2021 BMW 4 Series Review

　　

2021 BMW 4 Series Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and no car embodies that spirit more than the redesigned 2021 BMW 4 Series. Essentially a two-door version of the BMW 3 Series sedan, the 4 Series coupe and convertible look sleek and sophisticated from the side and predictably sporty from the rear. Glance at the 4 Series head-on, though, and the sight of the bucktoothed grille might elicit a heave in your stomach, like watching a list of highlights from the Saw horror movie franchise. If nothing else, the 2021 4 Series might serve as an excellent case study for a new generation of car designers.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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

　　$160/mo  for 4 Series 430i

　　4 Series 430i

　　430i 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $45,600 MSRP430i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $53,100 MSRP430i xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $47,600 MSRPM440i xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $58,500 MSRPM440i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $64,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　Being related to the 3 Series means the redesigned 2021 4 Series gains the same redesign changes of the 2019 3 Series, including more power, a stiffer chassis and new technology features. Even in its base 430i form, it's fun to drive thanks to its responsive four-cylinder engine, tight handling and well-tuned transmission. And that's before you start equipping it with all manner of available performance upgrades.

　　Overall, we think the 2021 BMW 4 Series is an excellent candidate if you're in the market for a sporty luxury coupe or convertible. Check out the categories of Expert Rating below for our full in-depth evaluation.

　　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

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the 4 Series drive? The 4 Series packs a lot of punch even in 430i form, which is what we tested. Our test 430i coupe accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. For reference, the Lexus RC 300 took 6.2 seconds, as did the last-gen 430i. Our test car was equipped with the upgraded brakes of the Dynamic Handling package. They stopped the car from 60 mph in a very short 105 feet, but they were a bit grabby in casual real-world driving.

　　The steering is a little vague during truly spirited driving. It's a mild disappointment in a BMW, though the reality is that rivals aren't appreciably better in this regard. Handling is a 4 Series strength, with stable composure around tight bends and a seemingly high limit for traction control intervention. The eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly and always seems to be in the right gear, making this an easy car to live with.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the 4 Series? BMW continues to make some of the best front seats in the business. They are comfortable and feature multiple adjustments — including side bolster angle and thigh extension — that allow you to find an ideal sitting position.

　　Our test car had the available Dynamic Handling package, which adds adaptive suspension dampers. With it, the 4 Series' ride is surprisingly supple. If you're getting an M Sport-equipped 4 Series, the adaptive dampers are a must-have upgrade. Wind and tire noise is kept to a minimum, and the engine is quiet — a little too quiet for a sport coupe, we think.

　　The only real misstep is the climate system. We appreciate a tri-zone system in such a small coupe, but the automatic function bizarrely does not adjust fan speed. The sync function is also buried in a touchscreen menu. Of note: Ventilated seats are newly available, though our tester was not so equipped.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The 4 Series' cabin will be familiar to current BMW drivers but daunting to newbies. There are a lot of buttons, though most controls are grouped intuitively. There are a few puzzling layout quibbles — the charging pad is located in front of the cupholders, for example, so if you have cups in there, you can't reach your phone. The menus for the iDrive system are dense and take time to learn, but most commonly used controls are just a few clicks away.

　　There's decent legroom up front, but the compact dimensions and sleek roofline limit the usefulness of the rear seat. Tall drivers might have a challenge fitting perfectly up front since the standard sunroof cuts into the modest headspace.

　　Visibility to the sides and rear is excellent thanks to plenty of window coverage. The view out of the front is decent, but the flat hood makes placing the front of the car challenging and the sideview mirrors can modestly obstruct your view through left turns.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are part of the 4 Series' standard features list. Wireless connectivity worked flawlessly in our test car, and you can always charge with the four USB ports and optional charging pad. The navigation system is quite helpful, even returning Yelp reviews for non-residential destinations. One problem, though: The screen displays too much map information. Major streets are highlighted even as you zoom out, so if you have traffic enabled, prepare for a sea of red, yellow and green.

　　The voice controls are nearly flawless in recognizing spoken addresses and point-of-interest requests. The Harman Kardon audio system is darn good and worth the modest cost, delivering full and immersive sound.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The 4 Series coupe's cargo area measures 12 cubic feet, which is a little more than rivals. You'll find a couple pockets aft of the wheelwells to secure smaller items, and remote levers easily disengage the rear seats. But you still have to go inside to pull the seatbacks down, and you might have to move the front seats forward to completely fold them. There's good storage space inside, with plenty of cupholders and cubbies, plus side-panel cutouts and cupholders for rear passengers.

