Name: BMW 4 Series Coupé (2020 – present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: BMW 4 Series Coupé
Rating: 70.0

Summary

The BMW 4 Series joined the German upmarket brand’s range 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 is also a four-door 4 Series called the Gran Coupé…

The current (2020 onwards) 4 Series Coupé has a lower roofline and more ‘planted’ stance than its 3 Series sister, but it’s the front end that divides opinions. Honest John begins its review with “if you can see past the enormous grille…” and Top Gear offers “Life’s pretty great inside the new 4, not just because you don’t have to look at it…”

Beyond that enormous grille, the BMW scores highly with both reviewers and buyers, already selling very well. “The 4 Series manages to seamlessly combine impressive performance, attractive economy and a driver-focused quality that is hard to beat,” says Auto Express.

Most of the several petrol and diesel engine options are four-cylinder units, with all-wheel drive available on selected versions. There are also more potent M versions, and Business Car states: “The engine line-up ranges from truly impressive to absolute cracker.”

The car maintains the BMW record for on-road prowess, while there’s also widespread praise for the interior quality, design and practicality. The Telegraph concludes: “You shouldn’t discount it as practical transport, with a good-sized boot and room enough for a couple of adults in the back.”

As of December 2024, the BMW 4 Series Coupé holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 70%. It slips to a C grade in our used car rating, with a score of 63%. It scores top marks for its excellent media reviews and safety rating, while CO₂ emissions are also good, but as with most BMW models, the reliability record is only average and running costs are high.

4 Series highlights

More distinctive than 3 Series sister
Wide choice of engines
Excellent road manners
Comfortable, high-quality interior

4 Series lowlights

Marmite looks, especially at front
No plug-in hybrid models
Options can drive up the final price
Running costs are higher than most cars

Key specifications

Body style: 2+2 coupé
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £44,180 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2020
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The impressive 4 Series Coupe pushes the envelope for driving dynamics and style.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 420i
Score: 9 / 10
“You’ll either love or loathe those looks, but there’s no arguing with what a brilliant all-rounder the latest BMW 4 Series proves to be. The criticisms we have of this entry-level 420i are so minor that they’re easy to forgive.”
Read review

Model reviewed: M440i xDrive coupé
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW M440i xDrive is a consummate all-rounder, combining impressive refinement, strong performance and the luxurious trimmings you’d expect. It’s a performance coupe that also retains a real degree of civility, while four-wheel drive makes it a more versatile, but still entertaining car to drive.”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8 / 10
“The enormous grille on the new BMW 4 Series has been the cause of some controversy, but the car behind it is very much in keeping with brand traditions. This is BMW in its comfort zone, the 4 Series turning its 3 Series foundations into something much sportier.”
Read review

Business Car+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic M Sport coupé
Score: 9 / 10
“With engaging performance and dynamics, exceptional refinement and cabin quality, regardless of what detractors may make of the styling, it seems the BMW 4 Series is destined for stellar positioning in the compact executive coupé class.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic M440i xDrive coupé
Score: 8 / 10
“Ignore the front end (like we clearly can’t) and you’ve got a hugely involving old-school drivers’ car in the M440i, and a dramatic-looking poser-mobile in less-powerful specifications.”
Read review

Car Keys+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“BMW is on to yet another winner with the 4 Series. That styling is sure not going to appease everyone, but if you can see past that, or in fact don’t mind the way it looks, this is a brilliant sporty coupe.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The BMW 4 Series is the best car to drive in its class, regardless of the rather contentious nose.”
Read review

Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW 4 Series is a sleek premium coupe with great tech and strong engines. It feels firm at low speeds, though, and not everybody will be convinced by those front-end looks.”
Read review

Company Car Today+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 420d M Sport
“It could be a challenge to get past the front-end styling, but if it’s not a deal-breaker then the BMW 4 Series is better and more appealing than ever.”
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Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW 4 Series Coupe is a car that makes a statement. It’s more than just a 3 Series with a rakish roofline and two fewer doors; it’s a stylish coupe that could almost be considered alongside a Porsche Cayman (albeit with an extra dose of practicality).”
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“Not everyone will like how the BMW 4 Series Coupe looks but, if you can see past that enormous grille, it’s a brilliant alternative to an Audi A5 or Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. While it’s not a practical choice, the interior is superb and it’s better to drive than any of its peers. It feels a lot more special than a BMW 3 Series, too.”
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Get beyond its challenging nose and there’s a great car ready and waiting”
Read review

The Sunday Times+

Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 4 Series is a peach for commuting, grand touring or a sporty B-road blasts.”
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 420i
Score: 8 / 10
“Derivative in parts, this restyle is nevertheless pretty handsome and the way the BMW 4 Series drives and feels is top of the form. Ultra keen drivers might want to consider a bigger engine (or even the 420d turbodiesel), but you won’t want for much with this 2.0-litre petrol.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8 / 10
“An outstandingly sorted car, but something tells us you’ve already made your mind up about liking the 4 Series or not. Apparently, it’s a bit controversial-looking. Did you notice?”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: May 2021
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 97%
Child protection: 83%
Vulnerable road users: 93%
Safety assist: 72%

The safety rating for the BMW 4 Series Coupé is based on the testing conducted on the 3 Series saloon in 2019. The car scored maximum points in several of the tests and Euro NCAP also highlighted the effectiveness of the active bonnet in helping to protect pedestrians.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of December 2024, the BMW 4 Series has not been tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

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

The BMW 4 Series family has an average reputation for reliability, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers all versions of the current-generation 4 Series (Convertible, Coupé and Gran Coupé) as well as the original (pre-2020) models.

The average repair bill to date has been just under £850, which is obviously a lot more than a used car warranty – so bear that in mind if you already own a BMW 4 Series or are looking at buying a used 4 Series.

The most common faults with 4 Series models to date have been engine-related. These are also the most expensive to repair, with an average bill of £2,000. Gearbox repairs are even more expensive, averaging more than £2,600, but are thankfully not as common. Other faults – like suspension, fuel system, electrics and brakes – have much lower repair bills.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW 4 Series has received

2021

Carbuyer Awards – Best Sports Car

Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Executive Car

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the BMW 4 Series, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Audi A5 | Ford Mustang | Lexus RC | Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé

Within the executive car market, there are several distinctly more practical alternatives to the 4 Series Coupe, not least its sister, the seminal 3 Series. Rivals, however, are getting fewer and further between. Mercedes-Benz offers its CLE in coupe form, but the Audi A5 coupé and Lexus RC have both been discontinued.

More news, reviews and information about the BMW 4 Series family at The Car Expert