2016 BMW 430i Coupe REVIEW | Athleticism And Poise… And Style In Spades
ON THE ONE HAND YOU HAVE THE RIPPING BMW M4, ON THE OTHER THE BMW 420i; AND IN THE MIDDLE IS THE 430i. And, on balance - for price, features and performance - this turbo-charged four-cylinder coupe may just be the pick of BMW’s 4 Series team.
As you no doubt know, the 4 Series is the coupe version of the top-selling BMW 3 Series range.
Not that the 3 Series is unattractive, but it’s fair to say that the sedan is overshadowed by its elegant and sporty-looking coupe stablemate (another top-notch job by BMW’s stylists).
Vehicle Style: Prestige Mid-Size Coupe
Price: $79,855 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo petrol | 8sp automatic
Fuel Economy Claimed: 5.8l/100kms | Tested: 7.2l/100kms
OVERVIEW
BMW boosted the 4 Series line-up with the 430i coupe when it rolled out a mid-life update a few months back.
At $79,855, the BMW 430i replaces the previous 428i in the range but requires some $2500 less from your ATM.
That value is ramped-up when you consider the BMW 430i includes as standard the M Sport package which adds beautiful 19-inch alloy wheels, the gorgeous thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Dakota leather seats, black and aluminium trim highlights and a high-gloss black front grille.
On top of that, you can add other handy extras such as BMW Driving Assistant, Lane-Change Warning, Head-Up Display and the surround view camera system.
THE INTERIOR | RATING: 4/5
- Standard Features: ‘BMW Individual’ instrument panel in Dakota leather, M Sport steering wheel, sports front seats, Dakota leather seats (electric adjustment for the fronts including lumbar support) dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning 60:40 split-fold rear seat
- Infotainment: Nine speaker audio with 8-inch colour screen, AM/FM/CD/DAB+, Bluetooth compatibility, AUX-IN and USB connection, Navigation System Professional
- Cargo Volume: 445 litres
The 430i is yet another example of why BMW ranks in the top three or four automotive brands for interior design (our opinion). In many ways the basic layout hasn’t changed for decades, but constant refinement, new technology and – of course – top-shelf materials make BMWs special.
Naturally, the 430i’s case is aided by standard fitment of the M Sport Package and the leather-trimmed dashboard.
While not the full-on M specification 'race' buckets, the front sports seats are supportive and enjoy excellent extendable under-thigh support (electronic adjustment).