Summary
The first-generation BMW 4 Series Coupé was a compact executive car – essentially the two-door coupé version of the previous-generation BMW 3 Series saloon.
The 4 Series joined the German upmarket brand’s range for the first time in 2013, – except that it didn’t really. Before then, the two-door version of the mass-selling 3 Series was called the 3 Series Coupé. Now it’s the 4 Series Coupé – and just to confuse matters there was a four-door 4 Series called the Gran Coupé, but that is not covered here.
A car widely praised for its attractive exterior styling, The Sunday Times said that the first iteration of the 4 Series was “a coupé that’s as good to drive as it looks”, with a wide range of strong engine options and driving dynamics that Parkers explained offered “fun and frugality in equal measure”.
Reviewers also approved of the car’s interior technology and ambience. That said, the infotainment and other on-board tech features are now rather dated when compared to more modern alternatives, including the current-generation 4 Series model.
Being a coupé, reviewers also frequently commented that the car was not very spacious in the rear, and that customers looking for family-car practicality should consider the cheaper 3 Series instead.
As of January 2025, the BMW 4 Series Coupé holds a Used Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 63%.
- BMW 4 Series Coupé (2020 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More BMW Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
4 Series Coupé highlights
- Attractive exterior styling
- Wide range of strong engines on offer
- Comfortable and well-built interior
- Sharp driving dynamics
4 Series Coupé lowlights
- Not as practical as a 3 Series
- On-board tech is now rather dated
- Can be pricey on the used market
- M Sport models have firm suspension
Key specifications
Body style: 2+2 coupé
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £29,280 on-road
Launched: Winter 2013
Last updated: Summer 2017
Replaced: Autumn 2020
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 4 Series Coupe is a great four-seater coupe.”
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 4 Series Coupe was updated in 2017, and remains a great four-seater coupe.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 440i (2017)
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 4 Series remains one of the best four-seat premium coupes around, and in 440i form it’s also genuinely fast. The 435d is a better all-round choice for those looking for pace, grace and low running costs, however.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 435i petrol
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 4 Series Coupe is very well balanced, darting into bends with an eagerness many cars this size can’t recreate; and the six-cylinder petrol is very smooth.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: (2017-20)
Score: 7.4 / 10
“BMW has a long tradition of building stylish, sporting coupes that look good and drive brilliantly, the 4 Series honouring this legacy in typical style.”
Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: 420d xDrive
Score: 8 / 10
The 2017 BMW 4 Series Coupé 420d xDrive comes with a sophisticated interior and great handling but pricey upgrades and no wholesale changes.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: 440i (2017)
Score: 8 / 10
“If you value a smooth power delivery and hair-raising soundtrack, don’t hesitate to go for the 440i petrol version of the BMW 4 Series Coupé.”
Read review
Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“This ‘head-over-heart’ 420d is a fine companion fit for British roads, and just as importantly, British fuel prices – getting your hands on this much handling alacrity and still scoring more than 50mpg can’t fail to bring a grin to your face.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 435i
Score: 8 / 10
“The 4 Series Coupé 435i is sporty and enjoyable to drive; lighter, nimbler, more agile and quicker overall than its key rivals.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 435d xDrive M Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“Price notwithstanding, the 4 Series 435d xDrive M Sport is the king of the diesel coupes. It’s a great performer, but the petrol version is a better drivers’ car, and the 420d annihilates it for fuel consumption.”
Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Whether you want tremendous performance or impressive fuel economy, there’s a car here for you, and up to a point you can have as much practicality as you want or as little as you need. And if you want this car in saloon or estate form, you can. Just buy a 3-Series and there you are.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed:
“Best-selling version of the BMW 4 Series offers fun and frugality in equal measure.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: (2017)
Score: 8 / 10
“Despite their superb cabins and handsome exterior looks, the 4 Series models still struggle to reach the dynamic heights that BMW has long been fabled for. The facelifted version does improve upon the original in terms of handling ability, but this is still a car that’s more about comfort than outright speed.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 435d xDrive M Sport Coupe
Score: 8 / 10
“Packing 309bhp, this is the most powerful 4 Series yet, and it comes complete with four-wheel drive.”
Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 420d Sport Automatic
“The BMW 4 Series Coupé offers a driver-focused set up, with rear-wheel drive, excellent material quality and some of the best drivetrains around.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: (2014-20)
Score: 8 / 10
“BMW surprised a few people when it decided to rename coupe versions of its popular 3 Series as ‘4 Series’; but buyers have come to realise just how good this even-numbered BMW is.”
Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“BMW created a winner with the 4 Series Coupe. Stylish looks, a quality interior and a refined but enjoyable driving experience all make for a comprehensive package.”
Read review
Motoring Research
Model reviewed:
“BMW’s long-awaited alternative to the Audi A5 Sportback is predictably impressive.”
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Motors
Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The 4 Series is a sleeker and sportier-looking alternative to the saloon, as it is roughly the same size but is arguably more attractive.”
Parkers
Model reviewed:
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The BMW 4 Series Coupé is the benchmark four-seat sports coupe.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 4 Series Coupé is a coupé that’s as good to drive as it looks.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 435i M Sport (2014)
Score: 8 / 10
“I loved driving this car. I loved being in it as well.”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: (2017)
Score: 8 / 10
“On paper this 4-series is just a coupé version of the ubiquitous 3-series. But it’s more than that, mainly because of the superb straight-six engine and fine balance.”
Read review
Model reviewed: (2017)
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 4-series Coupé is a fine all-rounder that is able to waft its occupants in comfort over long distances or be great fun on your favourite country road.”
Read review
Model reviewed: (2013-20)
Score: 8 / 10
“Responsive, accurate steering means the nose is easy to point in whichever direction you might desire; what’s more, rear-wheel drive means the 4 Series has a sense of balance that few coupés can replicate.”
Read review
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
The BMW 4 Series Coupé was not tested by Euro NCAP during its production life.
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The BMW 4 Series Coupé was not assessed by Green NCAP during its production life.
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 37 mpg | D | 34 – 38 mpg | D – D |
Diesel models | 46 mpg | C | 40 – 50 mpg | B – D |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 176 g/km | C | 169 – 187 g/km | C – C |
Diesel models | 163 g/km | C | 150 – 184 g/km | B – C |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 33 | C | 30 – 41 | C – D |
The first-generation BMW 4 Series is a relatively expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Average fuel consumption for the petrol models was poor and only average for the diesel-engined versions. Insurance premiums should also be about average for the overall car market.
We don’t have servicing and maintenance cost data for this version of the 4 Series due to its age. By now, average servicing costs will vary significantly from car to car depending on age, condition and mileage.
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 311
Average repair cost: £844.01
Last updated: October 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of October 2024, the BMW 4 Series has a reliability score that’s about average, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers coupé models as well as convertibles – from this generation (pre-2020) version as well as the current (2021 onwards) version.
Almost a quarter of all reported problems with the 4 Series relate to its engine. The average bill for these to date is an eye-watering £2,000. Gearbox problems are similarly expensive, although they seem to less common to date. Suspension and braking problems are also common, although the repair bills are much more reasonable.
If you’re looking at a used BMW 4 Series, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas shown above.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the BMW 4 Series Coupé, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi A5 | Ford Mustang | Lexus RC | Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé
- BMW 4 Series Coupé (2020 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More BMW Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
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