Pros: Fantastic ride and handling balance; fine build quality; engines supply both good power and fuel economy; racetrack-ready performance in M4 models
Cons: Prices rise quickly with options; limited rear-seat space, even in Gran Coupe 4-door model; many drivers find engine stop/start feature annoying
CG Says: BMW’s 4-Series lineup expands for 2015 with the addition of high-performance M4 models, a “Gran Coupe” 4-door hatchback sedan with a rakish roofline, and an all-wheel-drive version of the 435i convertible. (BMW split out the 2-door coupe and convertible versions of the 3-series lineup for the 2014 model year and renamed them 4-Series. As such, the 4-Series shares most of its basic design with the new-generation 3-Series sedan that debuted for 2012.) The 428 models are powered by a 240-horsepower 4-cylinder; 435 models have a 300-hp 3.0-liter 6-cylinder. As with its 3-Series sedan siblings, the 4-Series’s ride and handling balance is outstanding, and its powertrains supply impressive power with surprisingly good fuel economy. Prices are steep, however… expect to pay a premium over a comparably equipped 3-Series models. The 4-Series Gran Coupe has a confusing name, but it offers sleek styling and hatchback versatility at prices that aren’t out of line with the “true” coupe models. The M4 coupe and convertible offer world-class, track-taming performance and sophistication, albeit at a stiff price premium.
| Class | Premium Sporty/Performance Car |
| Body Style(s) | 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible, 4-door hatchback sedan |
| Passenger Count | 4 (5 in Gran Coupe) |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Nation of Manufacture | Germany |
| Base Prices | 428i coupe: $40,750 AWD 428i coupe: $42,750 428i convertible: $48,750 AWD 428i convertible: $50,750 435i coupe: $46,250 AWD 435i coupe: $48,250 435i convertible: $54,900 AWD 435i convertible: $56,900 428i Gran Coupe: $40,300 AWD 428i Gran Coupe: $42,300 435i Gran Coupe: $45,800 AWD 435i Gran Coupe: $47,800 M4 coupe: $64,200 M4 convertible: $72,500 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 240 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual (not available in all models) |
| Avail. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 21-23 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 33-35 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower 300 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual (not available in all models) |
| Avail. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 20-21 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 29-32 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower 425 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 7-speed automated manual |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 17 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 26 |
Links
Premium Sporty Performance Car Best Buys
Road Test: 2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sport Wagon
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