Used 2022 BMW 4 Series

The 2022 BMW 4 Series is the premium compact car for buyers who want something like a 3 Series, only with more funk. The 4 is, after all, based on the 3.

This is the car line, however, that encompasses 2-door coupes and convertibles, while the 3 is sedan-only. The 4 Series also has another body style to offer, the 4-door Gran Coupe with a more rakish roof than the sensible 3 Series.

When did the current 4 Series launch? This second generation debuted only a year ago with a partial lineup. The Gran Coupe variants are all-new for 2022, along with a rear-drive M440i coupe, and all-wheel-drive versions of the M4 Competition coupe and convertible.

In standard form, the 2022 4 Series rides comfortably, yet with a certain control typical of BMW. Based on the 3 Series, the 4 Series sits lower and the space between the rear wheels is wider, for greater stability in the corners.

An M Sport suspension and an adaptive M suspension are available for those who prefer their springs on the firmer side. An M Sport differential can improve traction as well.

Naturally, the greatest driving thrills come in those models enhanced by BMW’s high-performance M division. How fast is the M4? It blasts from standstill to 60 mph in a brisk 4.1 seconds. Competition versions are quicker by about a third of a second. When the new-for-2022 M-tuned xDrive all-wheel-drive system is present, 60 mph comes up in just 3.4 seconds.

That said, the 255-horsepower engine in the 430i is perfectly capable of motivating any 4 Series body style, with muscle that’s more than adequate this side of a race track.

Simulated leather upholstery is standard in most versions of the 2022 4 Series. The difference this year is that now it’s perforated.

In the 4 Series coupe or convertible, there’s seating for four. However, space in the back is pretty tight. For buyers expecting a few passengers from time to time, the Gran Coupe has a couple more inches of rear legroom, as well as the extra utility of the hatchback and a middle rear seat. But most people considering a new 4 Series probably don’t have practicality uppermost in their minds.

No qualms about the layout of the controls, though. Or the quality of materials in any versions.

We should talk about the grille first, right? Granted, this large, insistent, upright design is not going to be everyone’s cup of aesthetic tea. But it can work for some people. And it’s not visible from the driver’s seat, where there are much more interesting sensations going on.

No doubt BMW was conservative with the grille and general styling of the 3 Series because of its place in the market. But the company was right to take a more daring approach with this more daring car.

The convertible retains an arguably pleasing profile with the roof up or down, which happens in about 18 seconds. And the 4 Series Gran Coupe does indeed look like a 3 Series from a quirkier parallel universe.

The only no-cost paint choices are black or white, which seems to be the usual practice these days. And the optional M Sport package now includes LED fog lights and a rear spoiler.

LIVE COCKPIT PRO
In the 2022 4 Series, this feature consists of a 12.3-inch digital driver information display and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. They contribute to the general tech/luxe air of the 4 Series’ cabin.

ICON ADAPTIVE LED HEADLIGHTS WITH LASERLIGHT
Adaptive LED headlights can adjust their many diodes to provide optimum illumination without blinding oncoming traffic. The Laserlight function enhances the high beams over 40 mph, emitting a beam around twice as long as a regular LED headlight.

Ambient cabin lighting is now standard throughout the 2022 4 Series range, along with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with automatic high beams, power-adjustable front sport seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and self-dimming mirrors. Coupes and Gran Coupes come with a moonroof; convertibles have a power-folding black fabric roof with extra rollover protection and a wind deflector.

Safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, Active Blind Spot Detection, rain-sensing wipers, and parking sensors at both ends.

An 8.8-inch touchscreen controls an infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, navigation, satellite radio, voice control, two USB ports, and a 10-speaker/205-watt sound setup.

The M440i models gain a variable-ratio sport steering system, plus M Sport suspension/brakes/differential, and keyless entry/ignition.

The 2022 M4 versions have their own adaptive M suspension, M Sport differential, extended real leather upholstery, Harman Kardon surround-sound system, dual displays (Live Cockpit Pro), and ridiculously powerful engines. There’s a lot to be said for living in these times.

Live Cockpit Pro becomes an individual option in the 2022 4 Series range (although it’s standard in the Gran Coupe and M4). The Icon Adaptive LED headlights with Laserlight are likewise available as a separate option, as opposed to being part of a package.

They join a wide array of extras that also includes larger alloy wheels, real leather upholstery, Driving Assistance Professional package (see the Safety Technology section below), heated/ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, head-up display, gesture control for the infotainment system, remote engine start, and (in the non-M4 models) the Harman Kardon surround-sound system.

Some M Sport additions, like the suspension and brakes, are available in the 430i models. M440i versions qualify for the adaptive M suspension. Convertibles offer a neck-warming function, so driving with the top down on bright, cold days can still be enjoyable. Gran Coupes can also come with heated rear seats.

M4 models are eligible for track-worthy carbon ceramic brakes ($8,150) and carbon fiber bucket seats.

Versions of the 2022 4 Series wearing a 430i badge have a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower. It links to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option, resulting in the xDrive suffix.

2022 M440i models have a 382-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Plus a 48-volt mild hybrid system that helps the engine achieve optimum efficiency and smooths out the fuel-saving stop/restart function. Again, rear-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is optional.

The high-performance M4 versions also employ a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6, but ditch the mild hybrid stuff. In the core M4 coupe, it makes 473 horsepower, which goes to the rear wheels through (gasp) a 6-speed manual transmission. With a rev-matching feature for slick downshifts.

The M4 Competition boosts output to 503 horsepower and connects to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This version is available as a coupe or convertible and with an M-tuned all-wheel-drive system. There isn’t a Gran Coupe version of the M4. Yet.

Premium gasoline is required throughout the 2022 4 Series range. These fuel economy estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are from 2021. We’ll update any changes and additions once more information becomes available.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (430i)
255 horsepower @ 5,000-6,500 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 1,550-4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/34 mpg (coupe, RWD), 24/33 mpg (coupe, AWD; convertible, RWD)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (M440i)
382 horsepower @ 5,800-6,500 rpm
364 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/31 mpg (coupe, AWD), 23/31 mpg (convertible, RWD)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (M4)
473 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
406 lb-ft of torque @ 2,650-6,130 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 mpg (manual)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (M4 Competition)
503 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
479 lb-ft of torque @ 2,750-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 mpg (automatic, coupe, RWD)