2020 BMW 4 Series

Bavarians have always produced one of the best performance machines and this time with the new 4 series the bar is kept high. Albeit being a great coupe, the 4 series still sees a stiff competition with the likes of the big two German rivals, Audi A5 and Mercedes C-Class, and the up-and-coming Cadillac ATS. Can the 4 series still thrive? Let's find out.

The BMW 4 series comes in 3 different body types – coupe, convertible, and gran coupe. In this review you’d read about the 430i coupe configuration. All body types come in two different trims, 430i and 440i. Under coupe, the $44,800 430i offers a 2.0L inline-4 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission which is standard all across the trims, powering the rear wheels. The main difference between the two configurations lie in the engine, with the more powerful 440i housing a turbocharged 3.0L 6-cylinders engine

An xDrive system, Beemer’s take on all-wheel drive system, is available for $2000 more than the base price. A six-speed manual transmission is optional but exclusive to coupe body type. The 4 series hosts a bunch of technology and features inside.

Trim	BMW 430i	BMW 440i
MSRP	$44,800	$51,200
MSRP (xDrive)	$46,800	$53,200
Key Features	2.0L Inline-4 cylinders (248 hp, 256 lb.-ft.)	Turbocharged 3.0L 6-cylinders (326 hp., 332 lb.-ft.)
	LED Headlights	Keyless entry and ignition
	Rearview Camera	Leather steering wheel
	Parking Sensors	16-speaker Harmon Kardon surround audio system
	Cruise Control
	Dual-automatic climate control
	18” Alloy wheels

We Recommend:-  The 440i Coupe with all-wheel-drive is the best option to go for. However it costs 3500 bucks more than the 430i with AWD but you get a more powerful engine than the base trim and better equipment list.

 

" Immediately the 440i feels right. Its straight-six might lack the absolute creaminess of old BMW engines, but it makes up for it with masses of power at...more"- Automobile Magazine

The BMW 430i comes standard with a 2.0L inline-4 cylinders mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This together churns out 248 hp and 250 lb.-ft. of torque that is all thrown to the rear wheels of the coupe. Its performance is more towards satisfying majority of the drivers out there. Don’t expect pops of adrenaline-rushing power delivery from this coupe; it has sufficienct delivery of power to match the decent and smooth functioning transmission with easy shifts. The extra oomph factor is reserved for the muscular 440i trim with 6-cylinders with over 300 horses underneath it.

Its rivals boast better powertrain and output all across the competition with some similarities along Jaguar XE, Mercedes C-Class and the Audi A5.

Models	BMW 430i coupe	Cadillac ATS coupe	Alfa Romeo Giulia	Mercedes C300 4Matic	Genesis G70	Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Premium sportback	Jaguar XE
MSRP	$44,800	$39,990	$38,195	$43,400	$34,900	$44,200	$46,235
Engine	2.0L i4	2.0L i4	2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 cylinders	Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4, 2.0 L	2.0L, Turbocharged, Inline-4 cylinder engine	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	2.0L, Turbocharged, Inline-4 cylinder engine
Transmission	8 Speed automatic	8 Speed automatic	8-speed automatic transmission	9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic	8-speed Automatic	7-Speed automatic S tronic Dual-Clutch	8-speed Automatic
Horsepower	248 hp@ 5200rpm	272 hp@ 5500rpm	280 hp @ 5200 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm	252 hp @ 6,200 rpm	252 hp@ 5000rpm	247 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	258 ft-lbs@ 1450 rpm	295 ft-lbs@ 3000rpm	306 lb.-ft. @ 2000-4800 rpm	273 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm	260 lb-ft @ 1,400-4,000 rpm	273 ft-lbs@ 1600rpm	269 ft-lbs. @ 1300 rpm

Acceleration

Propelling the rear wheels of the 430i from naught to 60 miles per hour takes around 5.5s while racing down the quarter mile in 14.3s. Its 2.0L powertrain is quite quick in its propulsion, matching its rivals despite being pretty underpowered in comparison. The coupe is bested by the Cadillac ATS by a mere 0.2s which in all fairness pretty irrelevant and unnoticeable in real world application. The slowest amongst the pack is the Genesis G70 while the Beemer’s archnemesis’, Audi A5 and Mercedes C300, are similar in performance.

Models	BMW 430i coupe	Cadillac ATS coupe	Alfa Romeo Giulia	Mercedes C300 4Matic	Genesis G70	Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Premium sportback	Jaguar XE
0-60 MPH	5.5 sec	5.3 sec	5.5 sec	5.5 sec	6.0 sec	5.7 sec	6.3 sec
Quarter mile	14.3 sec	N/A	14.1 sec @ 100 mph	14.1 sec @ 99 mph	14.6 sec	N/A	15.0 sec
Engine	2.0L i4	2.0L i4	2.0 Liters	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	2.0L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	6.6	N/A	NA	TBD	-	6.5	6.3*

Ride and Braking

The BMW 430i rides and handles pretty well on the tarmac. Whether it is the casual driving amongst the freeway or the zig-zags of the curvaceous regions, the Beemer steers with ease and responsively. Comfortable ride is enhances in the Comfort mode while Sport mode turns the grip up and stiffens the coupe to drive like the intended sports machine this coupe is attuned for. However the athletic tune feels a bit too artificial and over-imposed than naturally letting the sportiness flow from under the coupe.

