BMW 4 Series

BMW 4 Series
Name	BMW 4 Series
Manufacturer	BMW
Production	2013–present
Class	Grand tourer (Coupé, Convertible), Compact executive car (Gran Coupé)
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive / Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (xDrive)
Related	BMW 3 Series (F30/F31/F34), BMW 3 Series (G20/G21)

BMW 4 Series is a range of coupé and convertible models produced by the German automaker BMW since 2013. It was created as the successor to the two-door variants of the E90/E92/E93 generation 3 Series, establishing a distinct model line focused on sportier styling and dynamics. The lineup has expanded to include a four-door Gran Coupé variant, with all models sharing their core architecture and powertrains with the contemporary BMW 3 Series.

Overview

The introduction of the 4 Series marked a strategic shift for BMW, following a naming convention established by models like the 6 Series to separate its even-numbered, more stylistically focused cars from their odd-numbered, more utilitarian counterparts. This move was influenced by market trends favoring distinct model families, as seen with competitors like the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé. The development of the 4 Series was led by BMW's design and engineering teams under the direction of then-head of design, Adrian van Hooydonk.

First generation (F32/F33/F36; 2013–2020)

Debuting at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the first generation was based on the F30 3 Series platform. The initial two-door coupé (F32) was joined by a convertible (F33) with a retractable hardtop and a unique four-door Gran Coupé (F36). Powertrains ranged from turbocharged four-cylinder engines, such as the N20, to inline-six units including the N55 and, in the high-performance M4, the S55 twin-turbo engine. This generation received a Life Cycle Impulse update in 2017, featuring revised LED lighting and updated infotainment with iDrive 6.0.

Second generation (G22/G23/G26; 2020–present)

Revealed in June 2020, the second generation moved to the CLAR platform shared with the G20 3 Series. Its most controversial and defining feature was the large, vertical kidney grille, a design language first seen on the Concept 4 and later used on models like the BMW iX. The convertible (G23) switched to a lighter soft-top roof. The Gran Coupé (G26) was introduced in 2021, adopting a more pronounced liftback design. This generation also saw the introduction of the i4, the first fully electric 4 Series model, and an updated M4 (G82) featuring the S58 engine.

Models and variants

The core model range typically includes the 420i, 430i, and 440i (or their diesel equivalents like the 420d), with power outputs increasing accordingly. The high-performance division, BMW M GmbH, produces the M4 and its more track-focused M4 Competition derivative. A more accessible performance tier is offered by the M Performance models, such as the M440i. The electric i4 is offered in eDrive40 and M50 variants. Special editions, like those developed for the DTM or the M4 GTS, have also been produced in limited numbers.

Performance and specifications

Engines are exclusively turbocharged, ranging from a 2.0-liter B48 inline-four to a 3.0-liter B58 inline-six in mainstream models. The M4 utilizes a 3.0-liter S58 twin-turbo inline-six, producing over 500 horsepower in Competition trim. Transmissions include a standard six-speed manual or an optional ZF-supplied 8-speed automatic. The i4 employs an electric drive system with a lithium-ion battery pack. Performance figures vary widely; the M4 Competition can accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 3.8 seconds, while the i4 M50 achieves similar results using electric power.

Reception and awards

The 4 Series has generally been praised by automotive publications like Car and Driver and Top Gear for its driving dynamics, interior quality, and engine performance. The second generation's styling, particularly its grille, received mixed to negative initial reviews from critics at Autocar and Motor Trend. The M4 has been a consistent favorite in comparison tests against rivals like the Audi RS5 and Mercedes-AMG C 63. The i4 won the 2022 World Car of the Year award in the World Luxury Car category, and the M4 was named to Car and Driver's prestigious 10Best list for 2022.

Category:BMW vehicles Category:Coupés Category:Vehicles introduced in 2013