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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
430i
The 430i is, surprisingly, most affordable with the Gran Coupe body. It starts at $44,295 (including $995 destination charge), while the Coupe is slightly pricier, at $44,495. The Convertible is on a different planet, ringing up at $52,645.
Keeping things simple, almost every package is available with every trim and aside from one, package prices are standardized. The sole exception is Convertible, which isn't available with the Track Handling Package and offers a slightly less expensive M Sport Package.
You'll find the Premium Package an agreeable option at $2,300 – it grants access to either the $1,850 Luxury Package or the $2,600 ($2,300 on the Convertible) M Sport Package. From there, the Executive Package costs $2,100, while the Track Handling Package is $1,700. But while these individual prices are agreeable, it's important to remember that BMW stacks its packages – grabbing the Executive Package, for example, requires the Premium Package and either the Luxury or M Sport Package.
Standalone options are limited by BMW's standards. Dakota leather upholstery costs $1,450, although you'll need either the Premium or Luxury package, depending on which color hides you choose. Heated front seats and a head-up display are both available in option packages, although owners can pick them up as a la carte features for $500 and $1,100, respectively. A heated steering wheel costs $190, while a wifi hotspot and wireless charger ring up at $500. Apple CarPlay compatibility is a $300 option, but to really enjoy the tunes the system provides, you'll want the $875 Harman Kardon audio system.
All active driving systems are a la carte, so plan on spending $500 for blind-spot monitoring and another $500 for BMW's Active Driving Assistant (forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection and lane-keeping assist), while adaptive cruise control requires $1,200. Convertible-specific options include a set of vents in the seats that blow warm air on the driver's neck – it's a $500 option and requires the Luxury Package. The convertible is also available with M-branded brakes. These $650 stoppers almost make up for the lack of a Track Handling Package on the droptop 4-Series.
440i
The more powerful 440i is also available in Coupe, Gran Coupe, and Convertible form, and again, the Gran Coupe is the most affordable and the Convertible the most expensive. The four-door 440i starts at $50,695 to the two-door Coupe's $50,895. The Convertible, meanwhile, is a lofty $8,800 more than the Coupe, at $59,695.
Softening the blow from paying more for the bigger engine, the option packages on the 440i are slightly more affordable. The Premium trim is just $2,000 across the board, while the Luxury is down to $1,450 and the M Sport is slightly more affordable at $2,550. The Convertible gets gipped even harder, though – not only is the M Sport Package not available, but neither is the Luxury Package.
The Executive and Track Handling packages are unchanged in price, content, or availability from the 430i. The 440i's standalone options are also unchanged.
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.
