History/Overview
BMW introduced the 4 Series in 2014 as a re-named 3 Series coupe. It began as a two-door coupe and convertible, and expanded in 2015 with a four-door Gran Coupe variant with a hatchback tailgate.
There's a high-performance M4 too, which comes in two-door coupe and convertible forms. It's covered in a separate buyer's guide entry.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
For 2020, BMW has redesigned the 4 Series convertible and expanded its drivetrain options to include rear- and all-wheel drive versions with both its four- and six-cylinder engines; last year, both engines were standard with AWD.
The 4 Series coupe and Gran Coupe carry over unchanged from last year.
Available Trims
BMW offers the 4 Series as the 430i and 440i. The former uses a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and the 440i gets a 3.0L turbo six-cylinder that makes 320 hp and 330 lb-ft.
All convertibles get an eight-speed automatic transmission. 4 Series coupes get a choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions in rear-drive 430i and 440i models, and in the AWD 440i xDrive. The six-speed is standard in the 430i Gran Coupe, and the eight-speed is included in 430i xDrive, 440i and 440i xDrive variants.
Standard Features
430i coupe models come with 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery, sunroof, LED fog lights and headlights, an M aerodynamics package, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated and power-adjustable front seats, sport seats, M leather steering wheel, forward collision warning with city-speed braking, lane departure warning, BMW's driving assistant, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers and run-flat tires.
440i trim brings 19-inch wheels and a heated steering wheel.
Key Options
A 430i Performance package bundles an adaptive M suspension with variable sport steering.
The Premium package brings auto-dimming side mirrors, digital gauge cluster, heated steering wheel, alarm system, front and rear parking sensors, passive keyless entry and satellite radio.
The Enhanced Premium Package adds lumbar support, blind spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, head-up display, upgraded stereo and, in the convertible, an "air collar" system that directs heated or cooled air to the back of your neck.
Some of the 4 Series' standalone options include the M sport brake kit, Merino leather dash and door trim and heated rear seats.
Fuel Economy
As of this writing, BMW had not published fuel consumption estimates for the 2020 4 Series, so all we have to go on are last year's figures. In 2019, the most efficient 4 Series models were the 430i xDrive coupe and Gran Coupe with the eight-speed auto, at 10.2/7.2 L/100 km (city/highway). The new rear-drive 430i coupe should be slightly more efficient than that.
At the top end of the scale are the six-speed versions of the 440i. Those cars are rated 12.8/8.8 L/100 km with rear-wheel drive and 13.0/8.5 with AWD.
Competition
The 4 Series competes with the Audi A5, which also comes in a trio of models including coupe, convertible and Sportback four-door versions.
Other two-door competitors are the Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe and Lexus' RC.
The Buick Regal Sportback and Volkswagen Arteon are four-door hatchbacks that line up nicely against the 4 Series Gran Coupe.
