With coverage of the BMW 4 Series somewhat inevitably focusing on two aspects - what the M4 will be like, and you-know-what - the fact that it's been received quite favourably seems to have been overlooked. The recent PH review concluded the M440i xDrive to be "a sweetly judged driver's car that feels at home pretty much everywhere." High praise indeed. And now the diesel equivalent is upon us, promising more of the same.
The new M440d xDrive Coupe is, for those up to speed on BMW's sprawling range, exactly what you might expect. It's a two-door 4 Series with the mild hybrid, 3.0-litre straight-six diesel that's proved so mightily impressive in the 3 Series. Power and torque are identical, which means a chunky 340hp and 516lb ft; the eight-speed auto and xDrive all-wheel drive mean 62mph is passed in just 4.6 seconds. According to the WLTP test, the 440d is capable of between 44.8 and 49.5mpg (depending on options) and 150-164g/km of CO2.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, a familiar adversary from practically mirrors the BMW on vital numbers. The Audi S5 TDI also has 3.0-litres, six cylinders and mild hybrid technology to help it along, producing 347hp and 516lb ft in the process. It's within two tenths of a second to 62mph, but does lag behind a little on efficiency: 40.9mpg and 180g/km are the official scores.
Alongside the M440d xDrive, BMW has also introduced another six-cylinder diesel to the 4 Series line up: the 430d xDrive. To all intents and purposes, it's a slightly slower 440 without the M influence, using the same 3.0-litre mild hybrid straight six - albeit here with 286hp and 479lb ft. That means performance takes a slight knock, but the 430d is still rated at 5.1 seconds to 62mph. Plus anything up to 54.3mpg and 137g/km.
Elsewhere BMW has used the model update to introduce some interesting new options to the 4 Series range. Both coupe and convertible will be offered with two matt 'Frozen' paint finishes - Portimao Blue and Deep Grey - as well as a new Brilliant White metallic. More Merino leather colours are on the options list "to ensure exclusive flair in the interior."
And that's not all - buyers can also opt for a carbon roof. Familiar from M cars all the way back to the M3 CSL, it's now being offered on both petrol and diesel M Performance derivatives of the 3 and 4 Series. BMW says it "emphasises dynamic charisma and at the same time lowers the vehicle's centre of gravity further to make it even more agile." The new models and options will enter production in March, so expect prices a little nearer the time. Might be able to visit the dealer by then, too.
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