2023 BMW 4 Series

　　

2023 BMW 4 Series Convertible Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　, rating written byMichael CantuManager, 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).

　　The 4 Series is based on the 3 Series sedan but is available as a coupe, convertible and as a sporty sedan called the Gran Coupe, which is reviewed separately. Only a few luxury brands offer a compact coupe and convertible like the 4 Series does, with the Audi A5 being the most competitive example. The base 430i versions provide enough power and performance for most, but if you want more, the M440i's robust engine and athletic handling are impressive. The high-performance M4 (also separately reviewed) takes performance to another level.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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

　　$163/mo  for 4 Series 430i

　　4 Series 430i

　　430i 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $47,400 MSRP430i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $55,500 MSRP430i xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $49,400 MSRP430i xDrive 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $57,500 MSRPM440i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $58,250 MSRPM440i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $66,250 MSRPM440i xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $60,250 MSRPM440i xDrive 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $68,250 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The distinctive grille of the 4 Series might make you consider another car, but if the design doesn't bother you, the 4 Series is a compelling choice. It delivers an engaging driving experience without sacrificing comfort, and it provides plenty of luxury and tech. Until Mercedes unveils its upcoming CLE coupe and convertible, the aforementioned Audi A5 and the Lexus RC (which is only offered as a coupe) are the 4 Series' only rivals. To learn more about the 4 Series, make sure to check out our testing team's in-depth Expert Rating below. 

　　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 Convertible drive? We tested a rear-wheel-drive M440i convertible. It packs a lot of punch, and in our testing it ripped from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds — a full second quicker than a similarly equipped 430i coupe we also tested. Acceleration is punchy at highway speeds, too. It stopped from 60 mph in 109 feet, which is a few feet longer than that 430i, though the coupe weighed roughly 500 pounds less.

　　Unfortunately, the brakes are grabby at low speeds and require a delicate foot to slow smoothly. The automatic engine stop-start system is also clunkier in the M440i than in the 430i, and it doesn't have a dedicated disable button.

　　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 Convertible? BMW makes 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.

　　The M440i's standard adaptive suspension provides a surprisingly supple ride. Wind and tire noise is kept to a minimum too. The only real misstep is the climate system. We appreciate a tri-zone system in such a small convertible, but the automatic function bizarrely does not adjust fan speed. The sync function is also buried in a touchscreen menu.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below