If you want a bit more swoop in your BMW 3 Series, we point you to the BMW 4 Series. Although the 4 Series is a tad bigger, both are considered entry-level in the BMW lineup. Moreover, where the 3 Series is exclusively a 4-door sedan, the BMW offers the 4 Series as a 2-door coupe, convertible, and a 4-door “Gran Coupe.” Losing a bit of passenger and cargo space to create its sporty, coupe-like profile, the 2-door versions of the 4 Series are generally less practical than the 3 Series, although the hatchback design of the 4-door Gran Coupe provides surprising cargo flexibility to accommodate larger items.
A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine or three variations of a turbocharged 6-cylinder unit power the rear wheels. All-wheel drive (xDrive in BMW speak) is available on most 4 Series models.
What’s New for 2024
Configured as one continuous curved display are a new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a new 14.9-inch infotainment display. Feeding the displays is the most recent iDrive 8 software, featuring sharper graphics and voice command. Opening up a bit of space between the front seats is a new, smaller, lower-profile toggle shifter.
Passenger Room and Comfort
There is a sporty elegance projected across the interiors of the BMW model lineup. We consider it more sport-focused than traditionally luxurious. However, you can always count on a high degree of craftsmanship and a logical layout of the gauges and controls. This is despite systems that aren’t always as intuitive as they might be. BMW thrives on the reputation of building driver’s cars and this mission translates into the cabin. The controls, gauges, and displays are orchestrated to put the driver in command.
Furnished for four, rear-seat legroom is about mid-pack among entry-level luxury cars; however, thanks to the coupe-like shape, rear-seat headroom is on the low end of the entry-level spectrum. For example, the 3 Series has an inch more rear headroom than the 4-door 4 Series. Again, though, the 4 Series Gran Coupe differs from the 2-door variants with total seating for five.
Features and Technology
The power-adjustable front seats include 2-way power bolsters to help hold occupants in place. Other standard features include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, as well as the curved 12.3-inch digital cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen displays. Push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are also included. Keeping everyone entertained falls to a 10-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite-radio capability, and a voice-activated personal assistant.
Moving up through the hierarchy of grades gains you a power trunk lid and proximity keyless entry. Through the options list, you can add leather seating, an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system, heated seats, and more.
Materials and Design
To attain leather seating requires checking a box on the options list. Otherwise, seats and other surfaces get a perforated faux leather that BMW calls SensaTec. This is true throughout the 4 Series trim lineup. Interior accents are open-pore Fine Wood Oak Grain in the entry-level Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe, and aluminum in the upper trims. Overall, the cabin delivers a high-end, sporty ambiance.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
Trunk space is about average for this luxury car class. For the Coupe, it’s 15.5 cubic feet, and 16.6 cubic feet for the Gran Coupe. That compares to 17 cubic feet of cargo room in the 3 Series. Opting for the 4-door Gran Coupe, though, promises more cargo-carrying space by way of a 40/20/40 split folding rear seat. With that seat folded, cargo capacity expands to 45.6 cubic feet. The Convertible provides up to 13.6 cubic feet of freight room (much less when the top is stowed).
Build and price your own version of the 2024 BMW 4 Series to see this week’s KBB Fair Purchase Price and more, or check out 4 Series models for sale near you.
