2018 BMW 4 Series

Jan 23, 2025, 4:38am ET

Like the 3 Series Coupe it replaces, the 4 Series is a high-style two-door version of BMW's enthusiast-approved 3 Series sedan. Though quieter, cushier, and more tech-intensive than its predecessors, it still serves up an engaging driving experience to go along with its distinctive looks.

The 4 Series line-up includes the coupe detailed here, a convertible model, a four-door coupe, and the hot-rodded M4.

Overview

In years past, the 3 Series' coupe companion was known for conservative, understated styling, but the 4 Series breaks with tradition by wearing highly evocative sheet metal.

Its wide stance is accentuated up front by a muscular hood, a flared lower fascia, and BMW's fused grille/headlight design. In other words: it looks a lot like a 3 Series. The flanks feature sharply creased character lines and vent-like Air Breathers that reduce turbulence in the front wheels, while a racy, elongated roof line combines with a lengthy hood to create classic proportions.

The 4 Series is fitted with a lowered, specially tuned version of the 3 Series sedan's suspension. A strut located between the front axle's subframe unit and the body stiffens the front end for more precise steering and better body control, while the rear five-link suspension is also optimized for spirited driving. Note the electronically-assisted steering is less communicative than the hydraulic setup of the 4's predecessor.

Life aboard

Inside, the 4 Series' dashboard is largely identical to that of the 3 Series. That means there's simple, straightforward instrumentation, driver-focused controls, and premium materials.

Mounted front and center is a 6.5-inch infotainment screen that displays sound system, climate control and (when equipped) navigation system info. It's controlled by BMW's much-improved iDrive interface, although redundant buttons and voice commands give users alternate means of accessing the electronics.

Despite its attractive styling, the 4 Series boasts a reasonably spacious backseat that can hold two adults for around-town journeys. The rear backrest folds down in 40:20:40 segments for added utility, and when the center section is folded, it acts as a ski or snowboard slot.

Technical specifications

The 4 Series line-up includes two models named 430i and 440i, respectively.

The 430i's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 248 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque from 1,450 to 4,800 rpm. It accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds in its fastest configuration.

The 440i benefits from a turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six that delivers 320 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 330 pound-feet of torque between 1,380 and 5,000 rpm. Its zero-to-60-mph time checks in at 4.6 seconds.

The 430i comes standard with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. An eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are offered at an extra cost. They can be combined, but the stick is rear-wheel drive only.

The same applies to the 440i with one important change: the manual is compatible with xDrive.

The stick-shifted, rear-wheel drive 430i's fuel economy checks in at 21 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg in a combined cycle. The automatic, rear-wheel drive 440i posts figures of 21, 32, and 25.

Standard and optional equipment

The 430i comes standard with a multi-function steering wheel, navigation, SensaTec upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped by run-flat tires, a universal garage door opener, a moon roof, auto-dimming mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic LED headlights, LED fog lights, automatic climate control, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The 440i adds, in addition to the bigger engine, a Nappa leather-upholstered steering wheel, keyless entry, and a surround-sound system.

The list of extra-cost options includes metallic paint, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, 19-inch alloys, an adaptive M suspension, a heated steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. There are also numerous option packages that make the 4 sportier, more luxurious, or both.

Occupant safety

All 4 Series models come standard with dual front, front knee, front side and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Key competitors

Not sure the 4 Series is the right luxury coupe for you? Other options include the conservative Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, the shapely Audi A5, the Infiniti Q60, and the Cadillac ATS Coupe.