The 4 Series Coupe is one of BMW’s newest nameplates, having been introduced in 2013. It replaced the previous-generation 3 Series Coupe after BMW decided to split the two- and four-door versions of the compact car into distinct products. Besides the revised exterior and interior that comes with every redesign and the new name, the 4 Series also received a turbocharged six-cylinder instead of the previous naturally aspirated V-8, a change that affected the four-door 3 Series as well.
After three years on the market without any changes whatsoever, the 4 Series is getting a mid-cycle facelift for the 2017 model year. That’s the word from our trusty paparazzi, who caught the updated 4 Series stretching its wheels on public roads. Naturally, the test car wears the usual black-and-white camouflage, but the fact that only certain parts are hidden provide some hints as to what will change with the facelift. As with most BMW updates, or Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) as the German brand likes to call it, the facelift will be rather mild inside and out.
There’s no word as to when the refreshed coupe will hit dealerships, but a debut is likely to happen by the end of the year. Until we find out more, have a look at our speculative review below.
Continue reading to learn more about the BMW 4 Series Coupe.
Spy Shots
July 21, 2016 – First testing session
Exterior
Given that the camo covers only the front and rear fascias of the car, it’s safe to assume that BMW 
won’t meddle with the 4 Series beyond these sections. Up front, the overall shape of the bumper and headlamps seems to be the same. However, some changes are noticeable in the lower apron. The foglamps get new surrounds with openings toward the center of the bumper, while the lower grille gets an additional horizontal bar. The headlamps also have new graphics, being similar to newer BMW vehicles.
The foglamps get new surrounds with openings toward the center of the bumper
Not much can be seen around back as the rear is camouflaged from the trunk lid spoiler all the way to the exhaust pipes, but we expect the coupe to get similar changes. A revised bumper and new taillights graphics should give the 4 Series a fresh look. Other than that, look for the coupe to carry over unchanged. A couple of new paints might find their way into the color palette.
Interior
With no photos of the interior, it’s difficult to predict what will change on the inside, but if previous BMW facelifts are any indication, the 4 Series LCI should carry over with little changes. An updated infotainment system with a redesigned menu should be the most important improvement, but BMW could also add new apps and upgrades in the tech department. New upholstery and trim options aren’t out of the question, but don’t expect the Germans to alter the overall design of the cabin. All told, the 4 Series will remain a solid contender in the premium market on the inside, with plenty of customizing options from the brand’s Individual division.
Drivetrain
Several changes are in store in the drivetrain department, all of which we’ve already seen in effect on the facelifted 3 Series. Arguably the most important change will be the addition of a new, twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter, inline-six engine. The all-aluminum powerplant will crank out 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque in the 440i model, which will replace the 435i and its 300 horses and 300 pound-feet.
Several changes are in store in the drivetrain department, all of which we’ve already seen in effect on the facelifted 3 Series
The 428i will also get an upgraded engine and a new name. The model will be known as the 430i and its 2.0-liter turbo-four will get a 10-horsepower and three-pound-feet update for a new output of 250 horses and 258 pound-feet.
All the remaining versions will carry over unchanged, including the 181-horsepower, 200-pound-feet 420i and the 181-horsepower, 280-pound-feet 428d.
In Europe, customers will continue to have access to the 418d with 148 horsepower and 236 pound-feet, the 425d with 215 horses and 332 pound-feet, the 430d with 254 horsepower and 413 pound-feet, and the 435d with a whopping 309 horsepower and 465 pound-feet.
It’s not yet known whether the 4 Series will receive the 3 Series’ hybrid drivetrain. Offered in the 330e model, it brings together a 2.0-liter turbo-four and an 80-kW electric motor for a total output of 252 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of twist.
Prices
Pricing for the 4 Series is expected to increase with the facelift, but the hike shouldn’t be significant. In the U.S., the update coupe will probably start from around $42,000. The outgoing model fetches $41,650 before options. In European markets where less powerful models are available, such as Germany, the “new” 4 Series will likely retail from around €37,500.
Competition
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
The current C-Class Coupe is a couple of years younger than the 4 Series, having been introduced in 2015. It is based on the W205-generation C-Class sedan, which arrived in 2014 with a brand-new design, a gorgeous, luxurious interior, and new engines. Heavily based on the sedan as far as styling goes, the coupe is also almost identical to its four-door cousin on the inside. Not only more stylish than the 4 Series, the C-Class’ interior also employs better materials and more advanced technology. Under the hood, it is available with a wide array of gasoline and diesel engines. Output ranges from 154 to 362 horsepower and 168 to 228 horsepower, respectively. U.S. pricing starts from $38,950.
Find out more about the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe here.
Audi A5
Redesigned for the 2017 model year, the A5 is the newest premium compact coupe on the market. Now sporting the more angular design that debuted on the latest-generation A4, the A5 also ditched the previous and date interior design for a new dash with a continuous air vent strip and Audi’s latest technology and trim. The German coupe received five drivetrains at launch, including two gasoline and three diesel units with output between 190 and 286 horsepower. In the U.S., the new A5 will debut with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-pot producing around 255 horses. Pricing is expected to start from around $43,000 on these shores.
Learn more about the Audi A5 here.
Lexus RC
The RC is not as popular as the 4 Series, C-Class Coupe, and A5, but it’s only because the nameplate is was only introduced a couple of years ago. Despite not having the cachet of its German competitors, the RC is actually a potent coupe that also has the luxury amenities and the aggressive looks that would recommend it as a good proposition to what BMW, Mercedes -Benz, and Audi have to offer. It’s available with three drivetrains, starting with a 2.0-liter turbo-four rated at 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet. Then there’s a 3.5-liter V-8 with 255 horses and 236 pound-feet and a higher-performance model with the same drivetrain tuned up to 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet. U.S. pricing starts from $39,995, making it one of the most affordable models in this segment.
Read more about the Lexus RC here.
Conclusion
Although it seems that the 4 Series isn’t getting too many significant updates, this is far from surprising given previous BMW facelifts. And it’s not bad news either, as the coupe has everything it needs to remain a popular choice for three or four years. Granted, the C-Class Coupe is the fancier and better equipped option here, but the new features offered with the facelift should enable the Bimmer to give its most important competitor a run for its money.