PROS

Stylish body; great handling; sporty and powerful engines; usable back seats; variety of body styles; available all-wheel drive; M4's unmatched performance

MODEL HIGHLIGHTS

The BMW 4-Series is available in three different body styles: coupe, convertible and what BMW calls the "Gran Coupe." All three body styles have rear seats, but the Gran Coupe actually has a pair of rear doors for easier access to the back seats. Despite the additional doors, the 4-Series Gran Coupe maintains the sloping, swoopy roofline of the 4-Series coupe, giving it a good compromise between coupe styling and sedan practicality.

There are two engines available in the 4-Series: 430i models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine that makes 248 horsepower, while 440i models are powered by a turbocharged 3.0L 6-cylinder producing 320 horsepower. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission, while a 6-speed manual is a no-cost option on most models. BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive is an option and can be paired with any body style and with any engine, though it does restrict transmission choice to the automatic only. In all, there are four trim levels available with each body style: 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i and 440i xDrive. Optioned correctly, the BMW 430i is able to achieve up to 35 mpg on the highway.

The performance-oriented M4 gets a 3.0L twin-turbocharged six-cylinder. It produces an impressive 420 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. M4 models are rear-wheel-drive only and get a choice of a six-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Trim levels are all similarly equipped across the range, meaning that every 4-Series includes 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, heated side mirrors with a power folding function, eight-way power adjustable front seats, a wood-trimmed interior, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, nine-speaker sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, a powered glass moonroof, automatic climate control, BMW's iDrive system with a 6.5-inch color LCD screen, dynamic cruise control and rain-sensing wipers.

The M4 comes with a few more standard items, such as adaptive suspension, touch-screen navigation, Harman/Kardon surround audio, and dynamic cruise control.

Since the various trims feature similar equipment levels, there are several options and option packages available on the 4-Series. The Cold Weather Package offers heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and retractable headlight washers.

A rearview camera and park distance control are included in a Driver Assistance Package, while a blind spot warning system, side and top view cameras and speed limit info are all added should buyers opt for the Driver Assistance Plus Package.

An M Sport Package adds different wheels, nicer interior detailing, an upgraded steering wheel, a subtle body kit and sportier bucket seats, while a Dynamic Handling package adds sport suspension and a variable ratio steering rack. A Track Handling Package includes unique wheels, M Sport brakes, adaptive M suspension, and variable sport steering. Finally, a Technology Package includes a navigation system, a head up display and BMW apps, along with real-time traffic updates.

The M4 offers an optional a Driver Assistance Plus package, which includes systems that will warn the driver of lane-departure, an imminent forward collision or pedestrians in the road. It also includes a blind-spot detection system with side and top view cameras. The Lighting package includes upgraded LED lighting and automatically dimming high-beams. The Exclusive package includes retractable headlight washers, a heads-up display (HUD), a heated steering wheel, a rear-view camera and rear parking sensors.

MODEL NEWS

For 2018, the BMW 4-Series receives understated styling upgrades front and rear, as well as slight suspension tweaks to improve handling.

VALUE WRITEUP

The BMW 4-Series is a stylish car that offers most of the performance and styling of a sports car without compromising much in terms of comfort or practicality. It features sleek, low styling and is available in a few different body styles, including as a convertible. Performance is brisk, but ride and comfort have been carefully balanced to provide a driving experience that is both entertaining and somewhat luxurious.

The BMW 4-Series competes with sedans and coupes such as the Audi A5, the Mercedes Benz C-Class and the Lexus IS. Prices start at just over $43,000.

Starting at around $65,000, the top-of-the-line M4 offers blistering performance and razor-sharp handling but in a practical coupe package. Power output from the turbocharged 6-cylinder engine is impressive, but the smaller engine displacement means fuel economy is still decent, at around 20 mpg combined EPA. The M4 is available in both coupe and convertible form.