2025 BMW 4 Series

The 4 Series is based on the 3 Series but takes off in a different direction. It’s less about pleasing the majority and more about pleasing that section of buyers who want something with more presence and zing. Think of it as akin to the difference between milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Whereas the 3 Series is a range of sedans, most of the 4 Series models have two doors, with the exception of the Gran Coupe, which has four doors and a cargo-friendly hatchback design. BMW has put of lot of its expertise into the 4 Series, and it’s perceptible through every quick corner.

The all-electric 2025 BMW i4 Gran Coupe is reviewed separately.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact luxury cars, including the BMW 4 Series.

This generation of 4 Series launched for the 2021 model year, so it’s time for a gentle revamp. The 2025 version brings a range of changes, including updated drivetrains, minor styling revisions, new LED headlights, a few interior changes, fresh exterior paint choices, and an upgraded infotainment system.

As attractive as a fun-driving compact luxury coupe or convertible sounds, there aren’t many rivals. The Audi A5’s starting price is in roughly the same region as the 4 Series. The Mercedes-Benz CLE comes in at $56.5K, and the aging Lexus RC is more in the mid-$40Ks.

Before buying a new 4 Series Coupe, Gran Coupe, or Convertible, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are a touch below the class average. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The engine in the entry-level 430i is superb. It’s refined yet muscular, making 255 horsepower and able to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in a brisk 5.5 seconds. That’s comparable to the Audi A5 Coupe.

It isn’t just what the 4 Series does; it’s how it does it. The suspension and steering have an enthusiast edge, with a feel for the road and the ability to respond crisply to driver inputs. This sportiness requires a bit of a firmer ride than something like an Audi or Mercedes-Benz, which may not be to everyone’s taste. Take a test drive over some rough roads to see if it works for you. But also make sure to try it over some entertaining roads to let the 4 Series really shine. We’ve found that even the brakes feel confident.

The hugely enjoyable M440i now develops 386 horsepower and will hit 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds. The epic M4 retains its still-wonderful 473 horsepower for 2025, enabling a rapid sprint time of 4.1 seconds. The M4 is one of those incredibly special cars that we wish every driving enthusiast could experience.

Fuel Economy

The addition of mild hybrid systems to the 430i and M440i brings benefits to fuel economy. The 430i xDrive coupe achieves 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving, 3 mpg better than last year and beating the Audi A5 Coupe by the same margin. The rear-drive equivalent adds another mile per gallon. The M440i variants are all in a similar 28-to-30-mpg bracket. The M4 retains its drivetrains for 2025, topping out at 19 mpg combined.

BMW cabins tend to be focused primarily on the serious business of driving fun, with things like excellent ergonomics and supportive front seats. Yet they also manage to bring an air of luxury and technology. It’s where three worlds converge, not just two. BMW cars have a fine dynamic balance with interiors calibrated just as carefully; nothing is lacking or overdone. It’s a classy, high-quality interior in the 4 Series. This year sees a few minor changes — such as a new 2-spoke steering wheel with a polygonal rim in the 430i and a revised climate control interface across the board. The standard ambient lighting also signals incoming phone calls and when a door is open.

The 4 Series is a compact car, so although there’s sufficient space up front, rear passengers aren’t so well accommodated (particularly in the convertible). Trunk space in the coupe is an acceptable 12 cubic feet (better than the Audi A5 Coupe’s 10.9) or a tight 10.6 cubic feet in the convertible (more than a cubic foot better than its A5 rival, at least). However, no one will likely undertake a major expedition to Ikea or Costco in a 4 Series or an A5. The 4 Series Gran Coupe does better with 16.6 cubic feet, expanding to 45.6 when the rear seats are folded, which is competitive with the A5 Sportback.

Not only have our owner reviews raved about how great the 4 Series feels to drive, but many of them also mention how much they like the styling. They won’t be disappointed with 2025’s revisions. The grille receives a minor tweak, while the LED headlights are new and thinner. The M440i now has gloss black exterior elements (the grille surround, for example) where they used to be grey, plus the option of laser light and fiber optic technology in the taillights for what BMW calls “an intricate light graphic.” New metallic paint choices are Cape York Green and Vegas Red. There are new wheel designs, too. As always, buyers have a choice of a 4-door/hatchback Gran Coupe, a 2-door coupe with a fixed metal roof, or a convertible with a power-retractable soft-top.

BMW Curved Display
This standard feature across the 2025 4 Series range (added in 2024) includes a digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen. This display is the technological heart of the cabin and offers features like augmented video for navigation and Remote View through the MyBMW app to check on the car’s surroundings.

iDrive 8.5
With the debut of the revamped-for-2025 4 Series comes the latest iteration of BMW’s infotainment system. We think it’s already a smart and user-friendly setup, but an improved menu structure offers greater efficiency and less distraction while on the move.

Engines
It isn’t just mild hybrid systems making their way into the engine bays of the 4 Series lineup. BMW revised many internal engine components, taking something good and making it better. We long admire BMW engines because they deliver plentiful and responsive power while still achieving a competitive fuel economy.

Premium package
This options bundle brings several more luxury items like a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, keyless entry, and a head-up display.

Driving Assistance Professional package
Although the 4 Series has plenty of standard safety equipment, this package adds more driver technology, and it’s well worth considering. Among the features are adaptive cruise control with steering assistance, Lane Change Assistant, evasive steering assistance, and Extended Traffic Jam Assist.

Dynamic Handling package
A sport suspension and stronger brakes are part of this package, tipping the usual balance between pliancy and poise more into fun territory.

Harman Kardon audio
Gotta have music as well, right? The 4 Series offers this excellent surround-sound system.

The engine in 430i versions of the 2025 4 Series is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit, now augmented by a mild hybrid system for optimum efficiency. It makes 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. There’s no change in output from last year.

The turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine in the M440i has been boosted, though. Last year’s model developed 382 horses and 364 lb-ft of torque — the 2025 counterpart enjoys a total of 386 hp and 398 lb-ft. It also includes a mild hybrid setup this year.

In both cases, energy goes to a standard rear-wheel-drive configuration or an optional all-wheel-drive system through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The 2025 M4 variants (available in both coupe and convertible form) start with 473 hp and 406 lb-ft emanating from a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, driving the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission. The M4 Competition version boosts that to 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque and gains an 8-speed automatic transmission. When all-wheel drive is added, output rises yet again to 523 hp (same torque figure).

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

BMW covers its vehicles and powertrains with a warranty lasting four years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. This is typical for European luxury car makers. There’s also roadside assistance for the first four years, with unlimited mileage, plus three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Safety Ratings

The 4 Series hasn’t been crash-tested by any agencies in the United States, but it has earned a maximum score of five stars from the Euro NCAP safety program.