BMW 4 Series Trim Levels Explained

Last updated August 4, 2026

BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series lineup starts with the 428i and 430i models, which emphasize balanced turbo-four power, everyday luxury, and rear-wheel drive. Their xDrive counterparts add all-wheel-drive traction, while Gran models add rear doors and a more useful cargo opening. The earlier 435i and 440i branch brings smoother, stronger inline-six power, with separate rear-wheel-drive and xDrive versions. Newer M440i models sit between the 430i and the more specialized M4, adding stronger performance and M-specific design and steering details in rear-wheel-drive or xDrive form.

What each trim is known for

BMW 4 Series Core Model

Core Model

428i428i Gran430i430i Gran

The Core Model trim level—428i, 428i Gran, 430i, and 430i Gran—is the balanced entry to the 4 Series, pairing everyday luxury with responsive turbo-four power and rear-wheel drive.

Best for: Drivers who want 4 Series style and handling without prioritizing maximum acceleration or all-weather traction.

Highlights

  • Turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 240 or 255 hp, depending on model year
  • Rear-wheel drive
  • Power-adjustable sport front seats across the 428i and 430i eras
  • Gran members add rear doors and a large rear cargo opening
80 in stock
BMW 4 Series All-wheel Drive

All-wheel Drive

428i Gran xDrive428i xDrive428i xDrive Gran430i xDrive430i xDrive Gran

The All-wheel Drive trim level—428i xDrive and 430i xDrive models, including their Gran versions—is the traction-focused form of the everyday four-cylinder 4 Series.

Best for: Drivers in wet or snowy areas who want the four-cylinder model's balance with added all-weather confidence.

Highlights

  • Turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 240 or 255 hp, depending on model year
  • xDrive all-wheel drive
  • Sport front seats
  • Gran members combine rear doors, flexible cargo space, and all-wheel drive

Adds xDrive all-wheel drive to the Core Model's turbo-four formula while keeping a similar comfort and technology focus.

59 in stock
BMW 4 Series Performance

Performance

435i435i Gran440i440i Gran

The Performance trim level—435i, 435i Gran, 440i, and 440i Gran—is the stronger rear-wheel-drive non-M branch, known for smooth inline-six power and a richer grand-touring feel.

Best for: Drivers who value effortless acceleration and rear-wheel-drive character but do not need the M440i's M-specific identity.

Highlights

  • Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 300 or 320 hp, depending on model year
  • Rear-wheel drive
  • Harman Kardon surround-sound audio
  • Gran members pair six-cylinder power with rear doors and liftback practicality

Moves from the four-cylinder all-wheel-drive formula to stronger inline-six power and rear-wheel drive, with premium touches such as Harman Kardon audio.

14 in stock
BMW 4 Series Performance AWD

Performance AWD

435i Gran xDrive435i xDrive435i xDrive Gran440i xDrive440i xDrive Gran

The Performance AWD trim level—435i xDrive and 440i xDrive models, including their Gran versions—combines the earlier non-M inline-six experience with all-weather traction.

Best for: Drivers who want six-cylinder power and year-round confidence in a coupe, convertible, or practical Gran body.

Highlights

  • Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 300 or 320 hp, depending on model year
  • xDrive all-wheel drive
  • Harman Kardon surround-sound audio
  • Gran members add rear doors and a liftback-style cargo area

Adds xDrive all-wheel drive to the Performance level's inline-six formula while retaining its upscale, road-focused character.

12 in stock
BMW 4 Series High Performance

High Performance

M440iM440i GranM440i xDriveM440i xDrive Gran

The High Performance trim level—M440i, M440i Gran, M440i xDrive, and M440i xDrive Gran—is the M-influenced step between the everyday 430i and the more specialized M4.

Best for: Drivers who want a sharper, stronger 4 Series for daily use without moving to the M4's track-focused setup.

Highlights

  • 386-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine
  • Eight-speed automatic transmission
  • M-specific steering and exterior details
  • Rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive, depending on member trim

Moves to the newer 386-hp M440i formula with M-specific steering and design details; member trims cover both rear-wheel drive and xDrive.

