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