2022 BMW 4-Series

Pros: Engines supply both good power and fuel economy; nicely balanced ride and handling; classy cabin; breathtaking performance of M4 models

Cons: Manual transmission only offered on base M4; controversial front-end styling; spendy options drive up bottom-line prices

CG Says: The 2022 BMW 4-Series lineup now includes an all-wheel-drive 330i convertible and a rear-wheel drive M440i coupe. Previously the 330i convertible was rear-drive only and the 440i coupe was only available with all-wheel drive. The rear-drive M4 Competition gains an all-wheel-drive version. The BMW 4-Series coupe and convertible were redesigned for 2021. The related BMW 3-Series sedan was redesigned for 2019, and the 2-doors joined it on the new platform. There is also a new 4-Series Gran Coupe, a 4-door hatchback sedan which is built on the same 3-Series/4-Series platform. (See separate report.) The base 430i’s is powered by a 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The M440i’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six has a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for a combined 382 hp. The high-performance M4 has a 473-hp turbo 3.0-liter six and the M4 Competition model is rated at 503 hp. The base M4 offers a choice of a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission; the 8-speed automatic is the sole transmission for the M4 Competition and all other 4-Series models. Rear-wheel drive is standard on 430i, M440i coupe, and M4; all-wheel drive is standard for M440i convertible and is available for 430i and M4 Competition. Standard 4-Series safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, rear-collision preparation, speed-limit information, and automatic high-beam headlights. Also available is adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant (which can steer and brake the car on certain highways at speeds up to 37 mph, provided the driver’s attention is on the road). Sporty coupes and convertibles aren’t as popular as they once were, but BMW remains committed to the segment. The nicely executed redesigned 4-Series lineup continues its tradition of fine all-around performance while adding new tech features and better overall refinement—even if the provocative new styling might turn off some shoppers.