4 in stock

Trim comparison

FeatureCore ModelPerformanceAll-wheel DrivePerformance AWDHigh Performance
Includes
428i, 428i Gran, 430i, 430i Gran80 in stock
435i, 435i Gran, 440i, 440i Gran14 in stock
428i Gran xDrive, 428i xDrive, 428i xDrive Gran, 430i xDrive, 430i xDrive Gran59 in stock
435i Gran xDrive, 435i xDrive, 435i xDrive Gran, 440i xDrive, 440i xDrive Gran12 in stock
M440i, M440i Gran, M440i xDrive, M440i xDrive Gran4 in stock
Lineup roleEveryday entry modelStronger non-M modelEveryday model with added tractionStronger non-M model with AWDM-influenced model below M4
EngineTurbo 2.0-liter four-cylinderTurbo 3.0-liter inline-sixTurbo 2.0-liter four-cylinderTurbo 3.0-liter inline-sixTurbo 3.0-liter inline-six
Horsepower across included models240 or 255 hp300 or 320 hp240 or 255 hp300 or 320 hp386 hp
Driven wheelsRear-wheel driveRear-wheel driveAll-wheel driveAll-wheel driveRear- or all-wheel drive
Signature performance equipmentBalanced sport setupInline-six powerxDrive tractionInline-six power and xDriveM-specific steering and design
Gran member identityPractical turbo-four fastbackPractical inline-six fastbackPractical AWD turbo-four fastbackPractical AWD inline-six fastbackM-influenced inline-six fastback

Frequently asked questions

Why do some BMW 4 Series models say 428i or 435i instead of 430i or 440i?

Those are earlier first-generation names. For 2017, BMW replaced the 428i with the 430i and the 435i with the 440i when newer turbo four- and six-cylinder engines arrived. The basic trim ladder stayed similar.

What does xDrive mean on a BMW 4 Series trim?

xDrive means the car has all-wheel drive. A 430i xDrive keeps the four-cylinder engine used by the 430i, while six-cylinder xDrive trims pair their stronger engine with all-wheel-drive traction.

What’s the difference between the 430i and 430i xDrive?

The main difference is the drivetrain. In recent lineups, both use the same 255-hp turbo four-cylinder engine and similar cabin and safety equipment. The 430i is rear-wheel drive, while the 430i xDrive adds all-wheel drive.

What’s the difference between the 430i and M440i?

The M440i is the stronger performance step. On newer models, it replaces the 430i’s 255-hp turbo four-cylinder with a 386-hp turbo inline-six and adds M-specific steering and design details. The 430i is the more straightforward daily-driver trim.

What’s the difference between the M440i and M440i xDrive?

On newer models, both use the same 386-hp turbo inline-six and share the main M-specific details. The M440i is rear-wheel drive for a more traditional rear-driven feel, while the M440i xDrive uses all-wheel drive for stronger traction.

Is the M440i the same thing as an M4?

No. The M440i is the strongest performance-focused version of the regular 4 Series, but it remains more road-oriented and less specialized than the M4. It sits between the four-cylinder 430i and the harder-edged M4.

What’s the difference between the older 428i and 435i?

The first-generation 428i uses a 240-hp turbo four-cylinder, while the 435i uses a smoother and stronger 300-hp turbo inline-six. In some years, the 435i also carries richer standard equipment such as Harman Kardon audio and added seat adjustments.

What’s the difference between a 430i and an older 440i?

In the later first-generation lineup, the 430i is the turbo four-cylinder model and the 440i is the stronger turbo inline-six version. The 440i also commonly brings equipment such as LED headlights, navigation, and Harman Kardon audio.

What does Gran mean in a BMW 4 Series trim name?

Gran identifies the Gran Coupe body style. Despite the name, it has four doors and a large hatch-like rear opening. It keeps the 4 Series’ low roofline while making rear-seat access and cargo carrying easier.

How is a 430i Gran Coupe different from a regular 430i?

The 430i Gran Coupe adds rear doors and a more flexible cargo opening. The regular 430i is the two-door coupe or convertible. In comparable eras, both use the four-cylinder side of the lineup and share a similar upscale, driver-focused character.

Which BMW 4 Series trim makes the most sense for everyday commuting?

The 430i is the straightforward commuter choice. Its turbo four-cylinder provides responsive performance without moving to the M440i’s stronger engine and sportier details. A 430i Gran Coupe adds more useful rear-seat and cargo access in years that offer it.

Which BMW 4 Series trim is better for winter driving?

An xDrive trim is the better fit when all-wheel-drive traction matters. Pick the 430i xDrive for four-cylinder performance, or a six-cylinder xDrive model such as the 440i xDrive or M440i xDrive when stronger acceleration is also a priority.

Which 4 Series trim combines six-cylinder power with the most practicality?

Look for a six-cylinder Gran Coupe. Depending on the era, that means a 435i Gran, 440i Gran, or M440i Gran. These pair the stronger engine with four doors and hatchback-style cargo access. An xDrive version adds all-wheel drive.

What extra equipment does the M440i add over the 430i?

On newer models, the M440i adds M-specific grille details, a flat-bottom sport steering wheel with shift paddles, laser-accented LED taillights, and the much stronger turbo inline-six. Exact equipment still varies by year and body style.

Do the newer 430i and M440i have the same basic cabin technology?

Largely, yes. Recent versions of both trims use BMW’s curved digital display, OS 8.5 touchscreen system, wireless smartphone integration, heated power sport seats, and the standard Driving Assistant safety suite. The M440i’s main step up is performance.

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