This may be one of the most controversial changes BMW has made in decades with the 3-series — separate out the coupe version from the sedan/wagon models. With BMW continuing to grow the 3 Series line-up, they decided to differentiate the coupe versions with fresh nomenclature by calling it the 4-series in much the same way there are currently both the 5-series and the 6-series.
Introduced last year, the BMW 4 Series replaced the 3 Series Coupe. The 4 Series is the choice for buyers who want BMW 3 Series quality and reliability, but the sporty look of a coupe.
The 4 Series competes with the likes of the Audi A5, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and the Cadillac ATS Coupe.
For 2015, the 4 Series line-up sees the arrival of several new models to the standard 4 Series Coupe, which makes everything a bit more confusing. They’ve added what they call “Gran Coupe” which is a four-door “coupe” if that makes any sense to you. It is a beautiful piece of rolling art in many ways, and it may be one of the prettiest BMWs around.
BMW has also added a Cabriolet with a three-piece folding roof and performance enthusiasts can look forward to the new M4 Coupe or M4 Cabriolet with astounding performance.
Design
All 4 Series models are based on the 3 Series platform. Available engine and transmission options are mirrored in the 3 Series models.
The 4 Series is wider, lower and longer than both the old 3 Series Coupe and the new 3 Series Sedan. The 4 Series Gran Coupe manages to add two doors without adding to the base wheelbase or overall length – it is marginally taller though. The Cabriolet is also slightly taller and is the heaviest of the bunch.
The M4 was recently introduced alongside its M3 sibling and features more performance-focused styling to go with tremendous power and torque. The M4 receives a generous serving of carbon fibre, most notably its roof, and also shows off an aggressive lower grille, more aerodynamic mirrors and quad exhaust.
Inside, a 4 Series feels very much like a 3 Series as it retains BMW’s tradition of shaping the cabin around the driver. The Gran Coupe offers better access to the rear seats and some more cargo space without losing the design characteristic of a coupe profile.
In all iterations, the 4 Series is a beautiful machine inside and out with striking silhouette that brings out the best of BMW design.
Performance
All three of the standard 4 Series models, the Coupe, the Cabriolet and the Gran Coupe, are available with the choice of two engines. In base 428i trim, the power comes from a 2.0-litre turbo four cylinder rated at 241 hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque. Stepping up to the 435i bumps output to an even 300 hp and 300 ft-lbs of torque from a 3.0-litre turbo straight six.
Rear-wheel drive is the standard layout, but all three can be outfitted with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, but a six-speed manual can be equipped to Coupe and Gran Coupe models.
With a wider stance and lower centre of gravity, the 4 Series boasts better agility, acceleration and balance than the impressive 3 Series. While it is sportier, the ride can be stiff making rough pavement more uncomfortable and noisier.
The newest M variants from BMW are some of the best German sport luxury cars ever. The M4 is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six producing 425 hp and 406 ft-lbs of torque. It is capable of sprinting to 100 km/h in less than four and a half seconds. The driving experience is nothing short of phenomenal but you have to remember that this is a pure sports car with a focus on maximizing driving enjoyment vs comfort.
As in the past, the M4 is only available in RWD but does come with the choice of either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. The 4-series have adopted the 3-series’ electric power steering system. It does lose some road feel over a hydraulic unit, but it still provides accurate and precise control.
The front and rear suspension has been tweaked to increase stiffness and save weight. This contributes to making this generation of M cars the easiest to drive fast.
Environment
The 4 Series has a four-passenger cabin, but while the front seats are comfortable, in the Coupe, Cabriolet and M4, the rear seats lack sufficient headroom for the average adult. The Gran Coupe remedies that somewhat, but most adults won’t find it enjoyable for long drives.
The design and equipment are largely the same across the range and make the 4 Series feel suitably sporty. All of the controls are within easy reach and the latest iDrive system is simpler to use, especially with its touch-sensitive controller with letter recognition on the optional navigation system.
Travelling in a 4 Series is reasonably comfortable as well. The Cabriolet is the nicest cruiser, and even with the top down and the windows up, there is very little buffeting from the wind.
BMW has also done a nice job of strengthening the chassis to compensate for the lack of a roof. As a result, there is no annoying rattles of bumps.
However, the metal roof does significantly cut into the cargo space. With the roof up, trunk space is not too bad, but with it down, you would be hard-pressed to fit more than one medium-sized suitcase in the back.
If cargo space is a concern, the Gran Coupe is the most practical 4 Series. The hatchback-style trunk lid creates a larger opening, making it easier to load items, and total space is the same as the base 3 Series.
Features
The 4 Series Coupe and Gran Coupe have a starting price of $44,900, while the Cabriolet starts at $56,600. The M4 Coupe starts at $75,000 with the M4 Cabriolet starting at $84,500.
Standard equipment includes automatic climate control, heated front seats, dynamic cruise control, start/stop system, brake energy regeneration system, and Bi-Xenon headlights.
Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include blind spot detection, lane departure and collision warning, navigation, real-time traffic information, rearview camera, park assist, internet, and a heated steering wheel.
Combined fuel consumption for the base 428i Coupe with the automatic transmission is 7.2L/100km. The more powerful M4 sees that number jump to 12.0L/100km.
Thumbs Up
The 4 Series comes with a powerful base engine which suits its sporty coupe styling. The entire range provides great design and sporty character.
Thumbs Down
The 3 Series provides similar performance with more space, so people may want to cross shop across both model ranges.
The Bottom Line
The 2015 BMW 4 Series may be the best execution of what BMW stand for, regardless of which model you select from its wide range.
Competitors
Audi A5/S5
Not only is the A5/S5 a beautiful car, but it’s also a joy to drive. Add in the excellent fuel economy and you can forget about the cramped back seat.
The A5/S5 is available in three models, with a cabriolet version of each, and starts at $43,900.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
The C-Class is a safe, reliable and luxurious car respected for excellence. While not as performance focused as some of its rivals, it offers a ride that’s more compliant and traditional luxury.
The C-Class Coupe comes in four flavours and has a starting price of $44,650.
Cadillac ATS Coupe
The ATS is a true blue American sports sedan and it stands out in the crowd of European rivals. While it has earned many praises already, being the newest player on in the market requires time to garner respect from customers of the established leaders.
Pricing for the 2015 ATS Coupe has not yet been released but it is due to arrive in dealerships soon.
