2016 BMW 420i Coupe new car review

Minor changes increase the value but don't alter the character of BMW's entry-level coupe

August 10 2016

Andrew MacLean

Why are we driving it?

BMW has recently introduced a mid-life upgrade for the entire 4-Series range that brings new equipment, revised engine performance and slightly modified styling to the coupe, convertible and four-door Gran Coupe models. Despite the modest increases in power and features, all variants are better value than before too.

We're testing what is likely to be one of the more popular options, the petrol-powered 420i coupe that kick starts the 4-Series family at $68,900 (plus-on-road costs) – a $2200 discount over its predecessor.

What we like:

The 4-Series remains a stylish two-door coupe that, in 420i form, offers a decent spread of luxury, performance and value for money.

On top of the discount, the 420i now comes fitted with adaptive suspension that gives the car better on-road dynamics – both for comfort in the city and sportiness through the bends – as well as the added safety of a head-up display, lane change warning, driving assistant and a 360-degree camera.

Apart from that, the 2.0-litre turbo charged four cylinder has been tweaked to reduce fuel consumption with a claimed average of 5.8L/100km even though its peak outputs remain static at 135kW and 270Nm. While it isn't a firecracker of an engine compared to the more powerful options across the range (there's an uprated 180kW 2.0-litre in the 430i, a 245kw turbo six cylinder in the 440i and an efficient yet grunt 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 140kW/400Nm in the 420d variants), it is smooth in the way it delivers power across a broad rev range and beautifully calibrated with the eight-speed automatic transmission.

The overall balance of the 420i's handling package is nicely integrated with a level of compliance that makes it comfortable to use everyday while still offering a level of road holding that enthusiasts will enjoy on a twisty back country road.

It also has a nice seating position with plenty of adjustment to suit most drivers, the multimedia system is among the most comprehensive for modern connectivity functions and there's adequate space in the two rear seats for adults to travel short distances without too much compromise.

What we dislike:

You'd have to be a BMW tragic to notice the styling changes, which are limited to a mildly revised front bumper and slight alterations at the rear.

And even though BMW has loaded it with more gear there are still some critical items that remain on the options list, like heated seats, adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking that are fairly common on more affordable cars and, in some cases, fitted standard to the 4-Series' most direct rival, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.

Would we buy it?

Even though the upgrades seem fairly minor in the grand scheme of things, it's more of a case of 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' as the current generation 4-Series remains a stylish yet affordable luxury coupe with a good driving pedigree.

However, it is starting to show its age against the all-new C-Class Coupe in terms of interior presentation, and we'd hold off until the fresh-as-a-daisy second-generation Audi A5 arrives before making a final decision.