Known for its engaging driving experience, the BMW 4 Series appeals to buyers seeking a car with the dynamic appeal of the 3 Series, but with sharper styling and higher levels of trim. With a wide range of engines and trims, it competes with models such as the Audi A5, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé, and Lexus RC, offering a blend of sporty handling, everyday usability, and upmarket appeal.
The BMW 4-Series works best as a sophisticated coupé, offering an enticing mix of performance, comfort, and technology. It delivers a rewarding driving experience, premium feel and a distinctive look. While it commands a higher price than some competitors and sacrifices a touch of practicality, the 4 Series impresses thanks to its style, refinement, and driving pleasure.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioBrand-new BMW 4 Series models start from £43,080 for the entry-level 420i Sport Coupé, with the range-topping M440i xDrive Coupé reaching over £56,000.
Convertible and Gran Coupé variants command a slight premium, and well-specified models can easily exceed £60,000. The 4 Series is positioned as a premium model, but strong residual values and generous standard equipment mean whole-life ownership costs are less than some cars in the class.
On the used market, nearly new 4 Series are available from around £33,000 for recent models, with older versions and higher-mileage cars starting from less than £20,000.
The BMW 4 Series is offered with a wide selection of engines.
The entry-level 420i comes equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit that develops 184bhp and 300Nm of torque, providing more than adequate performance, with a 0 to 62 mph time of approximately 7.5 seconds.
The 430i uses the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol configuration, but delivers a punchier 245bhp and 400Nm, making it ideal for those who desire extra power without sacrificing efficiency – but don’t be misled by the name into thinking it’s a big six-cylinder model like the previous 330/430 models. The 430i accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in roughly 5.9 seconds.
For those seeking diesel power, the 420d has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine producing 190bhp and 400Nm of torque, enhanced by a mild-hybrid system for greater economy and lower emissions. The 420d completes the 0 to 62 mph sprint in about 7.1 seconds.
Further up the range, the 430d boasts a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, offering 286bhp and a substantial 650Nm of torque, blending strong performance with decent fuel consumption. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.1 seconds. The M440d xDrive takes this further, pairing a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged diesel with all-wheel drive, rated at 340bhp and 700Nm, and achieving 0 to 62 mph in a brisk 4.7 seconds.
At the top of the range is the M440i xDrive, powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbocharged petrol engine, with 374bhp and 500Nm of torque, propelling the car from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.5 seconds for genuine sporting thrills. All models come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The BMW 4 Series delivers a polished and enjoyable driving experience. The chassis is tuned for a balanced blend of comfort and agility, with adaptive suspension available for those wanting even greater control. Steering is precise, and the car feels composed on winding roads, while motorway cruising is hushed and relaxed.
Visibility is generally good, though the coupé’s sloping roofline and thick pillars can limit the rearward view. Parking sensors are standard, with a rear-view camera and 360-degree system offered on higher trims to make life easier.
BMW’s reputation for dynamic handling is well-earned in the 4-Series. The car feels stable through corners, with minimal body roll and responsive steering. M Sport models benefit from a sportier suspension set-up, though this can result in a firmer ride on rougher roads. Adaptive M suspension is available on higher trims, with a choice of customisable settings.
Despite its sporty focus, the 4 Series remains comfortable and refined, making it equally suitable for spirited drives and long-distance journeys. Gran Coupé versions offer a slightly softer ride, and feel a bit heavier to drive, but are no less composed.
The 4 Series cabin is typical of BMW, with excellent ergonomics and a real feelgood factor. High-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and elegant finishes create a premium atmosphere. The dashboard is dominated by a crisp 10.25-inch or optional 12.3-inch touchscreen, featuring BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment system with navigation, DAB radio, and wireless smartphone integration.
The front seats are supportive and adjustable for a variety of positions, offering comfort for most drivers. The coupé and convertible provide seating for four, with generous space in the front but a snugger rear.
The Gran Coupé adds a fifth seat and improved rear headroom, making it a practical choice for families, though it’s not as spacious as the 3 Series thanks to its lower roofline. Isofix mounts are standard on the outer rear seats.
The BMW 4 Series coupé offers a 440-litre boot – generous for its class – while the convertible provides 385 litres with the roof up. The Gran Coupé is the most versatile, with a 470-litre boot that expands further with the rear seats folded—offering up to 1,290 litres of load space.
The boot opening is wide, and the low loading lip aids practicality for everyday use.
Cabin storage includes large door bins, a deep glovebox, cupholders, and a central storage console, ensuring convenience for passengers on longer journeys.
All 4 Series models are well equipped, with the Sport trim offering LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, and BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional digital display. M Sport models add larger alloy wheels, sporty body styling, upgraded seats, and ambient interior lighting.
Top-spec M440i xDrive models include adaptive LED headlights, a Harman/Kardon sound system, heated seats, wireless charging, and a suite of advanced driver assistance features. BMW’s options list allows further customisation, including a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, and gesture control for the infotainment system.
The entry-level Sport trim comes with LED headlights, dual-zone climate control and front and rear parking sensors. BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional digital display is also standard, providing intuitive access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings. The seats are upholstered in premium cloth or synthetic leather.
Next up, the M Sport has larger alloy wheels and unique bumpers and side skirts. Inside, you get upgraded sports seats with additional bolstering and ambient interior lighting. The M Sport variants also feature sports suspension, which delivers a firmer ride and more agile handling.
At the top of the range is the M440i xDrive, with a unique grille, special badging and bespoke alloy wheels. The interior is finished with bespoke materials, while standard equipment includes adaptive LED headlights, a Harman/Kardon premium audio system, heated seats, wireless charging, and an extensive suite of driver assistance systems.
A wide palette of colours includes Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Portimao Blue, San Remo Green, and striking options like Sunset Orange and Arctic Race Blue, plus a number of unique exterior and interior personalisation options offered through the BMW Individual programme.
The BMW 4 Series has achieved a five-star rating from Euro NCAP. The exact category scores are as follows: Adult Occupant Protection – 97%, Child Occupant Protection – 83%, Pedestrian Protection – 93%, and Safety Assist – 72%. These strong results reflect the car’s comprehensive safety package, including six airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, available on higher trims.
BMW’s reputation for reliability is well established, and the 4 Series benefits from proven engines and robust build quality. Owner surveys highlight strong durability and solid aftersales support, contributing to the car’s premium ownership experience.
The 2.0-litre petrol engines return between 42-48 mpg (WLTP), while the 420d diesel achieves up to 61 mpg, aided by mild-hybrid technology. The M440i, while more powerful, still manages a respectable 34 mpg thanks to intelligent engine management. CO₂ emissions range from 120 g/km (420d) to 188 g/km (M440i xDrive).
All 4 Series models are liable for the expensive vehicle VED supplement, meaning road tax of £620 a year for the first five years, dropping to £195 per year thereafter.
Insurance groups range from 29 to 43, which is about average for the class. BMW offers a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty, with servicing packages available for added peace of mind.
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