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 now a four-door 4 Series called the Gran Coupé…
The all-new 2020 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, Autocar commenting that it is “more than good enough to cope with faster, smoother motorway surfaces, allied to handling dynamism that sets the car apart very clearly indeed.”
Praise is also widespread for the interior quality, design and practicality, The Telegraph concluding “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 August 2023, the BMW 4 Series Coupé holds an Expert Rating of 81%, based on 22 reviews. That’s about three points behind its saloon sibling, the 3 Series, but comfortably ahead of the ageing Audi A5 Coupé.
- BMW 4 Series Convertible (2021 onwards) – Expert Rating
- BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé (2021 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More BMW ratings, reviews, news and features
4 Series highlights
- More distinctive than 3 Series sister
- Wide choice of engines
- Excellent road manners
- Quality interior
- Comfortable
4 Series lowlights
- Marmite looks, especially at front
- No plug-in hybrid models
- Options can drive up the final price
- That grille – again…
Key specifications
Body style: 2+2 coupé
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £40,465 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2020
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test 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.”
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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.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 4 Series is a rounded, engaging and potent coupé let down only by its looks.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 420i M Sport Coupé
Score: 8 / 10
“For the slick, engaging manner in which it drives, you should consider the 420i. It makes for a comfortable grand tourer of sorts that can entertain on a good road when you want it to. It gets simple things like driving position, interior design and ergonomics right, and is relaxing to casually tool about in.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 420d M Sport Coupé
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 420d is the sort of car that would cruise at high speed, at better than 50mpg, for hours on end. It would feel like your own magnificent, extra-exclusive bubble of technological power, effortless poise and laser-guided calm all along.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic M440i xDrive coupé
Score: 8 / 10
“The M440i sets a high standard of performance, although ultimately it will be the milder versions on which the BMW 4 Series’ sales success will hinge. It’s not the prettiest car BMW has ever produced, but it is one whose clear purpose and heightened dynamic abilities make it a very convincing and entertaining contender.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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).”
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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.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Get beyond its challenging nose and there’s a great car ready and waiting”
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The Sunday Times
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 4 Series is a peach for commuting, grand touring or a sporty B-road blasts.”
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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.”
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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?”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The BMW 4 Series Coupe is great to drive, smart inside and roomier than you might imagine. With its powerful engine the M440i is great fun, but the 420i strikes the best balance between performance and running costs while still impressing on a twisty road.”
Read review
Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The latest BMW 4 Series is certainly striking to look at, but it’s equally striking to drive. Innate chassis balance combines with sharp steering and excellent grip to deliver a fun, focused driving experience. The cabin is great, too, except for its tight rear headroom. Add in generous equipment and a great feeling of quality, and the 4 Series feels a compelling coupé choice.”
Read review
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.
No eco rating
As of August 2023, the BMW 4 Series has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 114
Average repair cost: £981.13
Last updated: October 2022
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The BMW 4 Series is pretty much bang-on average for reliability, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation 4 Series and the original (pre-2020) version.
The average repair bill was nearly £1,000, which is obviously a lot more than a used car warranty – so bear that in mind if you own or are looking at buying a used BMW 4 Series.
Nearly a third of all reported problems with the 4 Series relate to its electrical system, with an average repair bill of nearly £400. The other area to look out for is the engine, which accounts for a similar slice of repair claims. The average bill for these was an eye-watering £3,500. Engine problems are (unsurprisingly) the most expensive, and unfortuately they seem to be fairly common.
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.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW 4 Series has received
2023
- What Car? Awards – Best Coupé
2022
- What Car? Awards – Best Coupé
2021
- What Car? Awards – Best Coupé + Best Performance Car for Value
- 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 C-Class Coupé
Amongst the executive car market there are several distinctly more practical alternatives to the 4 Series Coupe, not least its sister, the seminal 3 Series. Mercedes-Benz offers its C-Class in coupe form, while Audi has the A5. But few rivals offer the distinction of the 4 Series, one of the most direct, the Lexus RC, no longer on UK sale.
- BMW 4 Series Convertible (2021 onwards) – Expert Rating
- BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé (2021 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More BMW ratings, reviews, news and features
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