2017 BMW 4-Series

Overview

BMW’s 4-series can trace its heritage all the way back to the two-door 2002 models of the late 1960s and ‘70s. When the 2002 evolved into the 3-series later in the ‘70s, it was already considered the benchmark for sports coupes, combining sports-car dynamics with added practicality. In the late 1970s, BMW added a four-door model to the lineup, and for the 2014 model year it split the body styles apart: The 3-series is the four-door sedan and station wagon, and the 4-series comes in two-door coupe and convertible models. Along with the name change, the design of the 4-series became more coupe-like, with a more rakish roofline than before. The 4-series models are badged 430i or 440i, depending on the engine chosen, and are available with manual or automatic transmissions, as well as rear- or all-wheel drive.

What's New for 2017?

BMW has updated the 4-series’s engines for the 2017 model year. The previous 428i has been replaced by the 430i for 2017, and the 435i is now the 440i. Also new for the 2017 model year, the 440i comes with a standard nappa leather-covered steering wheel.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 4-series’s turbocharged four-cylinder and turbocharged six-cylinder engines are all-new. The 430i’s 2.0-liter four is rated at 248 horsepower, an eight-horse increase over the old engine, and the 440i’s 3.0-liter inline-six is up 20, to 320 horsepower. Either engine may be equipped with the choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, and rear- or all-wheel-drive. The turbo four is a decent engine, serving as a more affordable way to get into the handsome, iconic BMW 4-series, but the turbo six is a superb powerplant that will appeal to enthusiasts. Either way, the 4-series has a chassis that combines a comfortable ride with athletic handling that few other cars in its class can match. BMW’s steering, once the benchmark, has devolved with the advent of electronic power steering and is on the light side in the 4-series, though with more feedback than other recent models.

View Photos

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The roomy interior in the 4-series is upscale enough to wear the BMW badge, but in design aesthetics and warmth it falls a bit short of its chief competitors, the Mercedes-Benz C-class coupe and the Audi A5. Standard features include comfortable sport seats with power adjustment and memory settings, dual-zone climate control, and genuine wood trim. Optional upholstery is supple, top-drawer nappa leather. There's also an available M Sport package, with interior and exterior trim upgrades that many serious drivers will consider essential. A separate package, called Sport Lines, includes upgraded sport seats, a unique instrument cluster, and a sport leather steering wheel with red-contrast stitching. Like most two-door models in this size class, the 4-series’ rear seat is only for short drives or for contortionists. Trunk space, however, is a decent 15.7 cubic feet.

View Photos

Infotainment and Connectivity

Standard tech features for the 4-series include BMW's latest iDrive interface, with a 6.5-inch display, Bluetooth, USB port, an auxiliary input, and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon stereo with satellite radio. Options include an 8.8-inch color display, navigation, Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay (but no Android Auto), wireless charging, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the BMW 4-series’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.