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BMW 4 Series Coupé

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Expert Rating

BMW 4 Series Coupé

(2020 – present)

    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.

    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


    Media reviews


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

    Auto Express

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    Auto Trader

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    Autocar

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    Business Car

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    Car

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    Car Keys

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    Carbuyer

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    Carwow

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    Company Car Today

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    Heycar

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    Honest John

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    Parkers

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    The Sunday Times

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    The Telegraph

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    Top Gear

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    What Car?

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    Which?

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    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


    No eco rating

    As of August 2023, the BMW 4 Series has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

    Reliability rating

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    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.  

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    The Car Expert has the ultimate ranking of the best and worst new cars on sale, based on scores from 30 of the top UK motoring websites. We'll be adding more cars and more lists all the time, so keep checking back for the latest results.

    The BMW 4 Series Coupé is a fine-driving two-door and scores highly with reviewers. You just need to get past that enormous grille.BMW 4 Series Coupé