BMW is strongly associated with luxury sport coupes and convertibles. The company practically invented the modern interpretation of this class with its 3 Series. Four years ago, the 4 Series replaced the 3 Series coupe and convertible in name, but not in spirit. The 4 Series has been delivering all the performance, refinement and strength of its predecessor.

Recently, however, the competition has stepped up its game. You've also got redesigned versions of the Audi A5 and S5 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe to consider. In our opinion, these rivals have unseated the 4 Series from the top spot in the class, but not by a significant margin. This could be partially attributed to the 2018 BMW 4 Series' age, even though it's updated this year. The changes just aren't significant enough to push it to the top. Overall, though, the 4 Series remains a solid choice for a luxury sport coupe or convertible.

trim levels & features

The 2018 BMW 4 Series is available in three body styles: a coupe, convertible and four-door Gran Coupe. Within these models, you can choose between the 430i or 440i trims that differ mostly by engine type. The 430i is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque), and the 440i receives a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (322 hp and 332 lb-ft). All of these 4 Series models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels, though you can get a six-speed manual on the coupe as an option. BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is also offered as an option.

Standard features for the 430i include 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights and foglights, a sunroof (coupe), power-folding and heated mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors, automatic wipers, selectable drive modes, cruise control, a rearview camera, BMW's Assist eCall emergency telematics and smartphone app control over some car functions.

On the inside, you get dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front sport seats, 40/20/40-split folding rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a universal garage door opener, BMW's iDrive infotainment system, a 6.5-inch display, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, and a nine-speaker audio system with a CD player, HD radio and a USB input.

The 440i adds keyless entry and ignition and a premium 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with satellite radio. These features are options on the 430i. Convertible models have a power-operated retractable hardtop with a removable wind deflector.

Notable options include various sporty exterior touches, adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, an M Sport or adaptive suspension, an automated parking system, a head-up display, a navigation system, premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power rear sunshade, a surround-view camera system, Apple CarPlay and a wireless charging pad. On the safety front, you can also add front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning and mitigation, a lane departure warning system and adaptive cruise control.

trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our First Drive of the 2018 BMW 440i Coupe (turbo 3.0L inline-6 | 8-speed automatic | RWD).

driving

The BMW 440i used to be the top dog in the luxury sport coupe class, but recent redesigns from Mercedes and Audi have it playing second fiddle. That said, the 4 Series remains an excellent sport touring car that will exceed most drivers' expectations.

acceleration

The 440i produces an overabundance of power. Acceleration is effortless, with smooth and quick gear changes. To a slightly lesser degree, the 430i also confidently gathers speed and will certainly satisfy most drivers.

braking

The brake pedal has a reassuring weight and is very intuitive, whether you're driving hard on a twisty road or just cruising to a smooth stop on the boulevard.

steering

3.5

Steering effort is light in parking lots and gets appropriately weightier as your speed builds. There's not much feedback to the driver, though it is hard to come by in any car nowadays. On the highway, the 4 Series tracks true and needs very little driver input to stay in the lane.

handling

3.5

On a curvy mountain road, the 4 Series instills a lot of confidence and should satisfy more enthusiastic drivers. Adding the sport and adaptive suspension options further enhance this feeling. Non-sporty drivers will find this reassuring in evasive maneuvers.

drivability

The 4 Series is easy to drive in any condition or situation. The selectable drive modes aren't as drastically different as rivals, but drivers of any persuasion will easily find their preferred setting. It's a highly capable and accessible vehicle.

comfort

The 4 Series does an admirable job of providing driving engagement without sacrificing comfort. You'll always feel like you're in a sporty car but won't be reminded of it every time you hit a bump in the road.

seat comfort

The standard sport seats provide ample lateral support to keep you firmly planted when cornering. At the same time, there's adequate padding, and the well-shaped surfaces will keep you comfortable for hours on end.

ride comfort

Most moderate road imperfections are smoothed as well as the competition. Even in the Sport modes, the ride never gets choppy or rough. It's a good blend of feeling connected to the road and not feeling every little rut.

noise & vibration

4.5

Wind and road noise is reduced to near silence, even with the convertible, on rougher pavement and at highway speeds. It's so quiet that BMW thought it necessary to add engine noises through the interior speakers.

