Used 2019 BMW 4 Series

The 2019 BMW 4 Series includes an attractive 4-door liftback (dubbed the Gran Coupe), a retractable-hardtop convertible and a seductive 2-door coupe. There’s also a high-performance M4 version, but it’s so far removed from the other 4 Series cars that we’ve given it a review all its own. Basically a coupe and convertible version of the 3 Series sedan, the 4 Series offers buyers more body styles and standard equipment, as well as a more powerful base engine. In sharp contrast to its more snug-fitting siblings, the Gran Coupe’s large cargo area and hatchback design make it a more practical daily driver. The 4 Series is also one of the last cars in this class to offer the option of a manual transmission.

The 2019 4 Series takes the agility, acceleration and balance of the 3 Series and strengthens it with a wider stance and lower center of gravity. It makes the 2-door versions of the 4 Series the perfect partner for enthusiasts who still relish the act of driving, and who won’t mind the trade-offs of increased road noise and a stiffer ride. The Gran Coupe, however, is aimed at the grand-touring crowd, and it does a grand job. We love its blend of lively yet smooth road manners and appreciable space for cargo and passengers. Base 430i models use BMW’s 248-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder. It’s one of our favorite 4-cylinder engines and in truth will satisfy the majority of drivers. Those craving even more punch can opt for 440i models with the 320-horsepower turbocharged 6-cylinder. If you’re really maniacal about power, there’s the 2019 BMW M4, a beast that gets its own review.

In the 2019 BMW 4 Series coupe and convertible, you’ll find comfortable seating for four, but only if two of the occupants are very small children. While the rear seats are doable for short trips, if you need to carry passengers on a regular basis, the Gran Coupe offers four doors and an elongated roof that is more conducive to the task. Fold the rear seats, and the Gran Coupe offers 45 cubic feet of space. For the one lucky enough to sit behind the wheel, the 4 Series offers a fantastic view, with an informative instrument cluster, easy-to-reach controls and a vastly improved iDrive infotainment system.

The BMW 4 Series was updated last year with a restyled nose, larger central air intake, and elongated design of the rear light clusters. Not surprisingly, the 4 Series coupe and convertible look the most alike. With its hardtop roof up, the convertible essentially is a 4 Series coupe. It’s the 2019 4 Series Gran Coupe that stands out. Though the same length as its siblings, the Gran Coupe can appear longer with its four doors and elongated roof. Instead of a trunk, the Gran Coupe has a rear hatch for easy loading and unloading of gear.

2.0-LITER TURBOCHARGED 4-CYLINDER ENGINE
Where most base engines provide adequate power for passing and merging, the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder in the BMW 4 Series is as potent as some competitors’ V6 engines. Along with its 248-horsepower rating, the 2.0-liter returns an impressive 34-mpg highway.

FOLDING HARDTOP
BMW’s 4 Series convertible allows one to enjoy open-air driving without having to sacrifice the safety, security and quietness provided by a hardtop roof. A one-touch cargo-loading system raises the folded roof out of the trunk, making it easier to put objects in the tiny cargo hold.

Base 430i versions of the 2019 BMW 4 Series Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible may look different, but all have similar standard equipment. There are 10-way-power front seats, LED headlights, automatic climate control, navigation and on the Coupe and Gran Coupe, a moonroof; the Gran Coupe also gets a power tailgate. Standard infotainment is a 9-speaker AM/FM/CD/HD Radio system with USB audio input, Bluetooth streaming and 6.5-inch display (unfortunately, a rearview camera still costs extra). The 440i offers the stronger 6-cylinder engine. New BMWs come with Ultimate Care, which includes three years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance and four years/unlimited miles of roadside assistance.

In true German luxury-car fashion, there’s a plethora of ways to upgrade and personalize your 4 Series. You can upgrade to a 16-speaker/600-watt harman/kardon sound system, a hands-free trunk that opens when you wave your foot under the bumper, and leather upholstery to replace the synthetic SensaTec material. Most options are bundled into packages, like the Executive Package that includes adaptive headlights, side- and top-view cameras and Parking Assistant. A Driver Assistance package adds the blind-spot monitoring and Active Driving Assistant with lane-departure warning, collision-mitigation automatic braking and pedestrian detection. Also available are wireless charging for compatible smartphones and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

There are two models in the 4 Series lineup: the 430i and 440i. Both are offered with the choice of manual or automatic transmission and rear- or all-wheel drive (RWD, AWD). Base 430i models employ a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces a robust 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Moving up the 440i brings a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder that is also turbocharged for an impressive 320 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual is offered on both rear-drive coupes plus the all-wheel-drive 440i xDrive. All other 4 Series models get an 8-speed automatic that is one of the finest transmissions in the industry. Not so fine is the fuel-saving (and rather annoying) auto start/stop feature that thankfully can be switched off.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (430i)
248 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,450-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/33 mpg (coupe, manual, RWD); 24/34 mpg (coupe, convertible, Gran Coupe, automatic, RWD), 23/33 mpg (coupe, Gran Coupe, AWD), 22/32 mpg (convertible, AWD)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (440i)
320 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
330 lb-ft of torque @ 1,380-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28 mpg (manual coupe RWD & AWD), 21/32 mpg (coupe, Gran Coupe, automatic, RWD), 21/31 mpg (coupe, Gran Coupe, AWD), 21/29 mpg (convertible, RWD), 20/29 mpg (convertible, AWD)