The 4-Series is a niche formed from sleek BMW bodies on the 3-Series platform: two coupés and a cabriolet. The Coupé is the first in the 4-Series family, followed by the Cabrio and the Gran Coupé. So if you want a more stylish 3-Series, look up in the 4-Series body line-up.
PROS & CONS
Pros
Strong Points
- Efficient Engines
- Superb Automatic Transmission
- Roomy Interior
Recommended Versions
- 420D/Xdrive
- 420I/Xdrive
- 420I/Xdrive
Cons
Weak Points
- Four-Seater Only
Stay Away From
- 418D
Attention
Known Problems & Recalls
- My 2014 And 2015 Recalled Over Potentially Bad Fuel Pumps For 428I And 435I
CAR DETAILS
Drive
Powertrain
Despite its elitist image, the 4-Series Coupé engine line-up isn’t as restrictive as you’d think. Besides the US market – whose shores were reached only by the 242 hp 428i and 435i petrol units –, the engine offer is pretty wide-ranged. There’s even a super-frugal 148 hp 418d diesel available, along with an 181 hp refined 420i. Among the diesel offers is the Europe-adored 187 hp 420d four-pot, that most probably will be the four family bestseller.
All engines can come with all-wheel-drive xDrive (except the 418d) and can couple to a six-speed automatic ‘box (or an eight-speed Steptronic – again, except the 418d) and they are EU6 compliant.
Handling
The 4-Series Coupé offers big rounds of fun, thanks also to the well-weighted steering. It is fun to drive as it is satisfyingly comfortable to cruise – at least as long as it doesn’t sit on 19” wheels. It may not be offering limo-like levels of levitation, but its mild stiffness will neither bother your back.
The 4-Series Coupé shares the platform with the more decent 3-series, albeit the 4 sits on wider tracks. As a brief translation, it handles as good as the most praised compact executive. So this can’t be bad, right?
Safety
Besides the plenty airbags that come as standard (front and side airbags for the driver and his passenger and head airbags for all four occupants), BMW 4-Series Coupé has electronic aids that act accurately and instantly to keep the car on the track.
As optional features, the 4-Series Coupé can be equipped with a cruise control with braking function, or with the Surround View camera array that gives you an extra pair of eyes when maneuvering in tight spaces.
Interior
Comfort
The 4-Series Coupé can be considered a smaller 6-Series (think to Gran Tourer) when it comes riding comfort. The seats are cozy, and the suspension soaks up efficiently road irregularities. Compared to its forerunner, you can tell there’s been a significant improvement.
With its extended wheelbase (again, over the 3-Series) it now can accommodate four adults – yes, the plunged roofline somehow finds headspace even for the six-foot tall passenger.
The cabin is properly soundproofed, so it’s particularly quiet on the road.
Quality
In its standard guise, with fabric seats and plastic ornaments, it still bears the BMW manufacturing quality, but it feels rather vapid, especially in contrast with what the exterior offers you, aesthetically.
Fortunately, you have plenty of packages (Lines) and items in the optional equipment list, so if you want to pamper the cabin with leather, wood, and aluminum, you’ll have a lot to choose from, as long as you’re prepared to throw in some more money.
Practicality
Regarding people carrying, it’s good to know the 4-Series Coupé is a four-seater only – the transmission tunnel and the plunged roofline makes it hard for a fifth person to fit in place.
It’s a coupé body, so you couldn’t expect sedan practicality here. It’s not bad at all yet for most of what you’d ask of it. With its 445-liter capacity, the 4-Series Coupé’s boot is only 35 liters smaller than the sedan’s. Not bad, right?
Infotainment
BMW Teleservices, USB and Bluetooth connectivity and Radio BMW Professional come as standard on every version. Professional sat-nav (with the iDrive touch) is available as standard only on the M4 Cabrio.
The basic infotainment display is the 6.5-inch and can be upgraded to the 10.2 one, with split-screen function. The audio system is formed of six speakers (with a total of 100 W), but can also be upgraded to a Harman/Kardon super-audio.
Budget
Efficiency
If you’re looking to avoid gas stations as much as possible whatever the costs, the entry-level 418d promises 57.3 mpg and 122 g/km CO2 emissions, if you learn how to make use (as little as possible) of its 148 hp. The star in the diesel family is, of course, the 420d – boasting 56 mpg in combined cycle, while delivering a power peak of 187 hp when required.
In the US, you’ll have to choose between a powerful inline-four and a powerful inline-six unit. The 428i shows a 35.6 mpg in a good-behavior case while the 302 hp 435i has a combined cycle of 29.7 mpg.
Equipment
The BMW 4-Series Coupé comes with plenty of equipment as standard for different trim lines. Regardless your choice, you’ll get 17” alloy wheels, Xenon headlamps, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors and automatic wipers and lights, among others.
From here on, depending on how much extra budget you have available, you can tune your 4-Series Gran Coupé with fine, posh materials and helpful day-to-day tech.
Acquisition
As expensive the version, as harder the depreciation – the 4-Series falls under the market rules as any other executive coupé. Try the 420d and the 428i if steep performance is not a must have on your 4-Series Coupé. The eight-speed auto ‘box should be ticked on the list also.
Opting for one of the aforementioned, there’s a chance to suffer less when you’re considering selling it.