climate control

The automatic climate control does an excellent job of either heating or cooling the cabin quickly. In typical BMW fashion, there's a separate temperature selector for the top vents as well.

interior

The BMW 4 Series remains a pleasant middle ground to the more traditional Mercedes and starkly modern Audi interiors. The quality of materials and construction meet expectations for luxury coupes, even in the face of newer rivals.

ease of use

3.5

There are a lot of buttons and knobs in the 4 Series, but they're grouped together and placed logically. If you've been in any BMW vehicle in the last decade, it should operate much the same.

getting in/getting out

3.5

The long doors limit access in tight parking spots, as we expect from any coupe. The seat-belt presenters eliminate the awkward reach back once you're seated, though. Rear passengers will need to squeeze past a narrow opening, which is also typical for the class.

driving position

The range of movement and numerous adjustments ensure that drivers of any size will be able to find their optimal position. Extendable thigh cushions are particularly nice for taller passengers.

roominess

3.5

The 4 Series coupe is best described as snug but not confining. There's just enough room to be comfortable while still having a sporty wraparound feel. Average-size adults will barely fit in the backseats.

visibility

3.5

Overall outward visibility is decent for the class. Narrow roof pillars make it easy to see through sharp turns, and the standard rearview camera takes any guesswork out of backing into a tight spot.

quality

The quality materials used throughout the interior justify the 4 Series' price. The simulated leather in the standard 430i is very convincing and breathes just as well as the genuine article. The cabin feels durable and well assembled for a luxury coupe.

utility

There's enough space for luggage and personal items to rate the 4 Series as average for the class.

small-item storage

There aren't a lot of bins or pockets for your personal effects, and they aren't particularly big. But the typical items like smartphones, water bottles and coffee cups all have appropriate holders.

cargo space

Trunk space in the coupe isn't as generous as in some competitors, but it will likely fit everything you need. The convertible's trunk is even smaller, but we were surprised that two carry-on bags will still fit (with the top up).

technology

3.5

This 2018 refresh updates the already strong iDrive infotainment system, but it's far from being a major step forward. The available virtual instruments have a certain wow factor, but Audi's is more functionally useful.

audio & navigation

3.5

BMW's iDrive system has a wealth of features, which means it can take some time to get familiar with all the controls and menus. After that it is intuitive, though some rivals are easier to acclimate to.

smartphone integration

3.5

With Apple CarPlay available as an option, smartphone control is as good as any other system (as long as you have an iPhone). Otherwise, you will have quite a bit more scrolling and commands to operate many functions.

driver aids

The advanced safety features are well tuned to catch your attention when needed without being so sensitive that it sends out false or premature alarms. You get the impression that they're there when you need them, and only then.

Features & Specs

	430i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)	430i xDrive 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)	440i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)	440i xDrive 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Starting MSRP	$51,650	$53,650	$58,700	$60,700
MPG	27	26	24	23
Seating	4	4	4	4
Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Fuel	gas	gas	gas	gas
Horsepower	248 hp @ 5200 rpm	248 hp @ 5200 rpm	320 hp @ 5500 rpm	320 hp @ 5500 rpm

See all 2018 BMW 4 Series Convertible features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite 4 Series safety features:

BMW Assist eCall: Automatically calls for help in the event of a collision and also allows passengers to call for roadside assistance with a single button.
Active Blind Spot Detection: Warns if there is a vehicle in or approaching your blind spot with visual alerts or vibration through the steering wheel.
Forward Collision Warning: Alerts you if the system detects a possible front collision and automatically applies the brakes if you don't react in time.

Top Consumer Reviews

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Lisa, 5/25/2018

my new car

previously had a mercedes convertible year 1998 . this is an upgrade. first experience with BMW. Love it.

Morgan P, 4/10/2018

Die ultimative Fahrmaschine

This is a great car. It looks, smells, and performs very well. Getting behind the wheel, lowering the convertible top, and turning up some music, a smile cannot help but form on your face while you drive. When you need outstanding acceleration, it is there. The hard top makes for a very quiet ride when up. My wife and I love our 2018 BMW 440i convertible!

