Many argue that the 4 Series is a spin of the 3 Series (two-door coupe). While there are striking similarities, BMW ensured that there was enough change to warrant the creation of its own series. It is a classic range with overall excellent performance, a top-drawer engine, and smooth rear-wheel-drive handling.
This series debuted at the 2013 North American International Auto Show and was designed after the company decided to separate the 2-door 3 Series models. The said convertible and coupe models were the only cars marketed as the BMW 4 Series although the 4 Series Gran Coupe was later added. This last model features a 4-door fastback style.
Performance, Drive, and Engines
This series is much sportier than the 3 Series, but this does not mean that it compromises on quality. In the sport setting, the car's system is ramped up to enhance body control. Under the standard comfort mode, the car handles bumps and torn roads quite well. Once you start driving a BMW 4 Series, it won't take long before you notice the high level of comfort of the car and better suspension on the road.
The 420i and the 430i both use 4-cylinder turbocharged engines with the latter adding more power. It takes about 7.3 seconds for the 420i to attain 0-100 km/h while producing power of about 137 kW. To get a 6-cylinder engine, you have to go with the 440i. With the diesel models, the 420d has a 4-cylinder engine while you can get a 6-cylinder unit with both the 430d and 435d. If you want an impressive wall of torque, then you can go with the 435d that offers xDrive All-Wheel Drive.
Design and technology
With the 4 Series, you get all the fantastic features that you can expect from a renowned automaker such as the BMW. What are some of these exciting features? You are probably wondering. Well, you will find some great leather seats, cutting-edge technology and a steering wheel that is designed to feel great in your hands. That said, it doesn't mean that you can't go mad with some changes. For example, you can add sportier seats for your car or add some wood in your interior.
The car also comes with a basic infotainment system that includes a 6.5-inch screen, some hot-key buttons, and an iDrive system. You can choose to upgrade your infotainment system too. Some may want a bigger screen, which enhances the cabin's ambience. You can get live traffic updates with the modern sat-nav system, parking cameras or even install a Harmon-Kardon sound system.
Model ranges
There are only two generations in the BMW 4 Series. These include:
First-generation (F32/F33/F36)
The first-generation BMW 4 Series is a range of cars including the F32, F33 and the F36. These three models are the predecessors of the fifth-generation BMW 3 Series. Each of the models has a different body style. For example, the F32 comes as a 2-door coupe while the F33 is a 2-door convertible. The F36, on the other hand, is a 4-door fastback coupe and is often sold as the 4 Series Gran Coupe.
There are some striking similarities between the first-generation BMW 4 Series and the F30 3 Series. Both series have turbocharged diesel and petrol engines, with 3, 4, and 5 cylinders.
An M model dubbed as the M4, including the F82/F83 models, was also added to the BMW 4 Series. Unveiled in 2014, the M4 comes with a powerful S55 turbocharged engine. As always, you can rely on the company's motorsport division, BMW M, to create an M model with spectacular features and a powerful engine.Sleek designs and powerful engines characterised the first generation of the 4 Series.
Second Generation (G22/G23/G26)
This futuristic vehicle is not yet in production, but the Concept 4 was revealed at the 2019 Frankfurt Auto Show. While the company announced that only 85% of the concept would be realised in production, the design concept is still quite promising.
This range of models also forms the basis of the BMW i4. The BMW i4 is an all-electric car that the German automaker aims to produce sometime in the future. The production of the other models in the second generation of the 4 Series will start in 2020.