Used 2020 BMW 4 Series

The 2020 BMW 4 Series lineup consists of a 5-door Gran Coupe, a stylish coupe and a retractable-hardtop convertible. As one of BMW’s most recognizable cars, the 4 Series continues to offer the status and style expected of a BMW, and its extensive range of engines, trims and options gives credence to its premium price tag. Unlike its 2-door siblings, the Gran Coupe is really just a sedan with a wide hatchback, larger and more powerful than the 3 Series sedan but with a coupe-like silhouette that makes it more alluring.

Like the Audi A5, Lexus RC and Infiniti Q60, the 4 Series is competing for an ever-shrinking pool of buyers. However, for the faithful, the 4 Series’ aggressive handling, available manual transmission and high-performance M4 model (reviewed separately) make this BMW the coupe to covet.

Imagine the performance, handling and balance of a 3 Series sedan, only on a wider platform with a lower center of gravity. That pretty much describes the 2020 BMW 4 Series coupe and convertible, a stylish pair that deliver the exclusivity of two doors, but also some of the inconvenience that comes with the design.

The entry-level 430i’s turbocharged 4-cylinder puts out 248 horsepower and delivers crisp performance with little turbo lag or hesitation. Opt for the 440i and you’ll find a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine producing 320 horsepower.

A manual transmission is an option on rear-drive models, but even models equipped with the 8-speed automatic are fun to drive, and prove more practical in day-to-day driving.

For those who want everything that’s good about the 4 Series Coupe, but in a more practical package, there’s the 4 Series Gran Coupe. More a grand touring sedan than aggressive coupe, the Gran Coupe offers a more comfortable ride without sacrificing overall handling, plus its roomy interior and large rear hatch make it ultimately more livable.

In the 2020 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 recently updated, gaining a more aggressive 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 2020 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
As base engines go, the 2.0-liter turbo in the 4 Series is one impressive powerplant. Far from being just adequate, this engine delivers excellent response every bit the equal of some competitors’ 6-cylinder engines. A 34-mpg highway rating is also something to crow about.

FOLDING HARDTOP
With the hardtop down, you’ll enjoy open-air driving and a sleek profile. Put the top up, and you’ll enjoy all the safety, security and quietness that come from having a metal roof overhead. There’s even a one-touch cargo loading system to make it easier to access the small cargo area when the top is retracted.

Base 430i versions of the 2020 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, 6.5-inch display, rearview camera, and Apple CarPlay.

Standard driver assists include lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, low-speed collision-mitigation, automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert and pedestrian detection.

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. The Convenience Package adds blind-spot assist, 4-way-power lumbar support and heated front seats. Also available are wireless charging for compatible smartphones, a Wi-Fi hotspot and the very cool Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster.

In the base 430i, a 248-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine mated to either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic supplies power. A step up to the 440i nets a turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine good for 320 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the standard configuration, but all-wheel drive (AWD) is available on both trims.

A 6-speed manual can be fitted to all rear-drive coupes and to the 430i Gran Coupe, but all other models including the convertible get an 8-speed automatic with manual shift mode. One feature we could do without is the fuel-saving automatic start/stop features that, thankfully, can be disabled if the driver so desires.

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); 23/34 mpg (coupe, convertible, Gran Coupe, automatic, RWD), 21/31 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: 19/27 mpg (manual coupe RWD) 18/28 mpg (manual coupe AWD), 22/30 mpg (coupe, Gran Coupe, automatic, RWD/AWD), 22/29 mpg (convertible, RWD), 20/28 mpg (convertible, AWD)