The second generation version of BMW's 4 Series Coupe has been usefully updated. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

The improved version of BMW's second generation 4 Series Coupe is these days much more its own model, with an even more distinctive look and a sporting dynamic feel. Inside, there's now more media tech and an even plusher cabin. The range has been severely slimmed down in this updated form, but for brand enthusiasts, there's still plenty to like.

Background

The BMW 4 Series Coupe. It's just a two-door version of the Munich maker's 3 Series model isn't it? Used to be. Isn't now. Yes of course, the second generation 4 Series Coupe we look at here shares its technology and engines with the '3'. But visually and in character, it's these days differentiated from its more common showroom stablemate in a way that its predecessor never was. BMW says this MK2 4 Series Coupe handles quite differently from a '3' as well, even a sporty one. But as before, it sizes up to key segment arch-rivals from Audi and Mercedes, the A5 Coupe and the CLE Coupe. This 4 Series is additionally available in Convertible and four-door Gran Coupe forms. but it's the G22 Coupe version, first introduced in 2020 then updated in early 2024, that we look at here.

Driving Experience

There are no dynamic or engineering changes for this 'G22'-era model, but BMW has slimmed down the powerplant range considerably, discontinuing diesel power and dropping the previous mid-level 430i petrol variant. That leaves only two mainstream models; the base rear-driven 184hp 420i; and the six cylinder 374hp M440i, which only comes in xDrive 4WD form. That six cylinder engine also features in 530hp form in the flagship M4 Competition variant, also only offered in xDrive guise. As before, there are firm springs and anti-roll bars, plus this Coupe gets a double-jointed spring-strut front suspension and a 5-link rear axle. All the engines link up as standard with eight-speed Steptronic auto transmission, which incorporates Launch Control for Grand Prix-style getaways. As previously, the M440i gets a Sprint function that gives you a steering wheel paddle that when activated, gives you an extra burst of acceleration. Arguably, less is more here - it's the rear-driven 420i that gets closest to BMW's traditional mid-sized coupe driver's formula. Rivals have long tried to copy this variant's front engine, rear wheel drive BMW layout with its near perfect 50:50 weight distribution - but never quite managed to deliver a package with the same kind of involving finesse. Super-effective traction and stability systems keep those back wheels in check so that if you're not a driving enthusiast, it'll all feel quite normal. But if you are, then the feeling of being propelled up the road by the back wheels as you exit a bend rarely fails to offer up a great feeling of pleasure.

Design and Build

When this MK2 4 Series Coupe first arrived, we were all talking about its new upright grille; now BMW wants us to talk about the car's redesigned LED headlights, with their smarter illuminating signature. That controversial grille is now surrounded by matte chrome and there are restyled front and rear bumpers too. Customers can add in the 'laser' rear lighting units first seen on the rare M4 CSL, plus there are restyled 19-inch wheel designs. And the top M440i gets black exterior design elements and horizontal bars within the kidney grilles. The CLAR mixed steel-and-alloy platform that underpinned the previous version of this car is retained, but BMW has tried to reduce its weight through greater use of aluminium panels. Inside, the air vents have been redesigned, as has been the steering wheel, which is now flat-bottomed and has standard shift paddles for the auto gearbox. As before, the 'BMW Live Cockpit Professional' dash set-up is standard, offering a fully digital screen layout that gives you a high-resolution 12.3-inch instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and a 10.25-inch iDrive infotainment Central Control Display, which now runs the brand's latest OS 8.5 software system, which gives you more customisation options. There's also enhanced voice control for the climate functions. As before, this is billed as a 'proper four-seater', though adults wouldn't want to be in the rear for very long. Out back, there's a 440-litre boot, extendable via 40:20:40-split backrests.

