2025 BMW 4-Series

Inside, the simplistic control layout is depressingly light on buttons and knobs but is well-organized and made of interesting materials. BMW also offers a particularly wide lineup of trim colors and finishes, too, so you can have a sporty look, a luxurious one, or something that combines the two. 

How fast is the BMW 4-Series?

It’s no slouch. Even the base 430i runs to 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds thanks to its 255-hp 2.0-ltier turbo-4, which comes teamed with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This year’s new 48-volt mild-hybrid system is said to improve low-end response, though we have yet to experience this powertrain in the 4-Series. 

The 440i’s 382-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 is a considerably stronger choice, though, slicing more than a second from the 0-60 mph run and providing far improved highway passing acceleration. It’s a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you plan on adding a few sporty bits to a 430i anyway. Is fuel-economy hit is minor, too.

M4s are in a different category. They start at 473 hp and can be ratcheted up to 523 hp with the right options, though BMW only offers the downright lovely 6-speed manual transmission on the base version. Sure, the 8-speed automatic delivers far quicker shifts, but we relish the opportunity to experience a manual gearbox in a BMW. 

Non-M4 versions have curiously limited steering feedback, though the thickly padded three-spoke tiller has good heft. M4s have considerably sharper moves, and their ride is downright firm in Competition guise. M440i and M4 models have a limited-slip rear differential and adaptive dampers that make them more adept at corner-carving, though these cars are simply too heavy to be perfect track companions. An M4 Competition weighs upward of 4,000 pounds, or the better part of 1,000 pounds more than an M3 coupe weighed 30 years ago. 

Rear-seat riders have around 35 inches of legroom in the Gran Coupe and decent, if not exactly spectacular headroom. Coupes and convertibles have predictably little rear-seat room. 

Gran Coupe trunks have around 17 cubic feet of cargo space, which is great for a four-door vehicle. Two-door models are considerably trimmer when it comes to trunk room. 

Even the cheapest 430i—admittedly, a pricey vehicle—has beautiful interior trim with fine fit and finish.

Standard equipment is decent, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and parking sensors.

All-wheel drive costs $2,000 more, coupes run about $1,500 extra, and convertibles kick off at about $60,000. 

Which BMW 4-Series should I buy?

That depends on what you’re after. If you’re looking for style and aren’t concerned with power, the 430i models are just fine. To them, we might add real leather seats, metallic paint, and adaptive cruise control, which can nudge the price upward by around $5,000.

If you’re looking for performance, a $65,500-or-so M440i coupe offers acceleration on par with with full-on M versions from a generation or two ago. Again, you’ll likely want to budget $5,000 or more for optional features. 

How much is a fully loaded BMW 4-Series?

M4s start at $80,500, give or take, while the Competition trim with its 50-hp bump and fairly harsh suspension is another $4,000. An all-wheel-drive M4 Competition convertible runs at least $96,000, and adding features such as full leather upholstery, carbon-fiber trim, matte paint, a surround-view camera, a head-up display, and a heated steering wheel can push the price to well over $100,000. Less appealing—at least to us—is the $13,900 Carbon Package with its extensive carbon-fiber trim and ceramic brakes. Oof. 

BMW is also offering a limited run of M4 CS models with 543 hp for about $125,000. The CS cuts weight with carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic body panels, exterior trim, and bucket seats, as well as a titanium muffler. It's stiffer thanks to a front strut brace, and it gets uprated brakes beneath 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged wheels.

All 4-Series cars need premium fuel.