The BMW 4 Series Coupe range is being expanded in Europe with the addition of a new entry-level petrol model and the range's first all-wheel-drive diesel.
Powered by a 135kW/270Nm turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder, the new BMW 420i will sit below the 180kW/350Nm 428i in Europe.
Coming as standard with a six-speed manual transmission, the 420i will be optionally available with an eight-speed automatic.
BMW Australia is yet to confirm if the new model will join the local line-up, however, a more affordable entry point than the $73,200 135kW/380Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel 420d appears likely.
Teamed exclusively with BMW's all-wheel-drive system, the 435d xDrive will be home to a 230kW/630Nm 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel.
Claimed to deliver a best fuel consumption figure of 5.4L/100km, the oil burner is tied to an eight-speed automatic.
The German manufacturer is also making XDrive available as an option on the new 420i and existing 420d – from the 4 Series coupe's European launch in June, BMW offered optional XDrive variants of its petrol-powered 428i and 435i.
BMW Australia product communications manager Scott Croaker told CarAdvice the Xdrive option will not be offered locally.
"It's [Australia] not a viable market, but never say never," Croaker said.
A new Modern Line trim package will, however, become available as a no cost option for the 4 Series Coupe from November production and includes bespoke light-alloy wheels, satin aluminium design elements, Oyster-coloured seat upholstery and a leather sports steering wheel.
Accompanying the 4 Series updates, BMW also announced that a Traffic Jam Assistant and fully automatic Parking Assistant will be introduced on the 5 Series sedan and wagon from November and the new X5 from December.
Croaker said the Traffic Jam Assistant will not be available in Australia, but the parking system, which helps drivers identify and drive into parallel parking spaces via automated steering and pedal control, will be seen locally.
Finally, a range of unique 'Frozen' paint finishes for the M5 and M6 Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe that have only been available in Australia as a 'special request', will now be offered as an Individual paint option. They include Frozen Black, Frozen Blue, Frozen Red, and Frozen Brilliant White, with M6 variants also gaining Frozen Cashmere Silver.
The BMW 4 Series Coupe is due to arrive in local showrooms in October.
