2021 BMW 4 Series Coupe review

BMW’s nomenclature is quite straightforward, with the standard hatch, sedan or wagon offerings given an odd model number – think 1, 3, 5 and 7 Series – with the sportier coupe and cabriolet versions of those cars given even-numbered designations.

But the second-generation 4 Series Coupe seems to have broken by convention by being way more than just a two-door version of the venerable 3 Series sedan.

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L to R: BMW 430i, 420i and M440i xDrive

This is evident as soon as you set eyes on its, err, polarising vertical kidney grille... but, as with a friend’s odd-looking baby, you soon come around to it.

That boldface is accompanied by an aggressive stance that's accentuated by the muscular wheel arches that extend seamlessly from the bodywork, which features a relatively subtle shoulder line.

There is some grace about the design, however, particularly the side profile that harks back to BMW coupes of old such as the 328i.

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On the Road

The 4 Series’ driving dynamics also set it apart from the 3.

The engineers have made some significant tweaks that make it more enjoyable to drive despite sharing the same engines across the three-car range – the 135kW/300Nm and 190kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbos in the 420i and 430i, and the 285Kw/500Nm turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six in the M440i xDrive.

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It’s a little wider and longer than the first-generation 4 Series Coupe and has a 41mm-longer wheelbase, but it has still managed to shed 55kg.

The front and rear track widths are 28 and 18mm wider than the previous model too.

Each track is also 23mm longer than the 3 Series, and combine with a 10mm lower ride height and 57mm shorter overall height to achieve a 21mm lower centre of gravity.

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BMW M430i Coupe

BMW’s engineers have also been busy optimising the aerodynamics resulting in reduced rear lift.

More significantly, they’ve increased chassis and body rigidity thanks to stiffening struts at the front end and around rear suspension.

The standard M Sport suspension also uses new rear dampers that rid the 420i of the jarring ride that can blight the 320i.

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The 430i and M440i also come standard with Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers that really iron out the bumps.

The default Comfort setting was adequate in most conditions while driving through Victoria’s twisty Dandenong Ranges, and the ride was so composed that you’d have to overcook a bend to feel any kind of body roll.

You can’t go wrong using the Individual driving mode to keep everything in Comfort while leaving the engine in Sport or Sport-plus should you require more revs between upshifts.

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BMW M440i xDrive

The Dandenongs were also a great place to test the steering, which has been improved by adding 1.5 degrees more negative camber on the front wheels compared to the sedan.

The result is delightfully direct steering backed up by palpable body stiffness and a compliant rear end.

The eight-speed automatic transmission adds to the driver enjoyment by swiftly responding to pedal inputs

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There are paddle shifters for manual inputs, but I happily kept it in auto to concentrate on pointing the nose exactly where I wanted it.

Sadly, the boldness that the 4 Series exudes doesn't extend to the soundtrack of either engine – there’s no throaty roar or the pop-and-fart theatrics of the 8-Series when you manually downshift., though the six-pot M440i provides some audible pleasure.

Comfort and Features

The BMW 4 Series is also a great daily driver. The cockpit is comfortable, with well-bolstered but plush sports seats at the front and two comfortably moulded seats in the rear which offer impressive legroom - and not just for a two-door coupe.

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While we’re looking down back, the 440-litre boot is 40 litres smaller than the 3 Series sedan.

Priced from $70,900, $88,900 and $116,900 for the 420i, 430i and M440i respectively, the 4 Series Coupe shares a cockpit and all of its safety and infotainment technology with the 3 Series, including a head-up display and a digital dashboard.

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There are a couple of new features too, such as a digital key that allows you to use an Apple iPhone to access and start the vehicle.

And for the first time in a BMW there is now wireless Android Auto smartphone pairing as well as Apple CarPlay and BMW no longer charges you extra for either.

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The Intelligent Personal Assistant voice command also does a few new things including the ability to select drive modes without taking your eyes off the road.

The Verdict

BMW's designers and engineers set out to make the 3 and 4 Series same-same but very different by making the latter bolder, expressive and even more delightful to drive.

The intention was to attract buyers seeking something a little more extroverted than the elegant 3 Series sedan that's perfect for gran turismo driving and, subdued engine noise aside, I reckon they’ve nailed it.

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The six-pot M440i 4.5-second 0-100km/h acceleration certainly makes this the more desirable variant of the trio but for me, the 430i represents the sweet spot of the range with more than enough power to take advantage of all the dynamic improvements.

BMW 430I Coupe specs