Similar circumstances apply to the 2021 BMW 430i xDrive. The four-cylinder, all-wheel-drive model, which costs $48,595, is a great luxury sports coupe despite certain issues. HIGHS: A powerful and charismatic engine, simple interior controls, and superior highway fuel efficiency.
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Performance – Engine, Transmission, and Other
The 4-series is equipped with the same two overachieving engines that are provided in the 3-series. A 255-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine powers models with the designation 430i. A smooth-running 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine that receives assistance from a 48-volt hybrid system to produce 382-hp powers the M440i. Thanks to a modified suspension, more aggressive steering calibration, a wider rear track, and a lower center of gravity than the 3-series sedan, the 4-series offers a dynamic driving experience. Nevertheless, the M440i coupe we tested left us less enamored with its driving characteristics than its fantastic inline-six. The Bimmer’s remote handling and agreeable ride didn’t give us the same satisfaction as the M340i sedan, with the exception of robust brakes that functioned well in our 70-to-zero-mph test (149 feet). We observed good power from the turbocharged four-cylinder during our test drive of an all-wheel drive 430i xDrive variant, but we left with a similar criticism of the car’s too-soft ride.
It must be comfortable if it’s not sporty.
[Game show horn!] The 430i isn’t particularly cozy. On the highway, there is a noticeable amount of tire slap and noise that enters the cabin. A buzzy noise that sounds like guitar strings is also coming from the front end, indicating a too-close connection between the suspension parts and the body structure. It’s an odd compromise for the distinctly uninteresting handling.
The 430i is also not very opulent. The interior is typical BMW: professional with little to no excessive detailing or extravagance. That’s excellent from the aspect of usability. The most recent version of BMW’s knob-controlled infotainment system, iDrive, is straightforward and simple to use. More comprehensive sub-menus are accessible from each streamlined on-screen menu by just tapping to the right of it. A scroll wheel on the left-hand steering wheel spoke and two buttons on the turn signal stalk are used to configure the digital gauge cluster. To infuse the cabin with a sense of familiarity and approachability, a row of HVAC controls is positioned above another row of audio presets and a volume knob.
The 430i’s cabin is large and packed with useful features, which is an added plus. For instance, the trunk is sizable and the back seats can be folded almost flat to create a sizable pass-through to the interior. There is surprisingly much legroom for travelers back there with the two rear seats up. There is also a fold-down center armrest with two cupholders and controls for the temperature and fan in the backseat. Headroom in the back is limited, but not as much as in other similarly sized coupes.
How Driving the 2021 BMW 4 Series Feels
With the BMW 430i, you’ll enjoy a satisfying 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turboengine. For 2021, it has been enhanced, now producing 295 pound-feet of torque between 1,550 and 4,400 rpm and 255 horsepower between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm. These numbers increase over the preceding 4 Series generation by seven horses and 36 pound-feet.
The 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engine found in the M440i vehicles. Between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm, it produces a potent 382 horsepower, and between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm, it produces 369 pound-feet of torque. These enhancements total 62 horsepower and 39 pound-feet of torque gains. With a 48-volt starter/generator and 48-volt battery, this powertrain also uses revolutionary mild-hybrid technology. When necessary, it raises horsepower, powers the car’s electronics, and increases overall effectiveness.
The 8-speed sport automatic transmission pairs with both engines to drive the rear wheels or, with xDrive, all four of them. BMW claims that xDrive does more than just increase traction in bad conditions. This update also results in faster acceleration and better handling in 4 Series models.
The BMW M4 is a whole different animal. A 3.0-liter inline-6 with dual turbochargers produces 473 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 406 pound-feet of torque between 2,650 and 6,130 rpm. The rear wheels receive power from a 6-speed manual transmission. Competition models only have an 8-speed M-tuned sport automatic and produce even more power (503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet). The M4 Competition variants come with xDrive for 2022, and a new M4 Competition Convertible makes its debut.
I’ve had the opportunity to drive the M4 Coupe with the manual transmission, and I thought it was one of the best and most approachable performance vehicles I’ve ever had the pleasure of operating.
The M440i Convertible is heavier and tamer in comparison, but it is still an absolute joy to drive. Few driving experiences can compare to the thrill of a top-down, early-morning cruise across the Santa Monica Mountains in an M440i Convertible. It is quick, responsive, and reliable. Everything seems to be going according to plan as the wind ruffles your hair, the exhaust emits tiny snaps, crackles, and pops, the brakes diligently bring the car down from speed, and the blue Pacific Ocean fades into the distance off the sides of the automobile.
Even better, you can take your family with you. I loaded up the 4 Series Convertible with my wife, a teenager, and a 10-year-old for a drive up to Santa Barbara at dusk. Surprisingly, no one complained—not even when I lowered the top and drove into the city on back roads.
However, I have a few criticisms and a comment. First off, if you wear polarized sunglasses while driving, the optional head-up display is useless. Second, it’s challenging to bring the M440i to a smooth, clean stop when driving about town since the brakes are sticky and grabby. Third, and now for the advice: be sure you program the speed warning system in iDrive. It is simply too simple to go faster than prudent speeds without noticing it.
Last but not least, the M440i reduces that time by as much as a full second, even if I think the majority of customers will be content to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 5.3 seconds in the 430i. (BMW makes both claims.) The M440i satisfies your craving for pure speed. But the 4 Series you actually want is the M4 if you’re a die-hard enthusiast driver. Believe me.
More Pictures
We’ve been enjoying the car — in its many iterations — behind the nose for well over a year now, even though BMW still receives criticism for the new 4 Series design. The 2022 BMW 4 Series has top-notch tech, a plush interior, and exceptional performance reflecting its expensive price. And even though all of those attributes would be enough to make any other luxury vehicle successful, the grille design alone has caused some of our editors to completely disregard the vehicle.
If you can get past the grille, an explosive inline-six and a feisty four-cylinder engine are waiting. You can combine these with any of the following body types: Coupe, Convertible, or Gran Coupe (five-door hatchback). A 4 Series can be equipped with M Sport kits to make it as powerful or as subdued as you like, and when completely kitted out, the M440i versions’ performance is startlingly impressive. The 4 Series is a standout among German models if driving dynamics are your pet peeve; but, once the new C-Class Coupe is revealed, we’ll need to review this. The 4 Series’ only real drawbacks are its price and design, though the latter may also be a benefit if you appreciate, or at least don’t mind, the car’s controversial nose.
Which BMW 430i or 440i is superior?
The 430i Coupe and 440i Coupe vary most noticeably in that the 430i has a 2.0-liter engine while the 440i has a 3.0-liter engine. Both of them are TwinPower Turbo versions, although the smaller engine has four cylinders while the larger engine has six. With 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in the 430i, drivers can have fun, while the 440i offers even more excitement with 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque.
As expected, the 440i has better acceleration. These BMWs can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under five seconds. In the 430i, it takes 5.5 seconds to reach the same speed, which is still extremely quick. The two trims have comparable fuel economy. The 430i can achieve up to 27 (combined) miles per gallon, while the 440i is expected to achieve 25 (combined).
A Sport Automatic transmission is used with both grades’ engines. People have the option of using the Sport and Manual shift modes anytime they want to be more in control, or they can let the transmission handle everything and switch between the eight gears as needed. A five-link rear suspension, premium gas-pressure shock absorbers with a twin tube design, and high-performance vented disc brakes are other elements that contribute to the BMW 4-Series Coupe’s feeling of agility. The 4-Series Coupes offer Cornering Brake Control and Dynamic Brake Control, which enable them to make the required modifications to improve stability, so taking turns shouldn’t be a problem.
The outside of these two vehicles is identical, including matte chrome trim and 18-inch double-spoke wheels. Visibility is improved by LED headlights and fog lights, and heated side mirrors that can be folded in at the press of a button can be convenient.
These BMW 4-Series Coupes have many of the same interior elements. SensaTec upholstery, a synthetic material that resembles leather in appearance and feel and is simple to maintain, is used for the seats. With the driver’s seat and side mirrors having a memory function, the front sport seats may be adjusted in ten different ways, and adjustments can be made quickly.
The 440i offers Comfort Access keyless entry as one improvement. It has a hands-free trunk and a remote control. If somebody has their hands full, this may make it easier to load the trunk.
In compared to the 430i, the 440i’s cabin has a few extra upgrades. Its sport steering wheel, for starters, is covered in Nappa leather rather than regular leather. Out of these two vehicles, only this grade comes equipped with SiriusXM Satellite Radio. A Harman Kardon surround sound system is also included. This system includes 16 speakers that cover the whole audio spectrum and a 600-watt amplifier. The 430i, on the other hand, features a Hi-Fi audio system with nine total speakers and a 205-watt amplifier.
Is the BMW 430i a sporty vehicle?
BMW 430i and 430i xDrive Gran Coupes for 2023 These four-door luxury sports cars raise the bar with their high-profile styling and cutting-edge technology.
The BMW 4 Series is dependable.
Is a pre-owned BMW 4 Series coupe trustworthy? The 4 Series placed fourth out of eight vehicles in the coupe, convertible, and sports car category in our most recent reliability assessment. A respectable performance for BMW as a brand was finishing in 13th place out of 30 manufacturers.
What distinguishes the BMW 420i and 430i?
The 181 horsepower 420i petrol model of the 4 Series has good performance across the board, achieving a 0-62 mph time of 7.5 seconds. With the 430i, power rises to 254 horsepower, and the acceleration time to 62 mph is reduced to just 5.8 seconds. With 369 horsepower and enough speed to finish the same benchmark in 4.5 seconds, the top-of-the-line 440i is a competitive player.
The 420d has lots of low-down torque and can accelerate to 62 mph from a stop in 7.1 seconds, somewhat faster than the xDrive models at 7.4 seconds. Diesel power shouldn’t be dismissed for this reason. Due to their 160kg heavier weight, the similar convertible vehicles are all about 0.5 seconds slower.
Are sales of the new BMW 4 Series strong?
In 2021, BMW sold 22,9374-Series cars.
BMW sold 9,4954-Series cars in 2020.
In 2021, they sold 13,442 more units than they did in 2020, for a 141.57% YoY increase in sales.
Starting MSRP for the 2022 BMW 430 is $45,800. The BMW 430 will cost you around $55,300 when fully loaded.
The rear wheel drive 2.0-liter BMW 430 has an 8-Speed Sport Automatic transmission and produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
American BMW 4-Series Below are sales statistics broken down by year, quarter, and month. including the most recent BMW 4-Series sales statistics. Compare the BMW 4-Series to the competition in the Premium Sport/Performance Cars and Cars sectors.