Market and Model

Sporty 'M Sport' trim is standard and prices start from around £44,000 for the entry-level 420i Coupe. You'll need just under £61,000 if you want the M440i xDrive Coupe. And around £84,000 if you want the M4 Competition xDrive Coupe. Equipment levels have been subtly upgraded. Ambient lighting's now standard and upholstery comes in a new velour the brand calls 'M Performtex'. Optional is Sensatec perforated manmade leather - or real quilted Vernasca leather. Interior trim strips in Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite are standard, whilst Fineline Light Brown open-pored and Grey Blue Ash open-pored fine-wood trim, and M interior trim carbon fibre are available as options. Customers can also now have the gear selector lever, iDrive Controller and Start/Stop button in a 'CraftedClarity cut-glass finish. A Personal eSIM comes as standard with the car, in addition to its built-in mobile SIM. This enables the vehicle to use the 5G mobile communications as standard. The Personal eSIM allows the customer to use the communications and connectivity functions covered by their mobile contract from their car with ease - even in situations where they don't have their smartphone with them. This also includes data streaming via the WiFi hotspot. Wheel sizes vary between 18 and 20-inches and among the options are an M Performance front ornamental grille and M Performance side sill attachments, both in carbon fibre. Interior equipment highlights include the M Performance seat back pans in Alcantara/carbon fibre, the M Performance interior trim strips in carbon fibre and the M Performance door sill trims, also in carbon fibre.

Cost of Ownership

As before, mild hybrid technology is included with both the mainstream engines. Fitting a 48V starter-generator and second battery greatly increases the scope for utilising Brake Energy Regeneration and the electrical power it produces. The recuperated energy collected by the 48V battery can be supplied to the 12V electrical system or used for generating additional drive power when fed back to the 48V starter-generator. When the car is accelerating, the generator is also able to offer the driver an electric boost effect that instantly makes an extra 11hp available. All of which should promise a very competitive set of efficiency stats. Let's see. The 420i is rated at between 48.7 and 53.3mpg on the combined cycle and 132-122g/km of CO2; for the six cylinder M440i xDrive, it's 39.8-41.5mpg and 163-155g/km. For the M4 Competition xDrive Coupe, it's 28.2mpg and 226g/km. Residual values? Well we expect the depreciation on this facelifted second generation 4 Series Coupe to be pretty similar to that of its direct predecessor, which would mean a very competitive retained worth of about 45% after three years and 60,000 miles. On to the warranty package. BMW's warranty only lasts for three years but it includes an Emergency breakdown service and at least it isn't mileage limited - unlike the comparable package you'd get as standard with a rival Audi. You can of course extent the warranty with either monthly or annual payments. There's a three year paintwork warranty and the usual 12 year anti-corrosion warranty.

Summary

So is this improved G22-era BMW 4 Series Coupe still the car in this class that does it all, the sector benchmark, the go-to choice in its segment? If you're the kind of driving enthusiast this model has traditionally appealed to, the answer's probably yes. Overall, there's a sustained level of excellence shot throughout this contender that Audi A5 and Mercedes CLE Coupe rivals still can't quite match. There's a levity about this 4 Series, a certain joy you get in driving it that the others can't quite emulate. Great then, that it does all the sensible stuff really well too. You get a spacious boot, comparatively decent rear legroom, very competitive day to day running costs and sensible residual values. Which all helps your conscience. Why? Because this is a car that, exactly because of those attributes, you can buy and use - and use hard - without that nagging sense of guilt that you may have over-indulged yourself.

Body Glass

Sun protection glass

Acoustic glazing

Green tinted heat protection glazing

Electric windows - front and rear, with open/close fingertip control, anti trap facility and comfort closing function all round

Automatic windscreen wipers and automatic headlight

Windscreen wipers with integrated heated washing jets

Brakes

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Dynamic brake control

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Brake energy regeneration

Braking pre-tensioning

Front and rear ventilated brake disc

Hill start assistant

Dry braking

Electromechanical parking brake including automatic hold function and automatic release of the parking brake when pulling away

Coasting in idle in ECO PRO mode

Dynamic stability control + (DSC+) - Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with brake assist and cornering brake control + Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

Electronic differential lock control (EDLC)

Carpets/Rugs

Velour front floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Drive performance control - ECO PRO, comfort and sport modes

Stroke dependent dampers

Low centre of gravity

Sprint mode

Double joint spring strut front axle

Communication

Bluetooth hands free facility with USB audio interface with audio streaming

Driver Aids

Variable sport steering

Attentiveness assist

Active guard plus

Electric power steering with Servotronic steering optimised at all speed ranges

Driver Convenience

Auto start-stop

Driver Information

Run flat indicator

iDrive controller on centre console

BMW Teleservices

Optimum shift indicator

Instrument cluster with speedometer with mph readout, tachometer, fuel gauge and oil temperature gauge

Check Control warning system for monitoring of lights and door/luggage compartment open warning

