The 2021 BMW 4 Series Coupe just made its public debut and the car is not without some controversy. The car's massive grille has become an obvious talking point, yet BMW will have no trouble selling the car to buyers who are looking for a mid-level two-door luxury coupe. The new 4 Series goes on sale at $45,600 for the four-cylinder 430i with 255 horsepower. The more powerful M440i xDrive with its 382-hp inline-six costs $58,500.
New car shoppers can have their pick of Audi, Lexus, Infiniti, or Mercedes-Benz coupes at this price level but bargain-hunters will find better deals on the used market. We've found with eight cheaper used alternatives that are all currently available for less than the price of a new 4 Series.
2015-2020 BMW M4
Do you hate the grille on the new 4 Series? Do you wish it had a manual transmission and more power? If you answered "yes" to either of these questions then you should look into a used BMW M4. The outgoing F82 generation M4 can now be purchased for less than $30,000 with high mileage. Even certified pre-owned examples exist under $50,000, meaning you can nab one with a warranty for less than the price of a brand-new 430i.
This generation of M4 came powered by a 3.0-liter S55 twin-turbocharged inline-six producing between 425 and 454 hp. Power was sent to the rear wheels by either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The technology and interior may not be as advanced as the new car but for some, the performance advantage will be worth the trade-off.
2013-2015 Audi RS5
You could easily purchase a brand-new Audi A5 or S5 for the price of the new 4 Series but if you are willing to go for a slightly older model, you can grab a previous generation RS5. These were only offered for three years in the US, all powered by a 4.2-liter V8 producing 450 hp going out to Quattro all-wheel-drive through a seven-speed DCT. Prices now range from around $25,000 for high-mileage cars to around $40,000 for less driven examples.
2017-2020 Infiniti Q60
Often overlooked compared to luxury coupes from Europe, the Infiniti Q60 is now a tremendous bargain on the used market. While criticized for its lack of steering precision, the Q60 should be a suitable luxury car for most buyers. Even the most powerful variant, the 400-hp 3.0t Red Sport 400, can be found with low mileage starting at under $30,000. CPO examples with a warranty can be had starting in the low-$30,000 range.
2016-2019 Cadillac ATS-V
The Cadillac ATS-V was GM's direct answer to the BMW M4. Powered by a 464-hp 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with GM's outstanding Alpha platform, the ATS-V was one of the first American sports cars to not only match its German counterparts around a racetrack but to outclass them on handling and driving enjoyment. The ATS-V's greatness didn't keep values from plummeting though, and used examples can now be picked up for less than $30,000. CPO examples start around $35,000.
2015-2020 Lexus RC F
Some buyers value reliability over all else, which is partially why the Lexus RC F makes our list. The wonderful-sounding 5.0-liter V8 with 472 hp has something to do with it as well. Used RC F prices have fallen to the mid-$30,000 mark but unlike a used M4, we'd comfortably recommend one without a warranty. If you still want the peace of mind, CPO examples start around $50,000. The RC F cabin technology pales in comparison with a new BMW but that engine does a lot to make up for it.
2015-2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
Let's get one thing straight, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is not a luxury car and no one who shops for one will likely consider a new BMW 4 Series. But depending on your priorities, a used Hellcat can actually be a much better car than the 4 Series. It comes with plenty of luxury features including heated and ventilated seats and automatic climate control but the Dodge is actually a bit roomier and more practical than the BMW. It also includes a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 707 hp. Used prices now start in the mid-$30,000 range.
2016-2020 Ford Shelby GT350
Like the Hellcat, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is not likely to share a lot of cross-shoppers with the BMW 4 Series. But it is an outstanding performance coupe and some buyers will value its high-revving 523-hp flat-plane crank V8 engine over a premium interior. Prices have fallen under $40,000 and with the GT350 rumored to be discontinued, now is a great time to buy a used one.
2018-2020 Kia Stinger
The Kia Stinger is the only four-door (technically five-door) model on our list but we included it because BMW will soon offer a four-door Gran Coupe version of the 4 Series. Instead of waiting for it, you can now purchase a used Stinger GT with the 365-hp twin-turbo V6 for as little as $25,000. Kia may not have the brand prestige of BMW but in many ways, the Stinger GT feels more engaging to drive than the 4 Series. That might have something to do with the fact that it was engineered by Albert Bierman, the man who used to run BMW's M division.