2023 BMW 4-Series Review, Pricing, and Specs
Nội Dung Chính
Overview
From the driver’s seat, there’s little that differentiates the 2023 BMW 4-series from the 3-series sedan on which it’s based, and that’s a good thing. But on the outside, the two-door body style and oversize twin-kidney grille give the 4-series a look entirely different from its four-door, 3-series counterpart. Practicality takes a back seat here, literally, as the 4-series’ rear seat is snug; nor is its trunk as spacious as the 3-series’ cargo hold. But if anyone cares, they can opt for the 3-series sedan. The 4-series duo is stylish, quick, and refined as you’d expect BMWs to be. What’s missing, however, is the brand’s traditionally sharp handling, especially if you go with the entry-level 430i model, which comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Opt for the more powerful M440i, which sports a rambunctious turbocharged inline-six, and things get a lot more interesting—but even its backroad moves aren’t as special as we would hope. The 4-series Gran Coupe exists for buyers who want both swoopy styling and four doors, but we review that model separately.
What’s New for 2023?
BMW’s entry-luxury coupe and convertible are largely unchanged for 2023, but M Sport brakes with red or blue calipers are now a part of the optional Shadowline appearance package. The Premium package no longer includes BMW’s gimmicky gesture controls for the infotainment system, and the optional head-up display is now only available on top-spec M440i models. A Parking Assistance package has been added to the options sheet, and all models now come with a faux-leather dashboard cover.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We think the turbocharged inline-six in the M440i model is the enthusiast’s choice, but the nearly $11,000 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 is 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 $7500 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 are 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 sporty driving experience, courtesy of a retuned suspension, a more-aggressive steering calibration, a wider rear track, and a lower center of gravity than the 3-series sedan. Still, we tested the M440i coupe and came away less impressed with its driving character than its terrific inline-six. Apart from strong brakes that performed well in our 70-to-zero-mph test (149 feet), the Bimmer’s distant 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 noted a similar complaint about the car’s too-soft suspension.
Andi Hendrick
|
Car and Driver
More on the 4-Series Coupe and Convertible
Tested: 2021 BMW 430i Deserves a Better Chassis
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. For more information about the 4-series’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
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 Hendrick
|
Car and Driver
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2023 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 click wheel 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 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
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 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
Arrow pointing downArrow pointing down
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