　　Fitting a car seat will be a challenge. Lower anchors are easy to find, though the top tethers require a little fussing. The bigger obstacle is manipulating a car seat into and through the small cabin.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The rear-wheel-drive 430i coupe gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined (26 city/34 highway), making it one of the most efficient vehicles in its class. We averaged 30.5 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route, proving that these estimates are achievable in the real world. We're glad to see that the four-cylinder's fantastic performance doesn't come with a penalty at the pump.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the 4 Series a good value? The cabin of the 4 Series looks more modern and upscale than before, with metal-like trim replacing some of the old model's matte black plastic. Switches and panels have a predictably superb fit, with no squeaks or rattles to speak of. The only aspects of the interior that feel downmarket are the thinly padded armrests and hard dashboard coverings.

　　Pricing for the 4 Series is average for a European luxury coupe. Though others provide better value overall, the 430i's breadth of options makes it feel more tailored to the buyer.

　　Bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranty coverage is good for four years/50,000 miles. This is average among the German competition, but the Lexus RC 300's powertrain warranty is more generous. BMW is the only manufacturer in this class with free maintenance for three years/36,000 miles.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　The 4 Series is quite fun from behind the wheel. Most drivers will be happy with the amount of power on tap even from the 430i. Though the steering doesn't live up to BMW's storied past, the controlled and nimble handling makes the 4 Series a joy to drive on serpentine roads.

　　Styling is subjective, but we've yet to meet a person who didn't recoil at the sight of the 4 Series' front end. Though repulsive, the swollen grille gives the 4 Series' front end a unique character, while the back end is a little derivative. Too bad, because the divisive sheetmetal disguises a capable and well-rounded sport sedan that's satisfying to drive.

　　

Which 4 Series does zzdcar recommend?

BMW purists might pass over any model without an inline-six, but the base 430i is plenty quick when you pin the throttle to the floor. Going with this less powerful model frees up some budget for options, and we suggest starting with the M Sport package. It adds worthy performance bits and a body kit that helps draw attention away from the gaping maw up front. Add the available adaptive suspension dampers, and you have a well-rounded coupe with a ride and handling profile that you can customize to your liking.

　　

2021 BMW 4 Series models

The BMW 4 Series is a two-door coupe or convertible available in four trim levels: 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i and M440i xDrive. The 430i and M440i are rear-wheel-drive, and the xDrive versions (late availability) are all-wheel-drive. Standard feature highlights include:

　　430i

　　Standard features on the rear-drive 430i include:

　　Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque) Eight-speed automatic transmission 18-inch wheels LED headlights Power-folding and heated mirrors Sunroof (coupe only) Auto-dimming mirrors Push-button start Power-adjustable front seats with driver memory settings Simulated leather upholstery 8.8-inch touchscreen 10-speaker audio system Navigation system Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionalityThe 430i also comes loaded with a comprehensive set of safety features, such as:

　　Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind or in front of the vehicle when parking)The 430i is available with a dizzying array of packages and stand-alone options features. Highlights include:

　　Convenience package Keyless entry Adjustable lumbar support Ambient lighting Premium package Comfort package Heated front seats Heated steering wheel 10.25-inch touchscreen Digital instrument panel Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Executive package Premium package Adaptive LED headlights Hands-free gesture controls for infotainment system Parking Assistance package Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention) 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the 4 Series and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Driving Assistance Professional package Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the 4 Series and the car in front) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Automated steering on the highway at low speeds M Sport package Convenience package 19-inch wheels (summer performance tires are optional) Variable sport steering Sport-tuned suspension Aerodynamic body kit Sport steering wheel Dynamic Handling package 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires (non-run-flat) Upgraded brakes Sport differential (can enhance available traction) Adaptive suspension dampers (automatically adjust to maximize ride comfort or handling stability) Other notable stand-alone options include:

　　Upgraded brakes and adaptive suspension dampers from the M Sport package Power trunklid Ventilated front seats Leather upholstery Drive recorder 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system Wireless charging pad Neck warmers (convertible only)430i xDrive

　　Aside from its all-wheel-drive powertrain, the 430i xDrive is identical to the standard 430i. All of the 430i's packages and optional extras are available on this trim level as well.

　　M440i (convertible only)

　　Sportier than the 430i, the M440i has:

　　Turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (382 hp, 369 lb-ft) M Sport package (with 18-inch wheels) Dynamic Handling package (minus adaptive suspension dampers)Unless otherwise included, all of the 430i's packages and options are available on the M440i. You can also get:

　　Cooling and High Performance Tire package 19-inch summer performance tires Adaptive suspension High-performance brake and drivetrain cooling systems M440i xDrive

　　The M440i xDrive is the same as the M440i but comes with all-wheel drive.

　　

2021 4 Series Highlights

Type: M440i xDriveM440iCoupeConvertibleCoupe

　　Trim: 430i430i xDriveM440i xDrive430i

　　

Base MSRP	$45,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$160/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles