2024 BMW 4-Series
Overview
The 2024 BMW 4-series coupe and convertible offers the same luxury goodness as the 3-series sedan, but it prioritizes swoopy styling over practicality with less rear seat room and less cargo space than its four-door counterpart. The 4-series also features a different grille design than the 3-series, likely to help differentiate it from its three-box sibling, but the outcome is a polarizing love-it-or-hate-it design. The 4-series is offered in entry-level 430i and more powerful M440i trims, each with plenty of power. Unfortunately, neither exhibits the sharp handling characteristics we prefer from previous generations of BMW’s entry-luxury cars. Although we consider the 3-series to be one of the best offerings in the segment, the 4-series models we’ve tested haven’t delivered as much driving enjoyment, leading us to believe that there are more favorable two-door options amongst rivals, including the Audi A5. Even so, the 4-series’ posh cabin and powerful turbocharged engines keep it in the hunt with the rest of the class. Those who prefer the styling of the coupe to the sedan but still want four doors should consider the 4-series Gran Coupe, a model we review separately.
What’s New for 2024?
The 2024 4-series has been updated with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment display. The new digital displays run the latest iDrive 8 software, which features updated graphics and menu structures plus an integrated voice-command function. All models also get a new toggle shifter on the center console.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We think the turbocharged inline-six in the M440i model will be the enthusiast’s choice, but the nearly $11,000 price premium may turn off some buyers. That bump in price comes with a load of additional equipment, though, in case you need more reason to justify the cost. The M440i is outfitted with unique M Sport 18-inch wheels with run-flat tires, the M Sport suspension and rear differential, a rear spoiler, a faux-leather wrapped dashboard, and more. A convertible model is also offered but switching to the soft-top body style adds $7500 to the base price.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The same two overachieving engines offered in the 3-series are available in the 4-series. Models designated 430i are powered by a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The M440i is powered by a silky-smooth turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that gains an assist from a 48-volt hybrid system to make 382 hp. The 4-series provides a sporty driving experience, courtesy of a retuned suspension, a more-aggressive steering calibration, a wider rear track, and a lower center of gravity than the 3-series sedan. Still, we tested the M440i coupe and came away less impressed with its driving character than its terrific inline-six. Apart from strong brakes that performed well in our 70-to-zero-mph test (149 feet), the Bimmer’s distant steering and compliant ride didn’t deliver the same satisfaction we got from the M340i sedan. During our test drive of an all-wheel drive 430i xDrive model, we noted decent power from the turbocharged four-cylinder but noted a similar complaint about the car’s too-soft suspension.
More on the 4-Series Coupe and Convertible
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
According to the EPA, the four-cylinder 430i coupe will earn 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Adding all-wheel drive into the equation drops those figures to 24 and 33 mpg, respectively. The six-cylinder M440i is rated at 22 mpg city and 31 highway. We haven’t tested the M440i model on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, but the 430i xDrive delivered 34 mpg over the 200-mile test. For more information about the 4-series’ fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Shoppers may not notice much difference between the cabins of the 4-series and the 3-series unless they’re in the back seat. The dashboard layout, interior materials, and primary controls look to be identical to the four-door 3-series, although we noticed that the lower roofline in the 4-series gives it a less spacious feel. Trunk space is less generous here than in the 3-series, especially in the convertible model; in our testing, we fit five carry-on suitcases in the trunk of the coupe model, one less than in the 3-series sedan.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2023 4-series comes with the same 12.3-inch gauge display and 14.9-inch infotainment display as the 3-series sedan. Both displays run the latest version of BMW’s iDrive 8 infotainment software, which pairs an intuitive interface with a console-mounted click-wheel controller for easy use while driving; those who prefer to interact with the display directly can do since both are touchscreens. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and in-dash navigation are all standard while onboard Wi-Fi and a wireless smartphone charging pad are optional extras.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
BMW offers a host of driver-assistance features as standard with more advanced features available as options. For more information about the 4-series’ crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Compared to rivals such as the Cadillac CT5 or the Genesis G70, the BMW 4-series’ standard warranty offerings are fairly basic. BMW makes up for that with a three-year complimentary maintenance plan, whereas the Caddy only offers one free visit.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 milesArrow pointing downArrow pointing down
Specifications
Specifications
2021 BMW 430i xDrive
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE AS TESTED
$60,520 (base price: $48,595)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
122 in3, 1998 cm3
Power
255 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque
294 lb-ft @ 1550 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.7-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, F: 225/40R-19 93Y ★ R: 255/35R-19 96Y ★
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.2 in
Length: 187.9 in
Width: 72.9 in
Height: 54.8 in
Passenger volume: 87 ft3
Cargo volume: 12 ft3
Curb weight: 3782 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.2 sec
100 mph: 14.2 sec
130 mph: 28.8 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.3 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.2 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.0 sec
1/4 mile: 13.9 sec @ 99 mph
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 148 ft
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 21 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 34 mpg
Highway range: 530 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 27/24/33 mpg
2021 BMW M440i xDrive
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE AS TESTED
$69,770 (base price: $59,495)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
183 in3, 2998 cm3
Power
382 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque
364 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.7-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, F: 225/40R-19 93Y ★ R: 255/35R-19 96Y ★
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.2 in
Length: 188.0 in
Width: 72.9 in
Height: 54.8 in
Passenger volume: 87 ft3
Trunk volume: 12 ft3
Curb weight: 3986 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.8 sec
100 mph: 9.6 sec
130 mph: 17.1 sec
150 mph: 25.7 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.6 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.4 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.1 sec
1/4 mile: 12.3 sec @ 112 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 157 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 149 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 299 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.91 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 25/22/31 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs
