BMW’s exceptional 4-seat coupe is brilliant to drive

The BMW 4 Series coupe, first launched in 2014, is the sportier, better-looking sibling of the already magnificent 3 Series saloon. Introduced to rival the Audi A5, and the Mercedes C-Class coupe, the 4 Series finds itself competing in a very difficult part of the market. What the 4 Series brings to the table though sets it apart. With powerful, refined engines, surprising practicality, and a driving experience that really does live up to BMW’s ‘ultimate driving machine’ slogan, the 4 Series is a sports coupe that’s certain to entertain.

Outstanding design and quality

Interior

BMW is a brand that prides itself on interior design, and the 4 Series certainly lives up to these high standards. First-rate materials are used throughout, with more expensive models getting sporty additions.

Dashboard

The dashboard of the 4 Series is seriously hard to fault. There’s lots of soft-touch plastics involved, which makes every motion you’re likely to make behind the wheel a pleasure. It’s closely related to the interior of the 3 Series, so you can guess at the quality here. Driving position is also pretty good, you sit low, giving the feeling that you’re in a true sports coupe. Switches and controls are also pleasing to use, and the centre-console design is simple and considered.

Capacity

For a sports coupe, the 4 Series is also surprisingly practical. With 445 litres of boot space, there’s enough room for all the daily essentials, as well as enough room to take the not-so-essentials down to the golf club at the weekend. There’s far more room here than there is in both the Audi A5, and C-Class coupe, and it’s actually on a par with quite a few saloons, allowing you to have coupe looks and performance without scrimping on space.

Equipment

Equipment levels in the 4-Series are pretty impressive. There is a long list of expensive optional extras, but most of these are going to be unnecessary for most buyers. As the 4 Series is more expensive than it’s 3 Series sibling, you do get a lot more kit for your money. The entry-level SE trim comes with front and rear parking sensors, heated leather seats, xenon lights, and the exemplary iDrive infotainment system, that incorporates sat-nav, DAB radio, USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity. That’s an awful lot of equipment for an entry-level model.

The interior of the 4 Series really is majestic. It’s not only incredibly well-designed, it’s also comfortable, spacious, and full of free goodies. It’s truly a class-leading cabin.

Exceptional ride improves on the already brilliant 3 Series

As most will know, the BMW 3 Series is one of the best handling saloon cars out there. The 4 Series is loosely based on the same chassis as the 3 Series, but with lowered suspension, wider track, and a significant weight loss. What this means is that the 4 Series is even better to drive on open roads than it’s much lauded sibling. With sharp cornering, with little-to-no body roll, and responsive steering, the 4 Series is a pleasure to drive.

Suspension and Chassis

You would expect that a stiffer chassis would lead to an unbearably bumpy ride, but this isn’t the case with the 4 Series. It easily copes with even the worst British tarmacs, ironing out small potholes and loose surfaces with ease. Cars further up the range feature the adaptive M Sport suspension package, which offers drivers the option of Comfort, Sport, and Comfort+ modes.

Transmission

Gearbox options on the 4 Series are what you might expect. There’s a six-speed manual box that’s found on most models, which is decent, if unspectacular. The eight-speed automatic beauty that comes on more expensive models, or as an optional extra for lesser trims, is however a joy to behold. There’s few gearboxes out there that are as slick and as precise as this offering.

BMW’s engine technology comes to the fore

When it comes to deciding how you want to power your 4 Series, you’ve got the usual two candidates- petrol, or diesel. There’s everything in the range from efficient, eco-friendly diesels, up to blisteringly quick petrol engines.

Best Performance

If it’s speed that you want from your 4 Series, there’s one option that will blow you away, the BMW M4. Using technology taken from BMW’s motorsport branch, the M4 packs in 431hp, which will fire you from 0-62mph in just 4.1 seconds. This is a car for serious speed freaks. There’s also the 435 xDrive Luxury for those who want a little bit less. This option has 313hp, and will get you from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds. It’s still a seriously fast car.

Best Efficiency

If saving the environment is your thing, the best car in the range is the diesel powered 420d (190). Whilst it might not be completely tax-free, with just 106g/km of C02 emissions, you’re certainly not going to be paying a lot. This car is also the best option for the penny-pinchers. With fuel consumption figures of 70.6mpg, you can save yourself a lot of money on fuel.

There are some great engines in the 4 Series range that will perfectly compliment its driving experience. Some however are a little bit underpowered, we’d avoid the entry-level petrol and diesel engines, as both fall short in both refinement and power.

No NCAP rating so far, but will almost certainly get full marks

Though the 4 Series hasn’t yet been put through the scrutiny at the NCAP labs, it’s safe to say that it will, when it eventually goes through the tests, gain the highest possible marks. We can safely say this as the 3 Series, of which the 4 Series is based upon, gained class leading results in its tests. In terms of standard safety equipment, you’re going to get six airbags, and an excellent stability control system. There’s also the options of adaptive cruise control with automatic braking for the truly safety conscious buyers.

Surprisingly low running costs

The BMW 4 Series range offers a range of options that are surprisingly cheap to run. This obviously varies from model to model, but compared to most competitors, they’re pretty impressive. The majority of models come with low C02 emissions, and fuel consumption rates are relatively high, so long as you avoid the super-powerful M4.

Insurance

Insurance wise, this also depends upon which model you go for. The range starts at group 24 for the 418d SE, ranging up to group 45 for the M4 convertible. These aren’t actually all that bad, and are a little cheaper than some rivals.

Depreciation

Depreciation after the first year is actually pretty impressive for the 4 Series. But with first year depreciation as high as 40%, you’re better off opting for an inspected used equivalent.

The BMW 4 Series coupe is one of the finest sports coupes currently on the market. BMW have somehow improved upon the already formidable driving experience of the 3 Series, making the 4 Series an exceptional car to drive. Engine choices are strong, the interior is fantastic, and there’s a surprising amount of space. The 4 Series really is an excellent package.

Buying a used BMW 4 Series online with Carspring

If you’re after a used BMW 4 Series for sale, it can all feel like a bit of an ordeal. What, with long days spent around gigantic car supermarkets, or time spent trawling through classified websites, looking for that ideal used 4 Series. Carspring makes it simple. Buy your next used BMW online with the touch of a button. Simply decide on the model you want and choose how you want to pay.

Looking to finance your used 4 Series? Not a problem, we work with our carefully selected finance partners to ensure that, if you’re paying monthly for your used BMW 4 Series, you know you’re getting the best rates. What’s more, with any Carspring used BMW, you also get our 14-day money-back guarantee and 6 months’ free Carspring Warranty. Plus, you don’t have to leave your home. We’ll deliver your used BMW to you at a time and place of your choice.

*This is an approximate figure based on the range of the car’s list price and the AA’s average 1st year depreciation cost of 40%.