BMW 4 Series (2013 – 2020) Review

Produced between 2014 and 2020, the first-generation BMW 4 Series Coupe offers sporty handling, stylish looks and a luxurious interior. Its range of engines includes economical diesels and performance petrols. BMW’s xDrive four-wheel drive can also be found on certain models, providing extra traction for slippery conditions. Such a combination of factors makes for an appealing premium coupe, with only a handful of small downsides. The ride quality on M Sport models can be tough due to the sports suspension setup, while boot space is only average compared to class rivals. Beyond that, it is easy to see why BMW sold so many examples of this original 4 Series.

Some purists were surprised when BMW renamed coupe versions of the popular 3 Series as ‘4 Series’ in 2013. Several years later, any controversy has long been forgotten, largely thanks to how good the end product turned out to be. 

Handsome but understated styling helped differentiate the 4 Series Coupe from the related 3 Series saloon, with a swooping roofline the most obvious change. The wider rear end also enhances the sporty image, with M Sport models looking particularly racy. Compared with more recent BMW efforts – not least the new 4 Series – it’s easy to see why the car won near-universal praise. 

BMW has built a reputation over several decades for building cars that are good to drive. The 4 Series Coupe does not disappoint, offering a truly engaging experience. Compared with key rivals like the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the BMW will be the most fun to use on twisty country roads. The steering is accurate and well-weighted, while the engines are responsive and powerful.

M Sport models in particular offer the most involvement for the driver, with stiffer suspension allowing more energetic cornering.

This does come at a cost, though. The 4 Series Coupe, and M Sport versions in particular, does suffer with a firm ride quality. It never feels truly uncomfortable, but the impression of tautness never goes away, especially on cars with 19-inch alloy wheels. The optional adaptive suspension is important to look out for, delivering the best of both worlds with just a button-press. 

From launch, BMW has tinkered with the engine options for the 4 Series Coupe. The latest line-up includes three diesels and three petrols, ranging from warm to scalding on the performance scale.

Commuters will be drawn to the popular diesel 420d, given its impressive fuel economy, while speed freaks will yearn for the petrol 440i. The latter has a turbocharged six-cylinder engine capable of serious speed. 

Lower-level models come with a six-speed manual gearbox, but the majority of the range uses an excellent eight-speed automatic. It is generally preferred, with the manual adding little to the party. An xDrive four-wheel-drive system can also be found on key models, replacing the usual rear-wheel-drive layout. 

With the driving experience and styling up to scratch, the interior is another area where the 4 Series Coupe scores strongly. Although it might not be the most exciting cabin, BMW has at least maintained its reputation for quality.

Everything you touch feels well made, with plenty of soft-touch plastics throughout. Standard leather upholstery adds to the luxurious image. 

Where the 4 Series feels less generous is on space for those in the rear. Limited headroom due to the coupe roofline can make it uncomfortable for adults, even if legroom is reasonable. Boot space is also only average compared to rivals from Audi and Mercedes-Benz. These are still minor complaints, and do little to hold back the overall appeal

The 4 Series Coupe manages to offer acceptable practicality against rivals like the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. BMW would argue that if you need more space, the four-door 4 Series Gran Coupe is available. 

Those in the front of the 4 Series will have no problems with space, with plenty of headroom and legroom. The back bench only holds two seats, but is more comfortable than it first appears. Legroom is fine for rear passengers, although taller adults may find headroom restricted by the coupe roofline.

Boot space is on par with the class average, accommodating a total of 445 litres. The rear seats fold flat as standard to make transporting bulkier items easier. 

A through-loading system to carry skis can be added as an option, apart from to four-wheel-drive xDrive versions. These, ironically, would be best suited for trips to snow-covered mountains.

The interior of the 4 Series feels built to last. Finding anything that feels flimsy is a real challenge. 

Helping cement the quality image is the use of ‘Dakota’ leather upholstery as standard for all cars. Fancier Merino leather could also be specified from the options list. 

Satin silver is the standard interior finish for SE cars, with Sport models gaining gloss black trim. M Sport versions have an aluminum finish in a hexagonal design, and benefit from a chunkier leather-clad steering wheel.

BMW faced criticism when the iDrive multimedia system was launched almost 20 years ago, but it’s now one of the best available. The dashboard-mounted display varies in size depending on trim level, with all versions operated by the now-familiar rotary controller on the centre console. Steering wheel-mounted controls and voice commands can also be used. 

Standard specification across the range includes DAB radio, USB ports, Bluetooth phone connectivity and satellite navigation. BMW only offered Apple CarPlay as a £235 option on the 4 Series, and did not allow support for Android Auto at all.

BMW finished production of the first-generation 4 Series Coupe in April 2020, making space for the all-new second-generation model. 

Prices for the outgoing version began at £35,465 on the road, buying you a 420i Sport. Unlike the equivalent 4 Series Convertible, this model only comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The excellent eight-speed automatic transmission added a further £1,690 to the list price. 

Diesels started with the 420d Sport, costing a more substantial £38,090. Again, this comes with a manual gearbox, with the automatic unit relegated to the options list. The four-wheel-drive xDrive version of the 420d Sport was priced from £41,280. 

The range-topping petrol 440i M Sport had a list price of £47,845, with the diesel 435d M Sport the most expensive of all – at £50,510. 

