Pros: Fantastic ride and handling balance; fine build quality; engines supply both good power and fuel economy; racetrack-ready performance in M4 models
Cons: Prices rise quickly with options; limited rear-seat space, even in Gran Coupe 4-door model; many drivers find engine stop/start feature annoying
CG Says: BMW 4-Series has two new engines for 2017. The base engine is a 248-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder—this is an eight-hp increase over the previous engine. With the new engine, model designation changes from 428i to 430i. A 320-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter six replaces a previous 300-hp six in the 435i which becomes 440i. Both engines offer the choice of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. 4-Series is a premium compact offered in coupe, retractable-hardtop convertible, and four-door hatchback body styles. Coupe and convertible seat four while the “Gran Coupe” hatchback has room for five. M4 is a high-performance version of the 4-Series available as a coupe or convertible. M4 has a 425-hp (444 with competition package) turbocharged 3.0-liter six mated to a six-speed manual or seven-speed automated manual transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available on 430i and 440i. Available features include collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, surround-view camera, LED headlights, self-parking, and head-up instrument display. As with its 3-Series sedan siblings, the 4-Series’s ride and handling balance is outstanding, and its powertrains supply impressive power with surprisingly good fuel economy. Prices are steep, however… expect to pay a premium over a comparably equipped 3-Series models. The 4-Series Gran Coupe has a confusing name, but it offers sleek styling and hatchback versatility at prices that aren’t out of line with the “true” coupe models. The M4 coupe and convertible offer world-class, track-taming performance and sophistication, albeit at a stiff price premium.
| Class | Premium Sporty/Performance Car |
| Body Style(s) | 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible, 4-door hatchback sedan |
| Passenger Count | 4 (5 in Gran Coupe) |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Nation of Manufacture | Germany |
| Base Prices | 430i coupe: $42,150 AWD 430i coupe: $44,150 430i convertible: $50,300 AWD 430i convertible: $52,300 430i Gran Coupe: $41,950 AWD 430i Gran Coupe: $43,950 440i coupe: $48,500 AWD 440i coupe: $50,500 440i convertible: $57,300 AWD 440i convertible: $59,300 440i Gran Coupe: $48,300 AWD 440i Gran Coupe: $50,300 M4 coupe: $66,200 M4 convertible: $74,700 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 248 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual (not available in all models) |
| Avail. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 21-23 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 32-34 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower 320 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual (not available in all models) |
| Avail. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 19-21 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 29-32 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower 425 (444 w/ Competition Package) |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 7-speed automated manual |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 17 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 24-26 |
