The first spy shots of the facelifted BMW 4 Series coupe have found their way into our inbox, including the rapid M440i model. With other BMWs like the 3 Series and X5 recently receiving mid-cycle facelifts, it was only a matter of time before the second-generation 4 Series was updated too.
Pictured below, we can see the regular 4 Series in grey and the M440i in blue; one of the telltale differences between the two relates to the dual exhaust pipes, which are larger and have a different design for the M440i. In front, the main changes seem to relate to the headlights, which have a new LED lighting signature that is similar to what we've seen on the latest X5. The big grille is still there, and why not? BMW fans love the new 4 Series, after all.
As our spies correctly pointed out, the standard 4 Series has a familiar elongated grille with a studded finish, but the M440i has a camouflaged grille showing horizontal vanes like on combustion-powered M cars, which indicates more extensive updates to this particular model. Minor changes to the bumpers and taillights of both cars are in evidence, and rumors suggest that the base 4 Series - the 430i in the USA - will now come with M Sport bumpers as standard, as is the case with this grey prototype.
While M Sport BMWs are very popular, it will be a pity if the 430i and M440i looked more similar. The simple, more understated approach of the base 430i has always been a nice contrast to the more aggressive M440i.
As for the interiors of these models, we already know that the 4 Series will be coming with an updated infotainment interface in the spring. This will introduce iDrive 8 with the brand's Curved Display which combines a 12.3-inch driver's display with a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. BMW is constantly improving iDrive, though, and Operating System 9 is scheduled to arrive in the X1 in November, making us wonder if the 4 Series could skip iDrive 8.5 - which will debut on the new 5 Series - and jump straight to 9.
No major mechanical upgrades are expected for the updated 4 Series, but we don't have a problem with this. Even the 430i is rapid with its 255-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine enabling a 0-60 time of well under six seconds. The muscular M440i, with its 3.0-liter inline-six engine making 382 hp, is still the star of the show, with enough power to make you wonder why you'd ever need an M4.
The facelifted 4 Series is expected to go into production early next year.