The Beemer’s adaptive dampers cushion well the coupe despite being a stiffer ride than before, when driven over bumps and uneven tarmac. Sharp turns and maneuverability leave a mark of confidence and body roll is minimal. Its multipurpose character will suit the enthusiasts or a family of 4 with poise.

On the four wheels of the 430i are fitted 12.3” rotor on the front and 11.8” on the rear wheels. These clasp the brakes on the coupe, taking a quick 162 feet in stopping the 3500 pound heavy BMW from 0-60 miles per hour. Its brake pedals feels good whether it’s applied suddenly or gradually, staying consistent with effectively performing when needed. The Giulia takes 124 feet from 60-0 miles per hour that is also average in the segment while the C300 has a few feet advantage over the Beemer.

Model	BMW 430i coupe	Cadillac ATS coupe	Alfa Romeo Giulia	Mercedes C300 4Matic	Genesis G70	Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Premium sportback	Jaguar XE
Brake Front (in.)	12.3	12.6	13	13	13.8	13.3	12.8
Brake Rear (in.)	11.8	12.4	12.5	11.8	-	13	12.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3574	3418	3521	3500*	3516 lbs	3704	3500 lbs
60-0 MPH (ft.)	162 (70-0)	N/A	124	153ft	-	N/A	184 ft*

Pretty thrifty in its powertrain, the Beemer ceases to disappoint in its fuel efficiency delivering 24 miles per gallon in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Balancing efficiency and performance, the 430i is positively an excellent choice for daily driving. The rest of the field guzzles down similar liters of juice to keep the motors running.

Model	BMW 430i coupe	Cadillac ATS coupe	Alfa Romeo Giulia	Mercedes C300 4Matic	Genesis G70	Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Premium sportback	Jaguar XE
MPG (city)	24	22	24	22	21	24	24
MPG (highway)	34	30	33	33	28	34	34
MPG (combined)	27	25	27	26	23	27	28

"Inside, a new sportier steering wheel rim is lined with a material that makes it easier to grip. There's fancier double stitching on the dash and new leather colors and trim offerings that are said to broaden the possibilities for personalizing the 4."- Motor Trend

The cabin of the 430i is not really what its performance or the exterior of the coupe portray. There’s not much going on either; it’s neither sporty nor does it ride like a comfortable posh coupe. Seating in the front is far more comfortable with adjustable positions than the rear seating where we’d think twice before asking an adult to get into – typical of a coupe.

Synthetic leather make up the upholstery of the cabin with plastic-feeling tactile material making up the dash. Visibility sort of takes a hit due to the sloping roofline especially for tall riders. Outside noise rarely creeps inside.

Models	BMW 430i coupe	Cadillac ATS Coupe	Alfa Romeo Giulia	Mercedes C300 4Matic	Genesis G70	Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Premium sportback	Jaguar XE
Passenger capacity	4	5	5	5	5	5	5
Front (cu.ft)	Head room	39.8	38.6	37.6	37.1	39.7	39.4
Shoulder room	55.3	56.1	54.1	55.3	56.3	55.7	-
Leg room	42.2	42.4	42.3	NA	42.6	41.3	-
Rear (cu.ft)	Head room	36.1	37.6	35.1	37.1	36.9	NA
Shoulder room	51.7	53.6	51.1	55	54.6	54.5	-
Leg room	33.7	35.1	33.5	NA	34.8	35.1	-

Interior Features

Interior features for the 430i are as follows –

• 10-way power front sport seats; including 2-way power side bolsters, 2-way manual headrests and thigh support; driver memory for exterior mirror and seat positions
• SensaTec upholstery
• 40/20/40 split fold-down through-load rear seats
• Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
• Ambient cabin lighting

Infotainment System

Seated along the dash is a 6.5” BMW iDrive infotainment system that works exceptionally well in the segment. While it does take some time to get used to its controls and explore the multitude arrays of menus, the system is otherwise intuitive and fairly straightforward. Some features include –

• Apple CarPlay Compatibility with 1-year trial
• Instrument cluster with extended contents
• 9-speaker audio system with CD Player
• USB audio connection and hands-free Bluetooth including Audio Streaming
• Advanced Real Time Traffic Information

Cargo Volume

Inside the BMW’s boot, the coupe can accommodate 15.7 cubic feet of luggage which is decent enough for its size. The Audi A5 is the most copious in its trunk while the Cadillac ATS shares the worst-of-the-lot award with Genesis G70.

