2021 BMW 4-Series Review, Pricing, and Specs
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Overview
BMW’s two-door 4-series differentiates itself from the 3-series sedan with a controversial front-end design and a more elegant roofline. Mechanically, the two cars are almost identical. They are powered by the same two powertrains: either a 255-hp turbo-four or a 382-hp turbocharged inline-six. While passenger space is obviously arranged differently inside the two-door 4-series, occupants are treated to the same basic interior design, layout, and features as in the four-door—and as fans of BMW’s latest interior arrangement we’re okay with that. The new 4-series takes on other premium two-door models such as the Audi A5, Lexus RC, and Mercedes-Benz C-class. Fans of the fastback 4-series Gran Coupe sedan or the high-performance M4 (both reviewed separately) will be happy to know that those models will continue to be offered.
What’s New for 2021?
Everything. The 4-series finally catches up to the 3-series for 2021 with a clean-sheet redesign and bolder exterior styling.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We think the turbocharged inline-six in the M440i model will be the enthusiast’s choice, but the nearly $13,000 price premium may turn off some buyers. That bump in price comes with a load of additional equipment though, in case you need more reason to justify the cost. The M440i comes standard with all-wheel drive, for one thing, and it’s also outfitted with unique M Sport 18-inch wheels with run-flat tires, the M Sport suspension and rear differential, a rear spoiler, a faux-leather wrapped dashboard, and more. A convertible model is also offered but switching to the soft-top body style adds almost $8000 to the base price.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The same two overachieving engines offered in the 3-series are available in the 4-series. Models designated 430i is powered by a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The M440i is powered by a silky-smooth turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that gains an assist from a 48-volt hybrid system to make 382-hp. The 4-series provides a very sporty driving experience, courtesy of a retuned suspension, a more-aggressive steering calibration, a wider rear track, and a lower center of gravity. We’ve tested the M440i coupe and came away less impressed with its driving characteristic than its terrific inline-six. Apart from strong brakes that performed well in our 70-to-zero-mph test (149 feet), the Bimmer’s rubbery steering and compliant ride didn’t deliver the same satisfaction we got from the M340i sedan. During our test drive of an all-wheel drive 430i xDrive model, we noted decent power from the turbocharged four-cylinder but came away with a similar complaint about the car’s too-soft suspension.
Andi Hedrick
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Car and Driver
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates the four-cylinder 430i coupe will earn 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Adding all-wheel drive into the equation drops those figures to 24 and 33 mpg, respectively. The six-cylinder M440i is rated at 22 mpg city and 31 highway. We haven’t tested the M440i model on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, but the 430i xDrive delivered 34 mpg over the 200-mile test.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Shoppers may not notice much difference between the cabins of the 4-series and the 3-series unless they’re in the back seat. The dashboard layout, interior materials, and primary controls look to be identical to the four-door 3-series’, although we noticed that the lower roofline in the 4-series gives it a less spacious feel. Trunk space is less generous here than in the 3-series, especially in the convertible model; in our testing, we fit five carry-on suitcases in the trunk of the coupe model, one less than in the 3-series sedan.
Andi Hedrick
|
Car and Driver
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2021 4-series comes with the same standard 8.8-inch and optional 10.3-inch infotainment screens as the 3-series sedan. Both displays run the latest version of BMW’s iDrive 7 infotainment software, which pairs an intuitive interface with a console-mounted clickwheel controller for easy use while driving; those who prefer to interact with the display directly can do since both are touchscreens. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and in-dash navigation will all be standard while a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, onboard Wi-Fi, and a wireless smartphone charging pad are optional extras.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
BMW offers a host of driver-assistance features to as standard with more advanced features available as options. For more information about the 4-series’ crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Compared to rivals such as the Cadillac CT5 or the Genesis G70 the BMW 4-series’ standard warranty offerings are fairly basic. BMW makes up for that with a three-year complimentary maintenance plan, whereas the Caddy only offers but one free visit.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
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Specifications
Specifications
2021 BMW 430i xDrive
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE AS TESTED
$60,520 (base price: $48,595)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
122 in3, 1998 cm3
Power
255 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque
294 lb-ft @ 1550 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.7-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, F: 225/40R-19 93Y ★ R: 255/35R-19 96Y ★
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.2 in
Length: 187.9 in
Width: 72.9 in
Height: 54.8 in
Passenger volume: 87 ft3
Cargo volume: 12 ft3
Curb weight: 3782 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.2 sec
100 mph: 14.2 sec
130 mph: 28.8 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.3 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.2 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.0 sec
1/4 mile: 13.9 sec @ 99 mph
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 148 ft
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 21 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 34 mpg
Highway range: 530 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 27/24/33 mpg
2021 BMW M440i xDrive
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE AS TESTED
$69,770 (base price: $59,495)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
183 in3, 2998 cm3
Power
382 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque
364 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.7-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, F: 225/40R-19 93Y ★ R: 255/35R-19 96Y ★
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.2 in
Length: 188.0 in
Width: 72.9 in
Height: 54.8 in
Passenger volume: 87 ft3
Trunk volume: 12 ft3
Curb weight: 3986 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.8 sec
100 mph: 9.6 sec
130 mph: 17.1 sec
150 mph: 25.7 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.6 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.4 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.1 sec
1/4 mile: 12.3 sec @ 112 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 157 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 149 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 299 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.91 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 25/22/31 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs
