BMW 4 Series

For the high-performance model of the 4 Series, see BMW M4.

BMW 4 Series
BMW 4 Series convertible (F33)
Overview
Manufacturer	BMW
Production	2014–present
Body and chassis
Class	Compact executive car (D)
Body style	2-door coupé 2-door convertible 5-door liftback (Gran Coupé)
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (xDrive)
Related	BMW 3 Series
Chronology
Predecessor	BMW 3 Series (E92/E93)

The BMW 4 Series is a range of compact executive cars manufactured by BMW since 2013. The 4 Series was created when BMW spun off the 2-door models (coupé and convertible) of the 3 Series into a separate series. The 4 Series is currently in its second generation.

The original 4 Series concept car was unveiled in January 2013 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Both generations have been produced in the coupé, convertible and 5-door liftback (marketed as "Gran Coupé") body styles. The engines available for the first generation were turbocharged inline-3, inline-4 and inline-6 engines fueled by petrol or diesel. For the second generation, a plug-in hybrid powertrain was introduced. As per the equivalent 3 Series generations, the 4 Series' drivetrain layout is rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive ("xDrive").

The BMW M4 is the high-performance version of the 4 Series. The first generation of the M4 is called the F82/F83 and uses the same turbocharged inline-six petrol engine as the F80/F81 M3.

First generation (F32/F33/F36; 2013)

Main article: BMW 4 Series (F32)

The first generation of the 4 Series consists of the following body styles:

• 2-door coupé (F32 model code)
• 2-door convertible (F33 model code)
• 5-door liftback (F36 model code; marketed as the 4 Series Gran Coupé)

This generation has been produced since 2014 and is often collectively referred to as the F32. The F32 was introduced as the successor to the E92/E93 coupé/convertible models of the fifth-generation 3 Series range. The F32 is produced alongside - and shares many features with - the F30 3 Series. As with the F30 3 Series range, the F32/F33/F36 is powered by turbocharged petrol and diesel engines with 3 cylinders (petrol only), 4 cylinders, and 6 cylinders.

The high performance F82/F83 M4 models were introduced in early 2014. They are powered by the S55 turbocharged straight-six engine.

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  BMW 4 Series coupé (F32)
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  BMW 4 Series convertible (F33)
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  BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé (F36)

Second generation (G22/G23/G26; 2020)

Main article: BMW 4 Series (G22)

The second generation of the 4 Series consists of the following body styles:

• 2-door coupé (G22 model code)
• 2-door convertible (G23 model code)
• 5-door liftback (G26 model code; marketed as the 4 Series Gran Coupé)

This generation was launched in June 2020 and is currently in production. The G22/G23/G26 will be produced alongside - and shares many features with - the G20 3 Series. As with the G20 3 Series range, the G22/G23/G26 will be powered by turbocharged petrol and diesel engines.

Unlike its predecessor, the new 4 Series has a significant departure in design from the 3 Series in order to distinguish between the two models and to move the 4 Series upscale. The most notable of the design changes is the large kidney grille at the front which was inspired by the 1930s BMW 328.

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  BMW 4 Series coupé (G22)
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  BMW 4 Series convertible (G23)
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  BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé (G26)

Awards

In January 2021, the BMW 420i M Sport (M Sport Pro Package) was named Coupé of the Year by What Car? magazine. What Car? awarded the 4 Series Coupé five stars out of five in its review of the car.

BMW M4 (G82)

Overview

With two fewer doors and sleeker proportions, the 2020 BMW M4 is a sportier-looking alternative to the M3 sedan. Still, these German siblings have a lot in common, including heady performance numbers. Both feature a brilliant twin-turbo six-cylinder engine that is as refined as it is powerful, and their "M" designation means they're descendants of BMW's storied subdivision. Available as a coupe or convertible, the M4 is zestier than the regular 4-series. While its cornering grip and stopping power are as impressive as any, the two-door Bimmer doesn't reward its driver as much as its forebearers. Despite this shortcoming, the 2020 M4 has the pedigree and stats to attract enthusiasts.

We prefer the 2020 M4 coupe versus its convertible counterpart, especially since it's $8500 cheaper. Likewise, the M4 CS may appeal to the most ardent BMW fans, but we don't think the marginal performance enhancements warrant its six-figure price tag. We'd replace the standard cloth upholstery with one of the leather options and opt for the Executive and Competition packages. The former includes adaptive LED headlights, automatic high-beams, a head-up display, a top- and side-view camera, and a self-parking feature. The Competition kit adds 19 horsepower, quicker steering, revised damping, and various cosmetic addenda.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Power comes from a 425-hp twin-turbo inline-six, with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. The Competition package increases power output to 444 ponies, retunes the adaptive dampers, adds a more direct steering ratio, and introduces new settings for the stability-control system and rear differential. Our M4 Competition test car with the automatic zipped from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, the same time it took its main rival, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S coupe. The ride is firm but the driver is paid back for the abuse with genuine agility on twisty roads. At the track, the M4 can be dropped into the Sport+ mode, where it will devour corners and blast down straightaways with the best of them. We only wish the steering provided the feedback that we remember so fondly from M cars of old.