BMW introduced its 4-Series line after decades of selling 3-Series coupes and convertibles. And since that launch, these stylish two-doors – and the newer Gran Coupe body, have begun to develop their own identity, embracing the visual and dynamic athleticism that BMW is known for.
What's New for 2018
For 2018, the chassis and styling take center stage following last year’s new engine lineup. There are upgrades to the suspension and steering, and reshaped front and rear bumper highlight the changes.
Choosing Your BMW 4-Series
The 4-Series is offered in three body styles: coupe, hardtop convertible, and Gran Coupe, which is BMW speak for a four-door sedan wrapped in a coupe’s sleek shape.
All 4-Series models come equipped with LED exterior lighting, a rearview camera, BMW’s iDrive infotainment system with a 6.5-inch display, and a 10-way power driver’s seat with adjustable side bolsters. Additional standard goodies include 18-inch wheels, BMW’s Connect digital assistant, ambient lighting, and power-folding-heated mirrors.
The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine – found in the 430i – generates 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and returns an EPA estimated 24 miles per gallon city, 34 mpg highway, and 27 combined. You can grab the base engine in coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe bodies.
The 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder from the 440i packs 320 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque and returns 21 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. Again, all three body styles are available with this engine.
The 4-Series starts with rear-wheel drive, although regardless of body style or powertrain, customers can step up to all-wheel drive – the premium is $2,000 across the board. There's not quite as much freedom with the transmission selection, though. Like its mechanical twin, the 3-Series, every 4-Series comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. although a no-cost six-speed manual is available. But like the 3er, the 4-Series only offers the stick on a few variants – the rear-drive 430i and 440i Coupe, and the all-wheel-drive 440i Coupe.
Every 4-Series is available with a range of option packages. The most common is the no-cost Essentials Package, available as standard on each coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe. It adds proximity entry, front and rear parking sensors, and a one-year subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio. The next step up is the Premium Package, which adds navigation with real-time traffic, heated front seats, and an instrument cluster that features a high-resolution display for vehicle information and driving data.
The next two items are mutually exclusive and require the Premium Package. The Luxury Package adds chrome exterior accents, 18-inch wheels, and fancier interior wood trim, while the M Sport Package adds a sporty body kit, a firmer suspension, an M-branded steering wheel, dark window surrounds, more expressive colors, M-branded wheels, and a wider selection of upholstery and interior trim. Customers can add 19-inch wheels to their M Sport-equipped cars for $900 and an adaptive sport suspension for $700.
You'll need to grab one of those two packages to obtain the Executive Package and its gear. Like the 3-Series, it adds adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, a surround-view camera system, a head-up display, an automatic parking system, and speed-limit recognition.
If you want to expand on the performance of your 4-Series, the Track Handling Package builds on the M Sport Package with variable steering and M-branded brakes. It also includes the adaptive suspension that the M Sport Package offers as a standalone option
As intoxicating as the sound of BMW's 3.0-liter inline-six is, the 2.0-liter turbo's lower starting price and improved economy make it the smart buy. Body style will depend on personal needs, but the Gran Coupe is arguably the most attractive version of the 4-Series. In terms of optional gear, you'll at least want the Premium Package, but where you go from there will, again, is a subjective decision.