Brake pad wear indicator in front and rear

Condition based service

Oil sensor for level and grade, warning by check control system

On board computer - average speed, fuel consumption, outside temp display with acoustic warning, clock/date, service interval, odometer/trip meter

BMW service history

Integrated owners handbook

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

Gearshift time display in manual mode

Language version English

Shifting point display

Driving Mirrors

Exterior mirrors - electrically folding with anti-dazzle

Interior rear view electrochromatic mirror with automatic anti dazzle function

Automatically dimming electrochromatic rear view mirror

Engine

Petrol Particulate Filter

Active sound design

Balanced 50/50 weight distribution

48V Mild hybrid technology

Entertainment

DAB tuner

Electronic service booklet

Personal eSim

1x USB type A with data transfer and 1.5 Amp charging function in the centre console

1x USB type C with 3 Amp charging function in the front centre armrest

Exterior Body Features

Body colour fuel filler flap

Visible VIN plate

Door sill strips

Lightweight engineering

Front and rear bumper system

High gloss shadow line exterior trim

Brushed aluminium inserts in the front door sill finishers with BMW designation

M designation on front side panels, left and right

Fading support

BMW emblem on engine compartment lid and tailgate

Illuminated bow type door handles in body colour drivers side with door lock

Window recess cover black high gloss

Front apron plastic in body colour

One piece front bumper cover including towing eye cover in body colour

Licence plate panel integrated into front bumper and tailgate

Widened track and increased camber values for max transverse dynamics, agility and steering precision

Body colour roof fin

Rear boot

Visible exhaust tailpipe finisher

Bonnet and tailgate badge

Model and M badges in pearl chrome

Free form tailpipe finisher and side frame trim strip in high gloss black

Design of radiator grille ring in Black high-gloss with horizontal look and an M badge on the left side

Exterior Lights

Reversing light

Follow me home headlights

LED daytime running lights

Dynamic brake lights

LED front fog lights

LED front indicators

Automatic headlight beam throw control with load dependent regulating reaction, dynamic compensation of braking dive and acceleration squat

Two part LED tailights in L-shape with components in smoked glass, brake light, LED turn indicator and rear fog light

Welcome lights in interior and door handle area

LED 3rd brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

2 zone automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Through load system

Anthracite headlining

Front and rear door pockets

Storage compartment in rear centre console

Toolkit located in luggage compartment

Four grab handles integrated in roof lining

Illuminated glove compartment with separate small compartment

4 pieces lashing eyelets in luggage compartment

Armrest integrated in front and rear door trim + front centre console armrest

Height adjustable mechanically and infinitely variable steering column

2 front cupholder in centre console with clamping elements and matt black inlay

Battery in luggage compartment

12V power socket in front centre console

BMW ID

Extended storage, Luggage compartment seprating net on side trim left and right, Bag hook on both side

3 spoke flat bottom M sport leather multifunction steering wheel

Interior Lights

Front footwell lights

Front and rear reading lights

Make-up mirror lights

Luggage compartment light

Illuminated armrest storage compartment

Packs

Connected professional package - 4 Series

M sport exterior styling pack - 4 Series M440i

Ambient lighting pack - 4 Series

Safety

Side impact protection

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

BMW emergency call

2 x 3-point rear seatbelts

Battery safety cut-off

Front passenger manual airbag deactivation

Seat belt security check for driver and front passenger

Tyre pressure monitoring with three level warning strategy

Seat occupancy detection for driver and passenger side

Crash sensor activating of airbags,Unlocking doors,hazard warning lights,fuel cut off,interior lighting+activation of safety battery terminal clamp

Driver and front passenger side airbags, integrated in the door side seat backrest bolsters for all seat variants

Head airbags for all 4 outer seats

Child seat ISOFIX attachment for the two outer rear seats

Seat belt with belt stopper, pyrotechnic belt tensioners and belt force limiters

Seats

Height adjustable front headrests

2 seat bench in second row

Heated driver and front passenger seats

2 Rear seat headrests

40:20:40 split folding rear seat and rear centre armrest with two cupholders

Single front passenger seat

Electric memory seats - electrically adjustable seats with drivers seat memory, exterior mirrors memory and automatic parking function

Security

Locking wheel bolts

Start/stop button with Comfort Go keyless engine start and auto Start/stop deactivation button