Model	BMW 430i coupe	Cadillac ATS coupe	Alfa Romeo Giulia	Mercedes C300 4Matic	Genesis G70	Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Premium sportback	Jaguar XE
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	15.7	10.4	13.0	12.6	10.5	21.8	16.1

"The BMW 4 Series was updated last year with a restyled nose, larger central air intake, and elongated design of the rear light clusters."- Kelley Blue Book

Rolling over 18” doubled-spoke alloy wheels, the Bavarian model continues with the design alongside new lights on both fronts introduced last year. The design of the coupe looks restrained and conservative but not in a bad way. It still looks stylishly sporty and elegant – something BMW beautifully blends.

The front fascia incorporates the famous kidney-grille with LED headlights flanked on either side followed by mesh-grilles fitted with fog lights. Long nose with subtle slits and the Beemer insignia make up the hood of the 430i. Detailed parallel character line run across the side profile, and deeply routed air intake sit near the fenders.

Aerodynamically designed to assist in the coupe’s performance, the 182” long sleek profile moves all the way towards the back. Clear, no-nonsense elements make up the entirety of the coupe. On the back is dominated by a plain and simple fascia with LED brake lights and dual-tailpipes on the rear left. The coupe sits 5 inches from the ground, clearly not suited for rough tracks.

Model	BMW 430i coupe	Cadillac ATS coupe	Alfa Romeo Giulia	Mercedes C300 4Matic	Genesis G70	Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Premium sportback	Jaguar XE
Curb weight (lbs.)	3574	3418	3521	3500*	3516 lbs	3704	3500 lbs
Length(in)	182.7	183.6	182.6	184.5	184.4 in	186.3	183.9
Width(in)	71.9	72.5	73.7	71.3	72.8 in	72.6	77.4
Height(in)	54.2	54.8	56.5	56.3	55.1 in	54.6	55.8
Ground clearance (in)	5.1	N/A	NA	3.8	5.1 in	N/A	-
Wheelbase (in)	110.6	109.3	111	111.8	111.6 in	111.2	111.6
Track width (in) F/R	60.8/62.8	60.3/61.7	61.3/63.9	61.5/60.9	-	62.5/61.7	62.8/62.4

Exterior Features

Some features fitted on the body of the 430i are as follows –

• Matte Chrome exterior trim
• 18” double spoke light alloy wheels
• Power-folding, heated side mirrors
• LED headlights
• LED fog lights

With the crash test records absent by the NHTSA and IIHS, we can’t judge the Beemer how safe and reliable the coupe is. But the abundance of safety equipment featured in the 430i make a difference in how reliable the coupe is in preventing and providing comfort to you knowing you’re in safe hands. Some standard features included are –

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Front and rear Head Protection System (HPS)
• Knee airbags for driver and front passenger
• Front safety belts with automatic pretensioners
• Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) on all passenger safety belts for installation of child-restraint seat
• LATCH attachments for child-restraint safety installation
• Anti-theft alarm system
• BMW Assist eCall includes Emergency Request (SOS button) and Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification

BMW 4 Series vs Audi A5

Famed German rivals, the Audi A5 and BMW 430i are both really great coupes. Except of the ride quality where the A5 is more brisk and feels eager, the Beemer is more poised and polished. While characterizing its sporty spirit, the 430i is lesser of a sport coupe in contrast to its German rival which however cuts ride comfort to achieve that. Tech and features alongside quality are remarkable as European manufacturers generally are. Nonetheless the A5 bests the 430i if you’d give in proper detailed comparison in the most important ways and we think the same when it comes to owning one of these German 2-doors.

BMW 4 Series vs Mercedes C-Class

An infamous rivalry, the BMW 430i and Mercedes C300 quite similar than you’d think. The silver arrows is the epitome of luxury, comfort and opulence while the Beemer takes the sport side of it. While both deliver on excellent host of tech and safety features, the Mercedes this year is more engaging to drive than before, closing the gap to becoming an all-round package. It all depends which manufacturer would you prefer on your nose, the Bavarian or the 3-star.

BMW 4 Series vs Cadillac ATS

Cadillac ATS has slowly been catching up with the European masters and with this coupe, it has given great driving dynamics and performance. While it still plays catch up with the quality and technology, the BMW 430i fits whatever the ATS brings alongside plethora of great features and equipments. Also practicality takes relatively more central staging on the Beemer than the American sport coupe. Deciding which is the best is sort of a tough one; the American coupe is a more polished rival than it was before but if you’d still prefer the tried and tested formula, then stick with the 430i.

Trying to blend sport with comfort? Let the 430i do the talking. The coupe can cater to the family of four while also to the enthusiast who’d want to take it for a good spin. With plenty of features to keep it afresh and technological equipments, the 430i is a rather good deal for a BMW.

Its main competitors do however give it a tough rivalry but the 430i still manages to keep up its head and keep them on their toes. Like the C300 of Silver Arrow or the A5 of that of Audi who’re main German rivals to the Bavarian coupe, the Beemer is a mix of both the coupes put in one and is still a great buy regardless.