2021 BMW 4 Series Values & Cars for Sale | Kelley Blue Book

The 2021 BMW 4 Series range of premium compact coupes and convertibles enters its second generation for this model year. This is welcome news. The 4 Series recognizes that some people are prepared to forgo raised driving positions and some practicality in return for automotive joy, along with an individual style.

This new model brings several changes, which we will go into during this review, but there are two big ones. Versions with 6-cylinder engines also have a 48-volt mild hybrid system. One of its main tasks is to restart the engine after the fuel-saving automatic stop feature has kicked in. Earlier systems (from all manufacturers, not just BMW) have often been obtrusive on restarts, but this new method is much smoother.

The first 4 Series Convertible had a folding hardtop. Nice idea in principle, providing optimum security and year-round suitability. Not so great in practice because of the weight of the motors required to operate the thing and the space it took up when stowed. The new 4 Series Convertible has a soft top, in common with rivals like the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The 4 Series is based on the 3 Series sedan, which was all-new last year. In the past, BMW has waited before releasing the M models. But the latest M4 comes in this first wave, which is more good news. There are a couple of gaps — no rear-drive M440i Coupe and no option for all-wheel drive in the M models — but these will apparently be filled next year.

In the meantime, the 2021 BMW 4 Series has a number of variants, each with its own appeal.