BMW 4 Series review

The new BMW 4 Series continues where the previous model left off - offering a stylish, fun-to-drive coupe that is brilliantly accomplished in so many key areas. Facing a number of talented rivals, the 4 Series manages to seamlessly combine impressive performance, attractive economy and a driver-focused quality that is hard to beat.

There has been a lot said about the front-end styling, and you’ll need to make a decision on whether this design trait works for you or not, but rest assured that BMW knows a thing or two about creating capable driving machines and the latest 4 Series doesn’t disappoint.

About the BMW 4 Series

BMW is reassuringly predictable, as a rule, turning out handsome new models from different sizes of a basic mould, leaving us free to fawn over the marque’s generally impeccable driving characteristics, and the quality and depth of its engineering. We all get accustomed to the rhythm of their gently evolving designs, and it makes us feel warm and safe.

Then BOOM! The canny German manufacturer goes and pulls the rug out from under us, with a mad new look that’s appeared out of nowhere. But of course it’s happened before, so we shouldn’t really be too surprised. And despite all the heat and noise generated by the wildly gaping maw of the new 4 Series coupe, before you know it, that’ll just be what BMWs look like now. And everything will be safe and predictable again, until the next time...

Some manufacturers produce cars almost as general appliances, designed to get from A-to-B with not much focus on dynamic ability, design flair or driving fun. BMW generally does the opposite of this, and the 4 Series is a good example.

Such a big change to the famous BMW kidney grille was always going to invoke the ire of traditionalists, but it was the same when BMW’s head of design, Chris Bangle, delivered the radical lines and curves of the E60 5 Series almost 20 years ago. Style is subjective, as they say, so it's probably best to agree that some will be drawn to the updated looks of the 4 Series, while others will no doubt seek solace elsewhere.

There are skilled rivals waiting in the wings in the form of the Audi A5 and Mercedes C-Class coupes, both of which offer a convertible version alongside the standard model ready to do battle with the 4 Series’ own drop-top. 

For those that need a little more practicality, there is also the extra two doors, bigger boot and increased passenger space of the 4 Series Gran Coupe to consider, although Audi provides further competition here with the A5 Sportback.

More left-field coupe choices include the Lexus RC and Ford Mustang, although neither provide as complete a package as any of the German trio.

At opposite ends of the spectrum, the all-electric BMW i4 has received much praise since its launch in 2021, while the fire-breathing 503bhp M4 Competition is ready to take your breath away with its incredible performance. 

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The 254bhp 430i petrol and 187bhp 420d diesel models are no longer available on the price list, leaving just the 181bhp 420i 2.0-litre petrol at the heart of the range. 

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If you're after an M-badged model, there's the potent 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder powerplant of the M440i which generates 369bhp, while the M4 Competition is on another level in terms of performance with 503bhp. All cars use an eight-speed automatic transmission and are offered as either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive models, with the exception of the M440i which comes solely with BMW's xDrive system.

The Sport trim level has also been discontinued, with only the ubiquitous M Sport specification now provided for the 4 Series. There is an option to upgrade to the M Sport Pro Edition which adds bigger alloy wheels and various driver-focused features such as adaptive M suspension and an M Sport differential.

With a starting price of more than £42,000, the 4 Series Coupe sits between its Audi and Mercedes rivals, although we’d say that the BMW is the best all-rounder.

Used and nearly new

BMW 4 Series history

The BMW 4 Series arrived as a replacement for the old 3 Series Coupe, presenting itself as a more upmarket model with even better driving dynamics. To confuse matters, the four-door Gran Coupe also joined the range to add a touch more practicality. The 4 Series Convertible completes the range.

BMW 4 Series Mk2: 2020-

The current BMW 4 Series takes everything that was great about the original car, then improves it in just about every department. Some people are unable to look beyond the flamboyant styling, but those that do will find a car that pushes the envelope in terms of driving dynamics and quality. This is a quality coupe that’s great to drive and, yes, good to look at. 

BMW 4 Series Mk1: 2014-2020

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It seemed a bit odd when BMW axed the two-door 3 Series Coupe and launched the 4 Series as its new two-door coupe model. Not that it took us long to get used to it, because we were soon won over by its blend of quality, style and driving dynamics. Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe versions formed part of a terrific range of cars. Read our full Mk1 BMW 4 Series buyer’s guide here…

For an alternative review of the BMW 4 Series, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk...