2023 BMW 4-Series

Overview

From the driver’s seat, there’s little that differentiates the 2023 BMW 4-series from the 3-series sedan on which it’s based, and that’s a good thing. But on the outside, the two-door body style and oversize twin-kidney grille give the 4-series a look entirely different from its four-door, 3-series counterpart. Practicality takes a back seat here, literally, as the 4-series’ rear seat is snug; nor is its trunk as spacious as the 3-series’ cargo hold. But if anyone cares, they can opt for the 3-series sedan. The 4-series duo is stylish, quick, and refined as you’d expect BMWs to be. What’s missing, however, is the brand’s traditionally sharp handling, especially if you go with the entry-level 430i model, which comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Opt for the more powerful M440i, which sports a rambunctious turbocharged inline-six, and things get a lot more interesting—but even its backroad moves aren’t as special as we would hope. The 4-series Gran Coupe exists for buyers who want both swoopy styling and four doors, but we review that model separately.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

1

BMW 3-series

STARTING AT: $44,795

2

Audi A5 Sportback

STARTING AT: $45,695

3

Genesis G70

STARTING AT: $40,525

4

BMW 4-series Gran Coupe

STARTING AT: $46,895

5

Mercedes-Benz C-class

STARTING AT: $46,000

7

BMW 4-series

STARTING AT: $48,395

What's New for 2023?

BMW’s entry-luxury coupe and convertible are largely unchanged for 2023, but M Sport brakes with red or blue calipers are now a part of the optional Shadowline appearance package. The Premium package no longer includes BMW’s gimmicky gesture controls for the infotainment system, and the optional head-up display is now only available on top-spec M440i models. A Parking Assistance package has been added to the options sheet, and all models now come with a faux-leather dashboard cover.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We think the turbocharged inline-six in the M440i model is the enthusiast's choice, but the nearly $11,000 price premium may turn off some buyers. That bump in price comes with a load of additional equipment, though, in case you need more reason to justify the cost. The M440i is outfitted with unique M Sport 18-inch wheels with run-flat tires, the M Sport suspension and rear differential, a rear spoiler, a faux-leather wrapped dashboard, and more. A convertible model is also offered but switching to the soft-top body style adds $7500 to the base price.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The same two overachieving engines offered in the 3-series are available in the 4-series. Models designated 430i are powered by a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The M440i is powered by a silky-smooth turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that gains an assist from a 48-volt hybrid system to make 382-hp. The 4-series provides a sporty driving experience, courtesy of a retuned suspension, a more-aggressive steering calibration, a wider rear track, and a lower center of gravity than the 3-series sedan. Still, we tested the M440i coupe and came away less impressed with its driving character than its terrific inline-six. Apart from strong brakes that performed well in our 70-to-zero-mph test (149 feet), the Bimmer's distant steering and compliant ride didn't deliver the same satisfaction we got from the M340i sedan. During our test drive of an all-wheel drive 430i xDrive model, we noted decent power from the turbocharged four-cylinder but noted a similar complaint about the car's too-soft suspension.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates the four-cylinder 430i coupe will earn 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Adding all-wheel drive into the equation drops those figures to 24 and 33 mpg, respectively. The six-cylinder M440i is rated at 22 mpg city and 31 highway. We haven't tested the M440i model on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, but the 430i xDrive delivered 34 mpg over the 200-mile test. For more information about the 4-series's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Shoppers may not notice much difference between the cabins of the 4-series and the 3-series unless they're in the back seat. The dashboard layout, interior materials, and primary controls look to be identical to the four-door 3-series', although we noticed that the lower roofline in the 4-series gives it a less spacious feel. Trunk space is less generous here than in the 3-series, especially in the convertible model; in our testing, we fit five carry-on suitcases in the trunk of the coupe model, one less than in the 3-series sedan.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2023 4-series comes with the same standard 8.8-inch and optional 10.3-inch infotainment screens as the 3-series sedan. Both displays run the latest version of BMW's iDrive 7 infotainment software, which pairs an intuitive interface with a console-mounted click wheel controller for easy use while driving; those who prefer to interact with the display directly can do since both are touchscreens. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and in-dash navigation will all be standard while a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, onboard Wi-Fi, and a wireless smartphone charging pad are optional extras.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

BMW offers a host of driver-assistance features as standard with more advanced features available as options. For more information about the 4-series' crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Compared to rivals such as the Cadillac CT5 or the Genesis G70, the BMW 4-series' standard warranty offerings are fairly basic. BMW makes up for that with a three-year complimentary maintenance plan, whereas the Caddy only offers one free visit.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

More Features and Specs