The BMW 4 Series has long been a symbol of sophistication, performance, and cutting-edge technology in the luxury coupe segment. Whether you are a performance enthusiast or someone seeking a stylish and refined daily driver, the BMW 4 Series offers a range of trims that cater to every preference. From its sleek design to its impressive performance capabilities, the 4 Series embodies the best of BMW’s engineering and design philosophy.
In this article, we’ll dive into the evolution of the bmw4d Series, its key features, driving impressions, and how it stacks up against its competitors in the competitive luxury coupe market.
1. The Evolution of the BMW 4 Series
BMW’s design and performance philosophy has always been synonymous with the term “Ultimate Driving Machine,” and the BMW 4 Series is a testament to that legacy. First introduced in 2014 as a standalone model derived from the BMW 3 Series, the 4 Series marked a significant shift in the brand’s coupe offerings. The 4 Series was intended to combine the high-performance spirit of the 3 Series sedan with a more aggressive, performance-focused coupe design.
The current generation, the G22, was introduced in 2020 with a bold redesign. The most noticeable change in this new iteration is the larger kidney grille, a feature that sparked some debate upon its unveiling but has since become a distinctive part of the 4 Series’ bold identity. The new design also includes a more streamlined body, improved aerodynamics, and enhanced materials used throughout the cabin. As BMW continues to innovate, the 4 Series remains at the forefront of its segment, delivering a blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology.
2. Design: A Bold and Elegant Statement
From the moment you see the BMW 4 Series, its striking presence is undeniable. The design of the 4 Series is built to reflect both athleticism and luxury, seamlessly blending performance aesthetics with sophisticated detailing.
Exterior Design
The most controversial but defining feature of the current BMW 4 Series is its enlarged kidney grille. While it has drawn mixed reactions, the larger grille serves to give the car a more aggressive stance, enhancing its road presence. The grille’s size, combined with sharp headlights and sculpted body lines, creates a dynamic and athletic appearance that stands out on the road. The sloping roofline and wide stance contribute to the car’s coupe-like silhouette, providing both elegance and aggression in equal measure.
At the rear, the 4 Series features sleek taillights with a modern design that complements the car’s overall shape. The quad-exhaust setup on the more powerful trims, like the M440i and M4, signals the performance potential lurking under the hood. The 4 Series is available in a variety of exterior colors, including classic BMW shades such as Alpine White, Black Sapphire, and Mediterranean Blue, allowing drivers to tailor their vehicle to their tastes.
Interior Design and Comfort
Inside, the BMW 4 Series is a masterclass in refinement. The cabin is focused on comfort, luxury, and a driver-oriented layout. Standard leather upholstery, high-quality materials, and precision stitching give the interior a premium feel. Optional Merino leather adds an extra layer of sophistication, and the available M Sport package includes sportier design cues like sport seats and unique interior trim.
The 4 Series’ interior design is clean and minimalist, with an emphasis on ergonomics. The controls are intuitively placed, and the driver is always at the center of attention. The standard 10.25-inch touchscreen display integrates seamlessly into the dashboard and features the iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, which provides intuitive access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. Additionally, the available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster allows for a fully customizable driving experience, with information tailored to the driver’s preferences.
3. Performance: A True Driving Experience
The BMW 4 Series is known for its thrilling performance and engaging driving dynamics. Whether you’re cruising along the highway or attacking twisty mountain roads, the 4 Series offers a range of engine options to suit any driving style.
Engine Options and Powertrains
The BMW 4 Series comes with several engine choices, each delivering a unique performance experience.
- 430i: The base model features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower and 294 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides smooth and efficient performance, with enough power to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a balanced blend of performance and fuel efficiency.
- M440i: For those who crave more power, the M440i features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that churns out 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This upgrade significantly improves acceleration, allowing the M440i to hit 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The M440i comes with standard rear-wheel drive, but an optional all-wheel-drive system (xDrive) provides better traction in adverse conditions.
- M4: The M4 is the performance flagship of the 4 Series lineup. With its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, the standard M4 produces 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, while the M4 Competition increases output to 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. With an impressive 0-60 mph time of just 3.8 seconds, the M4 is a true powerhouse, designed for enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance on both the street and track.
Chassis and Handling
BMW’s dedication to driving precision is evident in the 4 Series’ chassis and suspension. The car’s adaptive suspension system provides drivers with the option to choose between comfort and sportier setups, depending on driving conditions. The standard rear-wheel drive delivers exceptional handling and a dynamic driving experience, while the M Sport suspension, available on the M440i and M4, offers even greater agility and precision.
For those who want more traction in challenging weather conditions, the xDrive all-wheel-drive system is available on the M440i and M4 Competition, ensuring that the 4 Series maintains its performance capabilities in rain, snow, or other slippery surfaces.
4. Advanced Technology and Features
BMW has outfitted the 4 Series with an impressive suite of technology features that make driving more enjoyable, safer, and more convenient.
Infotainment System
The iDrive 7.0 infotainment system in the BMW 4 Series is one of the best in the industry. The system includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a rotary controller, and optional gesture controls that make it easy to adjust settings without taking your hands off the wheel. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration of your smartphone for music, navigation, and calls.
Additionally, the available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster can display a wide variety of driving-related information, from speed and fuel efficiency to navigation instructions and vehicle diagnostics. This display can be fully customized to suit the driver’s needs.
Driver-Assistance Features
The 4 Series is equipped with a host of standard driver-assistance features that enhance safety and convenience. These include:
- Forward-collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Parking sensors
Higher trims, such as the M440i and M4, can also be equipped with advanced features like adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and semi-autonomous driving modes, which make long drives and parking much easier.
5. BMW 4 Series vs Competitors: How Does It Compare?
While the BMW 4 Series is a strong contender in the luxury coupe segment, it faces stiff competition from other high-performance coupes. Here’s how it compares to some of its rivals:
Audi A5 Coupe
The Audi A5 Coupe is a solid competitor to the BMW 4 Series, offering a comfortable ride, a sleek design, and a range of engine options. However, while the A5 is elegant and well-equipped, it doesn’t quite match the level of driving engagement offered by the BMW. The 4 Series’ sharper handling and more dynamic performance give it the edge in terms of driving excitement.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe offers refined luxury and comfort, but it leans more towards relaxation than outright performance. While the C-Class Coupe features a premium cabin and smooth ride, it falls short of the 4 Series in terms of agility and performance. The BMW’s sportier suspension and more responsive steering make it a more thrilling option for driving enthusiasts.
Lexus RC
The Lexus RC is another competitor in the luxury coupe segment, offering distinctive styling and a smooth ride. However, it doesn’t quite match the 4 Series in terms of handling and driving precision. The RC’s more relaxed driving experience and less dynamic chassis put it behind the 4 Series in terms of driving pleasure.
6. Conclusion: A Standout Luxury Coupe
The BMW 4 Series continues to be one of the most exciting and well-rounded luxury coupes in the market. With its striking design, impressive performance capabilities, and advanced technology, the 4 Series offers a driving experience that appeals to a wide range of enthusiasts and luxury car buyers alike. Whether you’re drawn to the efficiency of the 430i, the performance of the M440i, or the raw power of the M4, the 4 Series has something for every type of driver. With its perfect blend of performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology, the BMW 4 Series remains a top choice in the luxury coupe segment