2025 BMW 4 Series
Review: 2025 BMW 4 Series

Overview

The newest in a long series of sports coupes from the renowned automaker's classic lineup, the 2025 BMW 4 Series follows the same concept as its predecessors: two doors and a strong engine. The 4 Series coupe appears to be a more refined and athletic take on the BMW 3 Series sedan. This luxury cruiser seems like it came from a sports vehicle, what with all the sharp angles and bulging curves.

After the premiere of the second-generation 4 Series in 2021, BMW announced cosmetic and technical upgrades for the 2025 model year. Minor as they are, the 4 Series now has a more menacing appearance thanks to the external changes. Changes made under the hood have resulted in both engines now using mild-hybrid technology, which should provide somewhat better gas mileage and acceleration right out of the gate.

Similarly, the 4 Series' interior is sophisticated and elegant. A 14.9-inch touchscreen serves as the focal point of the interior's futuristic design, which is replete with luxurious materials and cutting-edge technology. It goes well with the way the car handles, which is more typical of a conventional luxury vehicle than BMW's most athletic coupes. We recommend the BMW M4 and M4 Competition for anyone seeking a high-performance vehicle.

In the luxury coupe market, there are, of course, a number of obvious rivals. Sedans like the Mercedes-Benz CLE, Lexus RC, and Audi A5 are among them.

Positives

Pick between two powerful engines.
Elevated indoor space.
Updated with some fancy new software.

Negatives

Far too mild for the majority of fans.
Squeezed back seats.
Competitors outshine them.

Updates for the Year 2025

Among the many external design tweaks made to the 2025 BMW 4 Series was the addition of new headlights and a revised front fascia. All new BMW vehicles use the latest operating system, iDrive 8.5, which has a streamlined design and a more intuitive interface.

In the entry-level 430i, a mild-hybrid system was integrated with the turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four engine, and the cabin has a squared-off "polygonal" steering wheel. An independent steering wheel and a modest power increase to 386 hp were among the upgrades bestowed upon the M440i. The 430i comes standard with a new design for its 19-inch wheels, while the M440i offers an additional set of wheels in the same size as an optional extra.

Trims

The four trim levels that BMW will offer for the 4 Series in 2025 are the 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i, and M440i xDrive. A two-door coupe, a two-door convertible (at an additional cost), or a four-door Gran Coupe are all available for each trim level. We advise the M440i above the most popular 430i xDrive. Why? We'll tell you.

Equipped with 18-inch wheels, a moonroof, heated power-folding side mirrors, adjustable side bolsters of imitation leather upholstery, a tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel, a configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central information display, a 10-speaker stereo system, navigation, and front and rear parking distance control are all standard features.

430i xDrive

Other than that, the 430i xDrive is the same as the regular rear-wheel-drive 430i.

M440i

An enhanced 386 horsepower six-cylinder engine, sport-tuned suspension, unique 18-inch wheels and tyres, a spoiler at the back, metal accents, and a leather-wrapped M Sport steering wheel are some of the interior changes found on the M440i.

Since the 4 Series is really a sports car, we believe the M440i's suspension and engine provide the most satisfying level of performance for the majority of 4 Series owners.

M440i xDrive

The M440i now comes standard with all-wheel drive. Other than that, it's the same as the rear-wheel-drive version.
Powertrain and Efficiency
The 2025 BMW 4 Series is offered with two powerful engines that can propel you to high speeds with ease. The 430i's turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder is competitive with similar engines, boasting 252 horsepower with a little help from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The eight-speed automatic gearbox that comes standard is great at maximising the power of the smaller engine. You should purchase the M440i with the bigger six-cylinder engine if you're looking for real performance. It can accelerate the coupe from 0 to 60 mph in around 4 seconds, thanks to its 386 horsepower. When compared to the BMW 3 Series sedan, the 4 Series' suspension and steering arrangement are somewhat more aggressive. The ride is both thrilling and relaxing, perfect for those long days of errand running. See the 473-horsepower BMW M4 for real driving excitement.

Fuel Economy

No official fuel efficiency numbers have been released for the 2025 BMW 4 Series by the EPA just yet, but we can expect them to be comparable to the 2024 model. The 2024 BMW 430i was rated at 10 l/100 km by the EPA. For the 2024 M440i, the fuel economy was 10 litres per hundred kilometres while driving with rear-wheel drive and 9.4 litres per hundred kilometres when driving with all-wheel drive.
A rear-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz C300 Coupe achieves 8 litres per hundred kilometres, while an Audi A5 equipped with Quattro all-wheel drive manages 8.4 litres per hundred kilometres. At 9 litres per hundred kilometres, the rear-wheel-drive Lexus RC 300 manages fuel economy.

Interior

While BMW cabins have never been showy, the 4 Series' massive 14.9-inch centre stack screen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster steal the show. Fortunately, it's not all electronics in the cabin; the materials used are eye-catching, and the construction is top-notch. You can feel the sturdy construction of each panel and switch. The 430i variants come with open-pore wood trim, while the M440i versions include stylish aluminium trim. We particularly enjoy the M440i's heavy, three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel.

There is very little space for people's legs and heads in the backseat of the 4 Series coupe. Due to its severely sloped roofline, the Gran Coupe offers very limited space for tall passengers, making it just marginally better. Although there is a 12-cubic-foot trunk space in the 4 Series coupe, it is not easy to transport large items. When folded down, the Gran Coupe's rear seats provide 16.6 cubic feet of luggage capacity, making it the superior option for travellers.

Information and connectivity

Included in the entertainment system of the 2025 BMW 4 Series is a 205-watt, 10-speaker audio system with one year of SiriusXM satellite radio, a 14.9-inch screen, two USB ports, Bluetooth, navigation with real-time traffic, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgrading the audio is not a possibility. This year's 4 Series models have the user-friendly iDrive 8.5 operating system as standard equipment. It goes hand in hand with the iDrive scroll wheel, a top-tier navigation system that has undergone continuous improvement. The learning curve is little, and then it's automatic.

In contrast, the Lexus RC offers a quality 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system as an optional extra, even if it retains the basic 8-inch or optional 10.3-inch touchscreen.

Safety

Both the NHTSA and the IIHS have not conducted crash tests for the BMW 4 Series.

There are a plethora of safety features standard on the 4 Series, including adaptive cruise control, dynamic traction control, cornering brake control, automatic city collision mitigation and braking, active blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and brake drying. A stolen-vehicle recovery tracking system and rain-sensing windscreen wipers are further features.

BMW 4 Series vs. the competition

When it comes to high-end sports coupes, the BMW 4 Series is competitive, but it's far from alone. The Audi A5 and S5 are two great options to consider if you're shopping for a 4 Series in 2025 due to their sturdy build and good appearance. Two other options that provide great value for the money are the four-door Genesis G70 and the Lexus RC, both of which are pleasant to drive. The Mercedes-Benz CLE is the 4 Series' main rival; it's costlier and has more amenities than the 4 Series.

Our Judgement

The 2025 BMW 430i and M440i, both benefit from mild-hybrid power but provide only moderate thrills. Greater strengths lie in comfort and style.

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