Thanks: Global Motorsports
Website: www.globalmotorsportsinc.com/
/ globalmotorsportsnashv...
2022 BMW 4-Series
Starting at $46.795
Highs Powerful turbo engines, decently fuel efficient, nicely outfitted interior.
Lows Polarizing grille design, overly relaxed suspension, snug back seat.
Verdict While it offers the premium cabin and punchy powertrains we want in a BMW two-door, the 4-series doesn't deliver the joyful handling we expected.
Overview
Although it shares much of its interior and chassis with the 3-series sedan, the 2022 BMW 4-series's rakish two-door roofline and snout-like front grille give it a distinctive, if controversial, look. Offered as either a hardtop coupe or a soft-top convertible, the 4-series competes with other German luxury cars such as the Audi A5 and the Mercedes-Benz C-class. The 4-series comes with your choice of either a turbocharged four-cylinder or a turbocharged inline-six engine; both are offered with rear- or all-wheel drive. Inside, you'll find a well-outfitted cockpit, intuitive controls, and all manner of modern infotainment technology, including a digital gauge display. The rear seat is snug for adults, especially in the convertible, but for buyers who value style over practicality, the 4-series is competitive in this class. If you're looking for the best of both worlds, BMW offers the 4-series Gran Coupe (reviewed separately), which sneaks a pair of rear doors into the mix without compromising the car's fastback styling.
What's New for 2022?
BMW hasn't made any major changes to the 4-series coupe and convertible for 2022, but there are a few small ones that warrant a mention. The higher-powered M440i coupe model is now available in a rear-wheel drive configuration and all trims now come with ambient interior lighting as standard. The optional Premium package now includes power lumbar support, a head-up display, and gesture controls for the car's infotainment system. Two new colors are offered-Brooklyn Grey Metallic and Aventurin Red Metallic-while the car's standard faux-leather upholstery is now perforated.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
430i coupe: $46,795
430i convertible: $54,295
M440i coupe: $57,695
M440i convertible: $65,195
We think the turbocharged inline-six in the M440i model will be the enthusiast's choice, but the nearly $11,000 price premium may turn off some buyers. That bump in price comes with a load of additional equipment though, in case you need more reason to justify the cost. The M440i is outfitted with unique M Sport 18-inch wheels with run-flat tires, the M Sport suspension and rear differential, a rear spoiler, a faux-leather wrapped dashboard, and more. A convertible model is also offered but switching to the soft-top body style adds $7500 to the base price.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The same two overachieving engines offered in the 3-series are available in the 4-series. Models designated 430i are powered by a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The M440i is powered by a silky-smooth turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that gains an assist from a 48-volt hybrid system to make 382-hp. The 4-series provides a sporty driving experience, courtesy of a retuned suspension, a more-aggressive steering calibration, a wider rear track, and a lower center of gravity than the 3-series sedan. Still, we tested the M440i coupe and came away less impressed with its driving character than its terrific inline-six. Apart from strong brakes that performed well in our 70-to-zero-mph test (149 feet), the Bimmer's rubbery steering and compliant ride didn't deliver the same satisfaction we got from the M340i sedan. During our test drive of an all-wheel drive 430i xDrive model, we noted decent power from the turbocharged four-cylinder but came away with a similar complaint about the car's too-soft suspension.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Shoppers may not notice much difference between the cabins of the 4-series and the 3-series unless they're in the back seat. The dashboard layout, interior materials, and primary controls look to be identical to the four-door 3-series', although we noticed that the lower roofline in the 4-series gives it a less spacious feel. Trunk space is less generous here than in the 3-series, especially in the convertible model; in our testing, we fit five carry-on suitcases in the trunk of the coupe model, one less than in the 3-series sedan.
Read More www.caranddriver.com/bmw/4-se...