Used 2015 BMW 4 Series

Introduced last year, the BMW 4 Series is a newer model line with a familiar concept: essentially, 2-door versions of the 3 Series. The fresh nomenclature sets the 4 Series coupe and hardtop convertible apart from the growing variety of 3 Series models, though for 2015, the 4 Series itself is expanding with the introduction of the Gran Coupe, a 4-door meant to look sleeker than a traditional sedan. While the 2015 4 Series range is growing, the lineup retains the powerful engine choices, excellent driving manners, innovative technology and sporty styling inherent to BMW. Like luxury rivals such as the Audi A5, Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe and Cadillac ATS coupe, the 4 Series adeptly blends performance and refinement to go with its $40,000-plus starting price.

The 2015 4 Series takes the performance traits of the BMW 3 Series – agility, acceleration and overall balance – and goes one better. With a wider stance and lower center of gravity, 2-door versions of the 4 Series are the perfect partner if you enjoy throwing your car into a corner. Tradeoffs are noticeable road noise and a stiff ride on rough pavement. The roomier Gran Coupe excels at grand touring thanks to its lively yet smooth road manners and extra cargo capacity. 428i models employ BMW’s excellent 240-horsepower 4-cylinder engine to power the rear or all four wheels. Though it’s turbocharged, not a hint of lag is felt, even in "comfort" mode. 435i models use a 300-horsepower 6-cylinder that can propel all-wheel-drive models to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Transmission choices – an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual in 428i and 435i coupes – are exceptional. Packing 425 horsepower, the BMW M4 performance coupe and convertible can hit 60 mph in about four seconds.

The 4-passenger cabin of the 4 Series coupe and convertible is comfortable for those in front, but just adequate for rear passengers. BMW has long shaped its cabins around the driver, and that focus remains here. Controls are within easy reach, and the iDrive control system is getting simpler. If your front-seat passenger plans to apply makeup, she should bring her own mirror – those in BMWs are surprisingly small. Though the Gran Coupe’s exterior footprint is the same as 2-door models, this 4-door has better rear-passenger access and over 45 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded.

BMW didn’t reinvent the wheel for the 4 Series’ external design vs. the previous 3 Series coupe, but that’s hardly an insult. Compared to its sedan sibling, the coupe and convertible are slightly larger and lower, with headlights that flow into the "twin-kidney" grille. The new 4 Series Gran Coupe takes its cues from the larger 6 Series Gran Coupe, adding two rear doors while retaining a swooping roof. Instead of a trunk door, it has a power tailgate that opens high for easy loading. M4 performance models look meaner with larger front air intakes, power-dome hood and quad exhaust outlets.

2.0-LITER TURBOCHARGED 4-CYLINDER ENGINE
The base engine in the 4 Series is so good that it leaves little reason to pay thousands more for the 6-cylinder variant. Beyond its impressive specs – 240 horsepower, 255 lb-ft of torque, up to 35 mpg on the highway – is its immediate responsiveness.

NO-COST MAINTENANCE
As with other BMWs, the 2015 4 Series includes four years/50,000 miles of free factory-scheduled maintenance. That means oil changes, brake pad and disc replacement, drive-belt maintenance and more are covered. BMW tallies the savings at up to $2,000. We laud it for the peace of mind.

Step into a "base" 2015 428i and you’ll get an excellent-driving vehicle with power front seats, your choice of an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission (coupe models only), xenon adaptive headlights, a moonroof, dynamic cruise control, and automatic climate control. Standard audio is a 9-speaker system with HD Radio and a USB audio input. Higher-end 435i models feature a more powerful 6-cylinder engine and 18-inch wheels. In addition to a more powerful engine, the new BMW M4 coupe and convertible come with performance-oriented brakes and differential. The Gran Coupe adds a handy power-operated tailgate.

From blind-spot monitoring to a 16-speaker/600-watt harman/kardon sound system, there are myriad ways to upgrade your 2015 4 Series. Among the more prominent offerings are the Premium Package that features hands-free trunk opening (you use a foot gesture) and replaces the faux leather upholstery with the real thing, and the Technology Package with navigation and dedicated apps. Three 4 Series "lines" – Luxury, Sport and M Sport – add their own interior/exterior aesthetics and comfort and performance upgrades. M4 models can further their performance potential with carbon-ceramic brakes and driver-selectable Adaptive M Suspension.

The 2015 BMW 4 Series is available in three potencies. 428i models use a 240-horsepower 4-cylinder, 435i variants host a 300-horsepower 6-cylinder, and the new M4 coupe and cabriolet feature a 6-cylinder that churns out 425 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the standard layout, and all models except the M versions can be had with all-wheel drive (AWD) for better traction. Most 4 Series models come with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. A 6-speed manual transmission is available in 428i and 435i coupes, as well as the M4 coupe and convertible. 428i and 435i models have start/stop technology that shuts off the engine at idle to save gas. Restarts tend to be jarring, however, and thankfully the feature can be disabled. Note that these premium engines require premium gasoline.

428i
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
240 horsepower @ 5,000-6,000 rpm
255 lb-ft of torque @ 1,250-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/35 mpg (coupe, automatic, RWD), 23/34 mpg (convertible, automatic, RWD), 22/34 mpg (coupe, manual, RWD), 22/33 mpg (coupe, automatic, AWD), 21/33 mpg (convertible, automatic, AWD), 23/34 mpg (Gran Coupe, RWD), 22/32 mpg (Gran Coupe, AWD)

435i
3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6
300 horsepower @ 5,800-6,000 rpm
300 lb-ft of torque @ 1,200-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/32 mpg (coupe, automatic, RWD), 20/30 mpg (convertible, automatic, RWD), 20/30 mpg (coupe, manual, RWD), 20/30 mpg (coupe, automatic, AWD), 20/28 mpg (coupe, manual, AWD), 21/32 mpg (Gran Coupe, RWD), 20/31 mpg (Gran Coupe, AWD)

M4
3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6
425 horsepower @ 5,500-7,300 rpm
406 lb-ft of torque @ 1,850-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26 mpg (manual), 17/24 mpg (automatic)