Car History: BMW 4 Series
Sporty designs, agile handling and a knack for speed make the BMW cars stand out from the rest. Among the brand’s many models, the 4-series is one such well-rounded name. The luxury car is available in different body styles including convertible and coupe. Moreover, this series has a strong reputation for its impressive performance and distinguished styling.
Let’s take a look at the BMW 4 series history which highlights its journey through the years.
History of BMW 4 Series
The 4 series came into the market as a successor to the 3 series. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of BMW. Evolved over the years, the series is now available in different body types including coupe, Gran coupe and convertible.
BMW 4 Series is also one of the most popular used German cars under 250k, marking its popularity in the UAE market. Here is a rundown of the BMW 4 series generations.
BMW 4 SERIES FIRST GENERATION (2013-2020)
The first generation of the BMW 4 series model history made its way in 2013. It was launched as a new coupe class at the North American Auto Show in Detroit.
The 4 series flaunted a sleek front fascia with a narrow car grille and swept-back headlights. The raked car pillars added to the car’s sporty appearance while the broad rear wheel arches completed the look. In addition, the twin LED headlights were optional for the model.
On the inside, the 4 series came standard with bucket seats. It also featured a centre stack and a driver-focused centre console. Moreover, the dashboard came with a floating screen for the BMW iDrive system. The rear space was further increased by the folding seats.
For the engine options, BMW offered many choices for the 4 series. It was offered as a rear-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive. They were mated with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine options for different trims were as follows:
- 420i RWD, delivering 184 horsepower.
- 420i xDrive AWD, with 184 horsepower.
- 428i RWD, boasting 245 horsepower.
- 428i xDrive AWD, providing 245 horsepower.
- 435i RWD, offering 306 horsepower.
- 435i xDrive AWD, with the same 306 horsepower output.
BMW 4 SERIES FIRST GENERATION FACELIFT (2018)
The 4 series quickly garnered attention among car enthusiasts in the coupe market due to its practicality. The BMW 4 series old models received a car facelift in 2018.
The series was available in coupe, Gran coupe and convertible body types. Moreover, the interior offered ample legroom and headroom.
This refreshed version of the BMW 4 series history came standard with BMW’s xDrive technology. Additionally, it offered different car driving modes such as Comfort, Eco Pro and Sport. It also came with different engine options that were mated to either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox.
BMW 4 SERIES SECOND GENERATION (2020-PRESENT)
The second generation of the BMW 4 series was unveiled in September 2019 at Frankfurt Motor Show. This generation of the series appeared wider and more sporty.
It flaunted the signature car grille of BMW alongside a pair of vents and a front bumper. The headlights were offered with LED technology while the laser was optional. In addition, the slanted C-pillars gave the model a sculptured look. The rear was completed with a three-slat splitter and a dual exhaust system.
Standard interior features of the car included sport-bucket seats and a TFT colour display in the instrument cluster. The centre stack housed the infotainment system with connectivity through Apple CarPlay and support for Android phones. Moreover, automatic gearbox variants came with paddle shifters for added control.
Speaking of engine options for these models of the BMW 4 series history, they included the following:
- The lineup comprised two petrol-powered engine options: the 420i with 184 horsepower and the 430i with 258 horsepower. They both featured an eight-speed automatic transmission.
- Additionally, there was a mild hybrid engine, the M 440i xDrive with 374 horsepower. It was available with an all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
BMW 4 SERIES SECOND GENERATION FACELIFT (2024)
In 2024, another facelift has become a part of the BMW 4 series history.
The 2024 4 Series features a divisive front design with horizontal slats on its tall kidney grille. New LED headlights, standard across all car trims, offer improved visibility, with optional laser technology. Moreover, the lower front apron has vents beside the grille and side scoops to optimise airflow to the brakes and around the bodywork.
The 4 Series sports standard 19-inch alloy wheels and enlarged wheel fenders on both car axles. At the rear, standard LED taillights can be upgraded to a ‘Laserlight’ system.
Inside, the 2024 4 Series has new high-quality materials and an updated infotainment system running on BMW’s iDrive OS 8.5. A curved glass piece atop the dashboard covers the instrument panel and touchscreen interface. The car also has a sports steering wheel and standard paddle shifters complemented by high-bolstered sports seats.
The latest BMW 4 Series generations offer a range of powertrain options. They include two petrol engines: the 420i RWD, delivering 184 horsepower. The other is the 430i xDrive AWD model with an output of 245 horsepower. Both are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Additionally, a mild hybrid engine option is available in the form of the M440i xDrive MHEV. It generates up to 374 horsepower and is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
FAQs
Is the BMW Series 4 a good car?
The BMW 4 Series offers performance, luxury and style, making it a strong contender in its segment.
Is the BMW 4 Series a coupe?
The models throughout the BMW 4 series history are available in three car body types: coupe, Gran coupe and convertible.
When did BMW start the 4 Series?
The history of the BMW 4 series began in 2013.
This wraps up the BMW 4 series history. Throughout its journey, the model has continued to deliver speed, sleek design and the latest technology. If you are interested in buying this car, consider these used BMW 4 series cars for sale in the UAE.
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