“This model was a little larger and therefore more comfortable than my previous car from the same manufacturer. Love the handling and driver-centric characteristics for which BMW is known for.”
BMW 4 Series: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The BMW 4 Series is a compact luxury car with a coupe-first character, sold over its history as a coupe, convertible, and four-door Gran Coupe. It is known for quick turbocharged power, balanced handling, a driver-focused cabin, and enough comfort for daily use.
Launched in 2014 after BMW split the two-door 3 Series models into their own range, the 4 Series has consistently focused on a lower, wider, more driver-centered feel. Its formula pairs responsive turbo power and balanced handling with enough refinement for commuting and road trips. For much of its run, the Gran Coupe added useful rear doors and a flexible cargo area, while newer generations brought more digital technology without changing the core character.
Strengths
- Its balanced handling makes winding roads enjoyable without giving up the comfort needed for everyday driving.
- Turbo four-cylinder models feel responsive, while the six-cylinder versions deliver a clear step up in acceleration.
- The cabin puts the driver first but still provides the comfort and technology expected of a modern luxury car.
- Rear-wheel drive gives it a traditional sporty layout, and all-wheel-drive versions add traction for drivers who want it.
- Gran Coupe versions provide easier rear-seat access and a more flexible cargo area than the two-door models.
Who it's for
The 4 Series best fits someone who wants a premium daily driver that feels more engaging than a typical luxury commuter. Coupe and convertible models suit people who usually travel alone or with one passenger, while used Gran Coupe models make more sense for shoppers who regularly carry rear passengers or bulky cargo. Anyone who needs a genuinely roomy back seat should look carefully at the body style and model year.
BMW 4 Series lineup
Across recent generations, the 430i has been the sensible entry point, with responsive turbo four-cylinder power and lower-key styling. Pick the 430i xDrive when all-wheel-drive traction matters more than keeping rear-wheel drive. Step up to the M440i for a much stronger turbo inline-six and more aggressive design details, while staying short of the harder-edged M4. The M440i xDrive adds all-wheel drive to that higher-performance formula.
BMW 4 Series generations
From 2014 to 2027, the 4 Series spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation — G22/G23/G26 arrived for 2021, following the 1st Generation — F32/F33/F36 (2014–2020).
2nd Generation — G22/G23/G26 (2021–2027)
The second generation brought a larger body, wider stance, stronger engines, and newer cabin technology. The coupe and convertible arrived first, with the convertible switching to a fabric roof; the four-door Gran Coupe followed for 2022. A 2025 refresh revised the lighting, grille details, cabin controls, and mild-hybrid engines.
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2027Trim changes
The coupe and convertible carry over after the 2025 refresh, with the same engines, curved digital display, and standard driver-assistance features.
2026
The coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe largely carry over from the 2025 refresh.
2025Mid-cycle update
Refreshed lighting and grille details joined updated cabin controls, a newer touchscreen system, and revised mild-hybrid engines.
2024
A curved display with a 12.3-inch driver screen and 14.9-inch touchscreen became standard, along with a smaller toggle-style shifter.
2023Trim changes
The lineup was mostly unchanged, aside from option-package and paint adjustments.
2022Trim changes
The second-generation Gran Coupe joined the lineup with four doors and a hatchback-style cargo opening.
2021New generation
The redesigned coupe and convertible arrived with larger bodies, stronger engines, newer cabin technology, and more driver-assistance features. The convertible also switched from a folding hardtop to a fabric roof.
1st Generation — F32/F33/F36 (2014–2020)
The first 4 Series split BMW's compact coupe and convertible from the 3 Series, using a lower and wider body. The four-door Gran Coupe joined for 2015, and a 2018 refresh sharpened the styling and added standard LED lighting.
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2020
Driver-assistance features and rain-sensing wipers became standard, while the exterior received small grille, taillight, and rear-bumper updates.
2019
Navigation, Apple CarPlay, and an expanded driver display became standard across the lineup.
2018Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling arrived with standard LED headlights and taillights, plus small cabin and handling updates.
2017Trim changes
The 428i and 435i continued under the new 430i and 440i names, paired with newer turbo four- and six-cylinder engines.
2016Trim changes
Sport seats, sport-styled trim, 18-inch wheels, and an alarm system became standard across the lineup.
2015Trim changes
The Gran Coupe joined the lineup, adding four doors and a more flexible hatchback-style cargo area.
2014New generation
The new 4 Series launched as BMW's lower, wider replacement for the former 3 Series coupe and convertible.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the BMW 4 Series.
Frequently asked questions
What body styles does the BMW 4 Series come in?
Across its used history, the BMW 4 Series has been sold as a two-door coupe, a convertible, and a four-door Gran Coupe with a hatch-like rear opening. The newest lineup covered here consists of the coupe and convertible.
Does the BMW 4 Series Convertible have a hardtop or soft top?
Second-generation 4 Series Convertibles use a power-folding fabric soft top. First-generation convertibles used a folding hardtop, so the roof design depends on which generation you are shopping.
What is the BMW 4 Series known for?
The 4 Series is known for quick acceleration, balanced handling, a driver-focused cabin, and enough comfort for daily use. It is the sportier, more style-focused side of BMW’s compact luxury range.
Is the BMW 4 Series a hybrid?
The 4 Series is a gas-powered car, not a full hybrid. Since the 2025 refresh, 430i and M440i gas engines use 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, but BMW still identifies these models as gas vehicles.
Is the BMW 4 Series practical enough for daily driving?
Yes. The 430i and M440i combine sporty road manners with everyday comfort. A Gran Coupe is the practical choice in years that offer it because its four doors and large rear opening make passengers and cargo easier to manage.
How many generations of the BMW 4 Series are there?
There are two generations in this history. The first ran from 2014 through 2020. The second-generation coupe and convertible arrived for 2021, followed by the redesigned Gran Coupe for 2022. Major refreshes came for 2018 and 2025.
Does the BMW 4 Series come with all-wheel drive?
Yes. BMW uses the xDrive name for all-wheel-drive 4 Series models. Rear-wheel-drive versions have also been sold, so check the full trim name rather than assuming every 4 Series has the same drivetrain.
BMW 4 Series Reviews
What owners are saying about the BMW 4 Series.
4.5
BMW 4 Series
(7,043 reviews)
“As a prior BMW 428i Gran Coupe owner, the 430i Convertible does not have the performance I have come to expect from BMW.”
“Apple car play somewhat not working. Buy bmw for the brand and driving experience.”
“the advanced technology in the car, the ease in which the automatic hard top comes off with the push of a button. Well built car, fun to drive and for a convertible it is quiet.”
“It rides very smoothly and handles well. It accelerates very nicely for only being a 4 Cyl.”
“The bmw 428i is a dream to drive, Excellent handling and looks. A very large community for mods and customization”