2023 BMW 4 Series Review: The 4-Series is a luxury compact car worth your attention. We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more.

What’s new for the BMW 4 Series?

The 2023 M440i debuts with a rear-wheel drive option for the first time. In addition, BMW has swapped around some of the features and options available across the lineup. The M4 now gets a very limited-production CSL package too.

2023 BMW 4-Series - bmwusa.com

2023 BMW 4-Series – bmwusa.com |  Shop 2023 BMW 4 Series on Carsforsale.com

Body Style

Starting Price

MSRP $48,395

Drivetrain

Drivetrain

RWD or AWD

Drivetrain

Fuel Economy

25 City / 34 Hwy (MPG)

Number of Seats

Seating

Seats 4

The Breakdown

The best 2-door BMW on sale right now

Exceptional engines

Outstanding handling

Numb-ish steering on center

Sunroof hinders headroom

Love it or hate it styling

We hope they keep the manual alive

2023 4 Series Specs

Trims & Pricing

430i Coupe - $48,395
430i Convertible - $56,495
M440i Coupe - $59,245
M440i Convertible - $67,245
M4 - $75,695

2023 BMW 4 Series Powertrain

2023 BMW 4-Series - bmwusa.com
2023 BMW 4-Series - bmwusa.com

The 430i is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The M440i swaps that engine out for a 3.0-liter inline-six that develops 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Both mills utilize an eight-speed automatic gearbox regardless of how they’re specified otherwise.

The M4 is a different beast since it uses the same 3.0-liter engine but has a peak output of 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. That’s to say nothing of either of its more aggressive variants, the M4 Competition and the CSL. The former develops 503 ponies while the latter makes 543. To put it lightly, they’re the most focused two-door sports cars that BMW is making today. The base M4 coupe is also available with a six-speed, three-pedal manual transmission.

Regardless of which engine you choose, the 4-Series offers an incredibly dynamic driving experience. From the way it turns into the way that it responds to prods of the throttle it’s clear that BMW isn’t resting on its laurels. This sports car is near the very top of its class. At times on the highway the steering can feel a tad numb on center but that’s our only gripe and it’s a tiny one.

2023 BMW 4 Series Fuel Economy & MPG

2023 BMW 4-Series - bmwusa.com
2023 BMW 4-Series - bmwusa.com

According to the EPA, fuel economy is going to vary dramatically depending on which 4-Series one might choose. The base 430i can get up to 25 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway. The 3.0-liter six-cylinder isn’t far off with numbers of 24 and 32 respectively. Go for the real M cars and you’ll see those numbers dip to 16 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway or worse.

Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space

BMW might be well known for its ability to create exceptional driving machines but it seems to be just as good at building interiors. Take a seat anywhere in the 4-Series and you’ll appreciate the stitching, the exceptional panel gaps, and the attention to details.

The layout focuses heavily on the driver by angling the dash and center console towards that position. Visibility is good in every direction and the seating is supportive but comfortable too. Those who go for the top tiers of the M4 line might have a different experience though. The sports seats found in those models can be quite rigid and harsh during longer trips.

4-Series models with rear seats can easily serve as a small groups rolling chalet during nights out. While they’re not expansive the back seats are more spacious than those found in rivals. In addition, there’s more than 10 cubic feet worth of storage space in the trunk which is also above average. Those who want a similar driving experience but more space should consider the 3-Series or the 4-Series Gran Coupe with its additional doors.

Entertainment & Technology

2023 BMW 4-Series - bmwusa.com
2023 BMW 4-Series - bmwusa.com

iDrive 7 is standard in the 4-Series and we love how flexible and useful it is. Not only is it touch sensitive but users can also navigate with the scroll wheel and buttons in the center console. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also standard features. Regardless of how one uses it, responses are fast and accurate.

That even includes voice commands where the BMW 4-Series does an excellent job of recognizing direction and acting as one would hope. An 8.8-inch infotainment screen is standard but buyers can opt for a larger 10.3-inch unit instead. On top of that BMW offers at minimum four different USB ports along with a wireless device charger. Ahead of the driver is a 12.3-inch information display with configurable sections and big bright graphics.

Safety Features

While we don’t have scores or awards from the NHTSA or the IIHS on the 2023 BMW 4-Series yet we do know about its safety technology. Every trim gets automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and parking sensors. Customers can also add adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and more.

2023 BMW 4 Series Trims & Pricing

2023 BMW 430i Coupe - bmwusa.com
2023 BMW 430i Coupe - bmwusa.com

430i Coupe – $48,395

The base 430i gets 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, LED tail lights, faux leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, and real wood trim. The coupe gets a sunroof as standard.

2023 BMW 430i Convertible - bmwusa.com
2023 BMW 430i Convertible - bmwusa.com

430i Convertible – $56,495

The 430i Convertible is identically specified as the coupe but buyers can opt for a neck warming feature that adds vents to the headrest area on the front seats.

2023 BMW M440i Coupe - bmwusa.com
2023 BMW M440i Coupe - bmwusa.com

M440i Coupe – $59,245

The M440i adds a sports suspension, an aerodynamic body kit, a sport steering wheel, upgraded brakes, a sport differential, and summer performance tires. Buyers can add a heads-up display, a cooling and high performance tire package, adaptive dampers, and 19-inch wheels.

2023 BMW 440i Convertible - bmwusa.com
2023 BMW 440i Convertible - bmwusa.com

M440i Convertible – $67,245

The 440i Convertible has the same features as the coupe.

2023 BMW M4 - bmwusa.com
2023 BMW M4 - bmwusa.com

M4 – $75,695

The M4 uses lightweight suspension components, 18 and 19-inch staggered wheels, M-spec brakes, a sports exhaust, a carbon fiber roof, leather sport seats, and a quad-exhaust system. The M4 Competition package adds 19 and 20-inch wheels along with a little more horsepower and black exhaust tips. At the top of the food chain is the very limited M4 CSL with its lower suspension, revised front and rear fascia, a carbon fiber hood, unique lighting designs, a rear diffuser, lightweight wheels, carbon-fiber bucket seats, and contrast stitching.

Warranties

BMW covers the first three years or 36,000 miles of the 4-Series’ maintenance. It also provides a four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty and powertrain warranty. That’s a more complete package than the ones found on other rivals.

What we think

2023 BMW 4-Series - bmwusa.com

2023 BMW 4-Series – bmwusa.com |  Shop 2023 BMW 4 Series on Carsforsale.com

There are small gripes about the BMW 4-Series out there but the truth is that it’s one of the best driving cars on the market. It’s sized nicely, it’s actually special to look at and to use and it has a solid warranty behind it too. It’s full of technology and safety equipment as well. There are a few close rivals but buying one without considering the 4-Series feels like a mistake to us. BMW even has some special incentives going on right now.

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Stephen Rivers

Stephen Rivers is a car enthusiast who loves all things built with passion, extending to nearly all car cultures. After obtaining an occupational studies degree in sports medicine, Stephen turned his attention to sports cars. He was employed as an auto shop manager, spent time in auto sales, and worked as a software developer for a racing company, but Stephen began writing about cars over 10 years ago. When he's not in front of a computer screen, he's racing his own Bugeye Subaru WRX in as many autocross and rallycross competitions as he can.

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