Alarm system (Thatcham 1) with remote control and electronic engine immobiliser

Central locking switch for all doors, fuel filler cap and luggage compartment

Vehicle key with M specific designation

Remote control with integrated key one button open/close vehicle and windows, sole opening of the luggage compartment lid and panic mode

Transmission

M Sport differential

xDrive system permanent all-wheel drive variable torque distribution

8 speed automatic steptronic transmission with gearshift paddles

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors and ticket pocket

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 71

CO: 0.085

HC: 0.009

NOx: 0.008

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0002

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 267

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 177

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 150

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 165

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 176

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 257

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 267

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 175

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 179

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 150

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 154

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 165

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 169

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 194

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 176

Emissions - Lifecycle

End-of-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 0.6

In-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 11.1

Lifetime Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 26.3

Production Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 14.6

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6

CC: 2998

Cylinders: 6

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 24

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 10.2:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Engine Code: B58B30O1

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 23.9

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 35.8

WLTP - MPG - High: 42.2

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 38.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 36.2

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 25

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 23.9

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 36.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 35.8

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 42.8

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 42.2

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 39.2

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 38.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 36.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 32.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 11.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 7.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 6.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 7.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 7.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 11.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 11.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 7.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 7.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 6.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 6.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 7.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 7.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 7.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 8.6

General

Coin Series: M440

Coin Description: i xDrive MHT

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 39E

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 97

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 83

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 93

NCAP Safety Assist %: 72

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 374

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.5

Top Speed: 155

Engine Power - BHP: 374

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 275

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 369

Engine Torque - NM: 500

Engine Torque - RPM: 1900

Engine Torque - MKG: 51

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 225/45 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 255/40 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: DOUBLE SPOKE STYLE 848M

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4770

Width: 1852

Wheelbase: 2851

Width (including mirrors): 2081

Height: 1393

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1735

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2220

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 59

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1800

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 485

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 440

No. of Seats: 4

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive M suspension

Driver Aids

Driving assistant

Active cruise control with stop and go

Embellishment Trims

Light fine wood open pored interior trim - dashboard

Ash grey-blue fine wood open poured interior trim - dashboard

Carbon fibre interior trim

Galvanic embellisher for controls

Sensatec instrument panel

Entertainment

Harman/Kardon surround sound audio system

Exterior Body Features

M carbon roof

BMW Individual metallic paint work

Model designation deletion

BMW Individual frozen paint work

Metallic paint

Electric glass sunroof

Exterior Lights

Adaptive LED Headlights

High beam assistant

Interior Features

BMW Individual extended Merino leather upholstery

Vernasca leather upholstery

Vernasca leather upholstery II

Heated steering wheel

Sensatec perforated artificial leather upholstery

Crafted clarity for interior elements

Packs

Comfort pack I - 4 Series

M carbon exterior styling pack - 4 Series

M Sport pro pack - 4 Series M440i

Technology pack I - 4 Series

Technology pack I when bought with Driving assistant professional package - 4 Series

M Technology pack - 4 Series

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Cape york green

Metallic - Fire red

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Arctic race blue

Metallic - Mineral white

Metallic - Portimao blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual metallic paint - Dravit grey

BMW Individual metallic paint - Tanzanite blue

BMW Individual frozen paint - Portimao Blue

BMW Individual paint special - Custom

BMW Individual paint - Special request

Seats

Front seats electric adjust lumbar support

M sport seat for driver and front passenger

Towing

Towbar

Trim - Cloth

M PerformTex cloth - Black with M piping

Trim - Leather

Vernasca leather II - Black with red stitching

Sensatec perforated artificial leather - Cognac

Sensatec perforated artificial leather - Tacora red

Sensatec perforated artificial leather - Black

BMW Individual extended Merino leather - Black

Vernasca leather - Black with grey stitching

Vernasca leather - Mocha with night blue stitching

Vernasca leather - Oyster with grey stitching

BMW individual extended Merino leather - Tartufo

Vernasca leather - Black with blue stitching

BMW Indvidual extended Merino leather - Ivory white

Wheels - Alloy

19" M double spoke bicolour jet black light alloy wheels - Style 792M with mixed tyres and sports tyres

19" M double spoke jet black light alloy wheels - Style 995M with mixed tyres and sports tyres

19" M double spoke bicolour light alloy wheels - Style 995M with mixed tyres and performance tyres