Having proven particularly popular with UK buyers, there are plenty of second-hand examples to choose from. Earlier cars will be easily found at independent showrooms, with the latest versions on BMW forecourts as manufacturer-approved models. 

A plentiful supply means you can be picky. The most popular second-hand model is likely to be a 420d M Sport, with the automatic gearbox slightly more common. Just behind is the 420i M Sport, with other variants somewhat harder to find. 

A nearly-new 420d M Sport with an automatic gearbox will cost from around £21,000.That’s for a low-mileage example less than one-year old. Opting for a petrol 420i of similar age and mileage should cost in the region of £22,000.

Tracking down a nearly-new 435d diesel will take more work, but it should cost from £29,000. The equivalent petrol 440i is rarer still, with used prices starting at £30,000.

Drivers looking at long commutes will be best served by the diesel 420d. Up to 49.6mpg is achievable with the automatic gearbox, based upon the latest official fuel economy tests. Opting for the 420d xDrive four-wheel-drive model reduces this slightly to 47.1mpg.

Petrol models are, naturally, less efficient in comparison. The entry-level 420i delivers the best fuel economy on paper, with up to 38.2mpg possible in the automatic version. Again, four-wheel-drive versions see a minor reduction, with the 420i xDrive averaging 36.2mpg. 

A premium badge and sporty performance mean that insurance costs for the 4 Series Coupe will be higher than average. The petrol 420i xDrive Sport is officially the version with the lowest insurance group, rated as 30 (out of 50). The regular rear-wheel drive 420i Sport and diesel 420d Sport are both in group 31.

Bargain hunters might wish to look for an early 418d model in SE trim. Its low CO2 emissions saw it eligible for VED (road tax) of just £20 per year. 

Newer examples fall inside the VED scheme that adds an additional rate for cars costing more than £40,000. This affects numerous models sold from April 2017 onwards, and sees owners paying an extra £325 on top of the standard £150 rate. This applies for five years after the first year of registration.

Most drivers will be wowed at the cornering ability, with little body-roll and plenty of feedback via the steering wheel. Just be wary of cars fitted with the Variable Sport Steerin - the way it adjusts effort levels based on speed and steering angle is an acquired taste. 

The only downside of a sporty driving experience is a tougher ride. M Sport models, wearing larger wheels, have the harshest ride quality, although never to the point of being unpleasant. M Sport suspension could be deleted as an option on certain models for those who want a smoother experience. 

Optional Adaptive M Sport suspension is the best solution, letting the driver move from Comfort to Sport suspension settings at the press of a button.

BMW has frequently updated and changed the engine options for the 4 Series Coupe. The latest iteration features the choice of three petrol engines, along with three diesels. 

The popular 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder 420d kicks off the diesel choices, with 190PS. It can be specified with optional xDrive four-wheel drive for those who need extra traction.

Next on the diesel ladder is the 258PS 430d, which also makes use of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It delivers more rapid acceleration than the 420d, but many will move up to the 435d instead. This range-topping engine makes 313PS from its twin-turbocharged straight-six, and comes with xDrive four-wheel drive as standard. 

Petrol engines begin with the 184PS 420i, also a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. It does not feel as lively as the 420d, and the 430i is likely to hold more appeal for petrol performance fans. With 252PS, it allows for more rapid acceleration.

Topping the petrol charts is the 3.0-litre turbo straight-six 440i. With a thumping 321PS, it moves the 4 Series Coupe firmly into performance car territory. Just try not to worry about the fuel consumption.

An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard on most higher-output engines. The 420i petrol and 420d diesel come with a six-speed manual, other than xDrive models which gain the auto ’box. 

Despite the lengthy period of time it was sold for, BMW never had the 4 Series Coupe crash-tested by Euro NCAP. The related 3 Series saloon scored the maximum five-star rating, so we assume the 4 Series would be just as safe. 

There are multiple airbags throughout the cabin, while models sold after 2017 could be fitted with an optional Driving Assistance Package. This included technology like lane-change warning and city emergency braking. Front and rear parking sensors are standard on all models, with a rear-view camera on the options list.

Instead of a spare wheel, BMW fitted the 4 Series Coupe with run-flat tyres.

The 4 Series Coupe might not be the first choice for towing, but BMW acknowledges it may have appeal for some customers. The company thus sells an official tow bar accessory package for £750.

Diesel automatics offer the best pulling power, with the torquiest engines most suited to the task. The 425d has a maximum towing capacity of 1800kg for a braked trailer, and 750kg for an unbraked trailer.

The range of trim levels offered for the 4 Series Coupe was altered by BMW during the course of production. However, it stuck with three core specifications for the majority of its time on sale. 

SE marked the starting point for 4 Series Coupe ownership until late into production. This trim features 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery and two-zone climate control. 

Sport specification is next on the ladder, with 18-inch wheels and special gloss black inserts for the bumpers. A different front grille is also fitted, while the interior benefits from sports seats.

Topping the range is the popular M Sport trim, which features unique M Sport body styling. A set of 18-inch wheels is also included, along with M Sport suspension and sport seats.

BMW also offered the Modern trim level until May 2014, with Luxury specification sold until July 2017. Both are notably rare on the used market.