4200 on 420i and 420d, and $1538-2000 on 428i, and is standard on 435i.
Across-the-range options include sunroof ($2246-2920), driving assistant (including approach control warning and lane departure warning – $692-900), active cruise control ($1231-1600), surround view camera ($1000-1300), auto-parking function ($519-675), head-up display ($1308-1700), and digital radio tuner ($385-500).
Optional adaptive LED headlights ($2539-3300) can for the first time block out oncoming cars automatically on the 4 Series Coupe, while standard launch control and ECO PRO coasting mode – which disconnects the transmission from the engine to save fuel when off the throttle – also debut on auto models (a six-speed manual is a no-cost option across the range).
BMW claims the 4 Series Coupe has the lowest centre of gravity of any current model in its range, and despite being wider and offering wider front tracks and retuned suspesion compared with the current 3 Series sedan, offers less front and rear overhang than the outgoing 3 Series Coupe.
It is also longer and wider, yet lighter than the car it replaces, with a 60 per cent increase in torsional rigidity, 0.28 Cd aerodynamics and 50:50 weight distribution.
The BMW 4 Series Coupe is on sale now, with the exception of the 420i, which will arrive in January 2014.
