2020 BMW 4 Series Review

　　

2020 BMW 4 Series Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　BMW practically invented the modern category of sport coupe decades ago when it introduced the 2002, followed by the two-door 3 Series. Its reputation for world-class examples of the genus, specifically the blistering high-performance M4, is hard-earned and it's led the pack ever since.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 BMW 4 Series 430i 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$166/mo  for 4 Series 430i

　　4 Series 430i

　　430i 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $44,950 MSRP430i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $53,100 MSRP430i xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $46,950 MSRP430i xDrive 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $55,100 MSRP440i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $51,350 MSRP440i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $60,150 MSRP440i xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $53,350 MSRP440i xDrive 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $62,150 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　BMW redesigned the two-door 3 Series (coupe and convertible) several years ago and rechristened it the 4 Series to distinguish it from the sedan. Successive models have dulled the edge of its predecessors in the pursuit of broader appeal, but the 2020 BMW 4 Series is still a bit of a chameleon. It's more civilized than a true sports car — no cramped interior or bone-jarring highway ride here — yet sportier than your average family car. One of our editors said it best in his test notes: "The 4 Series favors maturity over exuberance."

　　For 2020, the 4 Series gets minor cosmetic updates and some new driver aids as standard equipment. While useful, these minor details don't give the 4 Series any particular edge. Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and even Chevrolet and Ford now offer compelling coupes. And in a category it once so thoroughly dominated, BMW is no longer an automatic pick.

　　Notably, we picked the 2020 BMW 4 Series as one of zzdcar' Best Gas Mileage Cars for 2020.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the 4 Series drive? If the mission statement was to create a coupe that's hard to fault, then BMW has done a solid job. The model we tested, the 430i, doesn't make heaps of power, and that's reflected in its unremarkable 0-60 mph acceleration sprint of 6.2 seconds. But it still excels on high-speed, flowing roads thanks to quick steering and stable handling. The brakes are also strong and consistent.

　　The 4 Series prioritizes comfort and composure over speed and pace, so only its lack of outright acceleration and nimbleness can be noted as deficits. Otherwise, the breadth of the 430i's performance makes it a competent, safe and engaging driving partner.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the 4 Series? The way the 4 Series takes care of its passengers makes it an excellent choice for covering long distances. The sport seats aren't that sporty, but the 4 Series is nice to drive or ride in for hours at a time. Only the Sport+ drive mode, with its firm suspension settings, seems out of place.

　　Although the engine note isn't very exciting, it's pleasantly audible thanks to low levels of road and wind noise. What road noise you do hear comes from the run-flat tires. The high-mounted and well-sized vents distribute airflow effectively around the cabin, while rear passengers get their own center console-mounted vents.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? BMW set up the 4 Series with driving comfort in mind. We like the wide range of seating adjustments and thoughtful ergonomics. The iDrive media controller, for example, helps declutter the interior of needless buttons. Since the 4 Series is a true coupe, you sit with legs outstretched, but a generously telescoping steering wheel makes it easy to find a comfortable driving position. Thanks to a full-size rear window and unobtrusive roof pillars, outward visibility is quite good.

　　A coupe has its drawbacks, though. The doors are long and make tight parking spaces a challenge. The back seat is roomy enough for two adults, but getting in and out requires effort.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? Navigation is a standard feature, and additional options such as adaptive LED headlights and blind-spot monitoring are available with the Executive and Convenience packages. Several stand-alone features are also available, including a subscription to Apple CarPlay. Android users are still out of luck.

　　

Storage

7.5/10

　　How’s the storage? No one buys a coupe with practicality in mind, but the 430i has a fairly sizable trunk. It's limited only by a shallow trunk opening that hinders loading larger objects. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seats help enable some cargo versatility.

　　You'll find room for only the essentials in the cabin. Ahead of the shift lever are two cupholders as well as a small rubber-lined tray for storing a phone or two. There's also a dedicated phone space in the center console if you want to keep your phone out of sight. Car seat anchors for child seats are easy to see and access, but placing a car seat back there requires some gymnastics.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The 4 Series has the ability to be frugal if driven with some restraint. Over our 115-mile evaluation loop, we saw nearly 31 mpg from our test 430i model, and many other fill-ups were well above 21 mpg. Those are solid real-world numbers for anything in the class.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the 4 Series a good value? The 4 Series was designed to go head to head with its German rivals. And it does just that, at least where the wallet is concerned. Adding a lot of options can bring up the price to an uncomfortable level, but you can see where some of the money goes. Interior fit and finish is excellent, with the exception of hard plastic where knees rest against the center console. And there's high-quality leather on the seats and steering wheel. Warranty coverage is on par with rivals.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　It's hard to disassociate the coupe body style from that of a sports car, but doing so helps you get the most out of this BMW. It's better to think of the 4 Series less as a sports car and more as a competent and comfortable entry-level luxury coupe. The sleek styling, especially when you've added the aggressive M Sport front fascia, is a little misleading. While it's attractive, it doesn't quite fit the character of the car.

　　

Which 4 Series does zzdcar recommend?

The 440i's six-cylinder power is intoxicating, but the 430i should hit the sweet spot for most buyers. Its turbo four-cylinder is a strong performer, and the money you save can go toward desirable options, such as an adaptive suspension, heated seats, wireless phone charging, or a variety of driver aids.

　　

2020 BMW 4 Series models

The 2020 BMW 4 Series Coupe comes in two trims — 430i or 440i — that differ mostly by engine type. The 430i is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque), while the 440i uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (326 hp and 332 lb-ft).

　　Each engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, though a six-speed manual is a no-cost option. BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is also offered as an option. The high-performance M4 and coupe-esque four-door Gran Coupe are reviewed separately.

　　The 430i is well-equipped with features such as LED headlights, a sunroof, simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a navigation system, an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay (one-year subscription), and a nine-speaker audio system. Standard driver aids include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert.

　　The 440i is equipped largely the same, but it adds upgraded steering wheel leather and a premium 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with satellite radio. The latter is optional on the 430i.

　　Notable options include adaptive headlights, an adaptive sport suspension, performance brakes, premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, a surround-view camera system, and a wireless device charging pad. Additional safety features and driver aids include blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

　　

2020 4 Series Highlights

Type: CoupeConvertibleConvertible

　　Trim: 430i430i xDrive440i440i xDrive430i

　　

Base MSRP	$53,100
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$169/month
Seating	4 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles