2019 BMW 4 Series Coupe Review: How The Mighty Fall
The BMW 4 Series is a luxury sports coupe that competes with Mercedes-Benz's C-Class Coupe, Audi's A5 Coupe, and the Lexus RC350. For this BMW compact coupe, its unique selling point is sheer driver appeal, or at least that's what BMW would have us believe. The 2019 model comes in two models: 430i and 440i. They are both available in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and have an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the rear-wheel-drive models available with an optional six-speed manual transmission. The 430i is powered by a 2.0 liter, twin-turbo four-cylinder engine, which makes 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The more potent 440i is powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine which makes 320 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. Despite being renamed and restyled, though, the 4 Series is still - for all intents and purposes - a 3 Series Coupe.
What's the Price of the 2019 BMW 4 Series Coupe?
The rear-wheel-drive 430i starts an MSRP of $44,800, and the all-wheel-drive model starts at $46,800. The rear-wheel-drive 440i starts at $51,200 while the xDrive-equipped 440i carries a base MSRP of $53,200.These prices exclude the registration, taxes and licensing fees, not to mention the destination fee.
2019 4 Series Coupe Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 182.7 in | 110.6 in | 54.2 in | 71.9 in | 60.8 in | 62.8 in | 3,574.0 lbs |
2019 4 Series Coupe Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
BMW coupes were once the darlings of the automotive world, a purists' driving dream with some of the sharpest handling dynamics around. But sadly, BMW has lost its way in recent years. That doesn't mean the 4 Series is terrible to drive - it's still a proper machine that will take you through a curving mountain pass with a smile on your face, and it'll likely be quicker than many a rival, but BMW has lost the involvement factor that made them such phenomenal cars. The suspension errs on the firmer side of things, but it's generally well-damped and pliant on most surfaces. However, under duress, the rebound damping is a little too firm and springy, leading to an awkward cork-screwing sensation under load. Drive it at nine-tenths, though, and you'll find little way to fault the ride.
But if you'll find fault, it'll be in the 4's steering. Direct, light enough for day to day use, and weighted enough for spirited driving, it seems like a perfect recipe, but it's one of the least impressive electronic power systems on the market. Feedback is non-existent and the numbness on turn-in is a let-down. Other manufacturers pull off the electrically assisted setup far better, which is a key aspect showing BMW's lack of focus towards driver-engagement.
2019 4 Series Coupe Interior
2019 4 Series Coupe Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2019 BMW 4 Series Coupe A Good car?
Compact luxury coupes are tricky business. You need to strike the right balance of enough luxury but also just enough compromise on comfort for the sake of performance. It's in the latter case where BMW fails, as the 4 Series really doesn't seem to behave any differently to a 3 Series - it merely looks sleeker. However, it's decently practical, well-built, has a pair of wonderful engines, and impressive levels of composure. It's by no means the worst of the sports coupe clan, but it is feeling its age now, and rivals like the Audi A5 are providing more contemporary offerings, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with its bespoke rear suspension, just feels more naturally athletic, yet still more luxurious. The fact that Mercedes has managed to outgun BMW dynamically is a testament to how far BMW has fallen from the best driver's car around.
What BMW 4 Series Coupe Model Should I Buy?
There truly isn't a bad 4 Series, as all models are well equipped and both engines are some of the best around. While the allure for many will be on outright power - and you wouldn't be unhappy with the extra punch from the 440i - we'd suggest most buyers look to the 430i. The 2.0-liter turbo motor is smooth and punchy, and when paired with rear-wheel-drive is just the right amount of fun without being unruly. We'd opt for leather upholstery, the M Sport Package for style and a sportier chassis, and the stylish digital instrument cluster. Audiophiles will definitely want the 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system too.
2019 BMW 4 Series Coupe Comparisons
2019 BMW 4 Series Coupe vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
Nearly every car that BMW makes has a direct rival from its German counterpart Mercedes-Benz, and 4 Series is no different. The C300 Coupe is a worthy challenger to 4 Series and comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. It makes 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, compared to the 430i's 248 hp four-cylinder engine. Both are available in either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, and while the BMW might have slightly better driving dynamics when looking at on-paper data, the Mercedes has a sense of occasion and an intuitive feel that's somewhat lacking in the BMW.
In terms of practicality, the Mercedes has some better technology features and driver aids available, but most of them come at a high price premium. The BMW has more interior space, especially for rear passengers, as well as more cargo space. Both are fantastic cars, but the Mercedes edges ahead by having more features available.
2019 BMW 4 Series Coupe vs Audi A5 Coupe
Audi's A5 has only one engine option, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, which makes 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque compared the 430i's 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the BMW, this Audi is only available in all-wheel-drive and has no manual transmission option. Also, it only has one engine variant, which can match the 430i but will get blown away by the 440i. To rival the 40i you'd need to opt for the S5 instead.
Where the Audi excels is by having the right balance of performance and technology features, compared to the BMW, which is more performance biased. The Audi has a better infotainment unit, featuring both Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Its cabin architecture is superior too. The truth is, the 4 Series is dated while its rivals have moved on. The A5 is more contemporary and a better all-rounder.