Twinned with the 3 Series, the 4er has been refreshed – both visually and technically – for model year 2025. To be launched worldwide in March 2024, the Life Cycle Impulse comes exclusively as a mild hybrid in the US and Europe.
Over in the United States, the 2025 BMW 4 Series range comprises the four-cylinder 430i and six-cylinder M440i. Both are rear-wheel drive by default, whereas xDrive adds $2,000 to the tally. In terms of pricing, the 4er kicks off at $50,700 and tops $74,250 for the M440i xDrive Convertible (plus $995 for the destination and handling fee).
The 2.0-liter B48B20O2 and 3.0-liter B58B30M2 are joined by ZF's well-known automatic transmission. As for the mild-hybrid setup, the 48-volt system comprises a crankshaft-mounted starter generator that develops 11 horsepower and 148 pound-feet (200 Nm) of torque. BMW quotes 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet (400 Nm) for the Miller-cycle B48 on its own, whereas the Otto-cycle B58 belts out 375 hp and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm).
In addition to assisting the internal combustion engine, said 48-volt system also goes to the 12-volt electrical system to power the vehicle's electrical consumers. While on the subject of electrical stuff, the other big change over the 2024 model is Laserlight accents for the 4er's taillights. The laser diodes illuminate glass fiber bundles, which gives off a three-dimensional effect to the taillights.
Laserlight taillights are standard on the M440i, whereas the 430i can get them as part of the Shadowline Package. In Europe and the United Kingdom, the 4 Series further sweetens the deal with a choice of 2.0- and 3.0-liter turbo diesels.
Photo: BMW
The least exciting of the bunch offers 190 ps (187 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft), whereas the inline-six sibling is much obliged to deliver 340 ps (355 hp) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft). In other words, the M440d xDrive is torquier than the M4 Competition. For model year 2025, the M4 Competition develops the very same 650 Nm (479 pound-feet) as before, yet power has gone up to 530 ps (523 hp) for the M4 Competition xDrive. Obviously enough, the aforementioned diesels are mild hybrid as well.
From the standpoint of exterior design, the fancy taillights are joined by revised headlights that use LEDs rather than laser technology. The oversized kidney grilles are pretty much unchanged on the 430i, whereas the M440i sports horizontally arranged bars. Previously finished in Cerium Gray, the front apron design elements are now black.
BMW also worked its magic inside. From the flat-bottom steering wheel to the steering wheel's illuminated buttons and shift paddles, Curved Display dual-screen layout, revised ambient lighting, iDrive 8.5 operating system, and new air vents, small changes make up a big difference.
The 4 Series Coupe and 4 Series Convertible now come standard with Personal eSIM, allowing the user to enjoy communications and connectivity functions in the car. Last but not least, BMW Maps Augmented View supplements the satellite navigation system's map display with tips and information. For example, a directional arrow is displayed at tricky junctions or roundabouts to help drivers take the correct turn.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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