BMW Takes an 'If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It' Approach With the 4 Series

Going over the announcement of BMW’s updated 4 Series was reminiscent of my childhood attempts to parse out the difference between two nearly identical images in the monthly Double Check of my Highlights for Children magazine.

Beyond the M Sport styled front bumper and newly standardized LED headlights and taillights for each trim, there is nothing obvious about this mid-cycle refresh of the 4 Series. Most of the improvements are minimal and located below the surface, including the only one that really matters to driving enthusiasts — an improved standard suspension designed to encourage a neutral response at the limit and better feedback.

BMW’s 4 Series has garnered a fair bit of criticism from some reviewers over its handling characteristics and lackluster feedback. Responding, the company says the new standard suspension has been stiffened without destroying ride comfort and should offer reduced roll and better steering feedback. That applies to all cars, including those making use of the M Sport and Adaptive suspensions. The company is also offering higher-performance tires as a factory-installed option for the 430i and up.

Inside the cabin, a digital cockpit cluster and revised infotainment display are welcome improvements. The car comes with Apple CarPlay, serves as a WiFi hotspot, and now has inductive phone charging available in the armrest. BMW is calling the 4 Series “an all-compassing personalized digital mobility assistant” but it’s really just integrating features you have on your phone into the upgraded center console.

Expect new electroplated and chrome finishes for the interior trim, as well as double stitching details on the instrument panel. Outside, BMW has added model-specific wheels and two new colors: Snapper Rocks Blue and Sunset Orange (pictured).

It’s always nice to see a Beemer not in grayscale or navy.

While this information comes from European specification cars, you can safely assume North American versions will be nearly identical. The updated 4 Series should help to further differentiate itself from the 3 Series it owes its existence to, while keeping it competitive against the Audi A5 until its 2020 redesign.

[Images: BMW Group]