M Zimmer, 2/14/2018

2018 BMW i430 convertible

expensive but reliable

See all 3 reviews Write a review

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2018 BMW 4 Series video

MARK TAKAHASHI: It's not very often that my colleagues and I disagree on a car. And when it happens, it's a little difficult, because it's never easy telling a friend they're wrong. [MUSIC PLAYING] This is the BMW 4 Series refreshed for 2018 with a new front, new back, and a few updates on the inside. This is the 430I. It's the base model with a 2 liter turbocharged four cylinder, puts out 248 horsepower. My colleagues, however, think that this car shouldn't even exist with this engine. That it should have more power and more performance. I think they're wrong and here's why. [MUSIC PLAYING] According to the track numbers we got, acceleration-wise, why is this 430I isn't really all that fast. When I heard that a V6 Camry would outdrag it, I was a little surprised. SPEAKER 2: It is a nice feeling drive train, a nice feeling engine. Even if it might get outrun by a V6 Camry these days maybe. MARK TAKAHASHI: That's primarily because this feels a lot more sporty than those numbers suggest. A lot of them might have to do with this manual transmission. I mean, there's a directness about it. There you go. I'm sorry, but that's plenty fast. The 430I, this car, has the base engine for the 4 Series. So you can't expect truly impressive acceleration and power and performance overall. But that's not to say it's a slug either. I mean, she gets up speed just fine. In everyday driving, this 430I, it drives great. It fulfills everything that you want out of a luxury sport coupe. Right now, I'm in sport plus mode, which is the stiffer suspension setting and livens up the response. And I'm not on the smoothest road in LA right here, and I'm not being jolted and tossed around. It's still very comfortable. Move to comfort mode, smooths out even more. One feature that I absolutely like in most of the new modern manual transmissions is road matching. I'm in third gear now. I don't have to blip the throttle in-between for a nice smooth downshift. I like it. But part of me, the purist in me that part of my brain that still loves manual transmissions, I still want to do that myself. I want to blip the throttle myself. And the only way to do that with this car is to disable traction and stability control completely, which for most people, maybe not such a great idea. For the vast majority of BMW4 Series shoppers, this base engine is going to be more than enough. And if they want more power and performance, step up to the 440I. Has 326 horsepower and also sets you back another $6,000. The key thing here though is, and this is important to me, is handling. Both cars are going to handle exceptionally well. They're really entertaining to drive on a winding mountain road. Or if you're lucky enough, on a closed race track. [MUSIC PLAYING] This is a rare treat for me on a number of levels. I don't get to spend quite as much time as I'd like on our wonderful handling course here. And ever rarer when it's a manual transmission. That said though, I've never really been that big a fan of the manual transmissions in BMWs. The clutch, well, the take-up can be a little bit far off the floor for me. The shifter itself is a little rubbery. I like it a little more positive, a little more mechanical. But it's something you can get over very quickly. One thing I'm noticing right off the bat though is, this brake pedal is really kind of mushy. Mushier than you'd expect for a car that purports to be the ultimate driving machine. And because it's mushy, it's a little hard to modulate and trail in accurately as you head into a turn. Now even though this brake pedal is really soft, the brakes are certainly up to the task. And it's getting it slowed down just fine. Here we go, come on. Oh, OK, so I'm in regular [? key up ?] mode, comfort mode. Now this is the 248 horsepower 2 liter turbo. And I'm having a pretty good time with it. Obviously, if you're going to be doing some track stuff like this, the 440I is your choice, because it's got 326 horsepower. Ah, here's something I just realized. Actually it's something Carlos told me just before I got in the car too is, if you're going from fourth to second in a downshift, it will not rev match for you. You have to go sequentially four, three, two, which is usually what I do. I just, whoo. Oh, I just got a little bit in the moment there. It is taking a lot for me to actually not try and rev match it myself. To rev match yourself, you have to take traction control completely off. And I don't see the point with this car right now. Whoa. There we go. Yeah, and there's no limited slip in here either. But as I just demonstrated in that last turn, she'll hang the tail out if you give it a little goose. I do like the rev matching in this. It's quick enough, but you can't just kind of aggressively just slam it and then dump the clutch. Yeah, and even right there when I really just floored it coming out of that turn, it did back the throttle back. And that's good. I mean, if you wanted to turn stability control all way off, drift to your heart's content if you can. Ooh, you can definitely have fun with what we would consider the entry level BMW 4 series. Once you've been in one BMW, it's sort of like you've been in all BMWs. There's a familiarity throughout their entire lineup that's not just refreshing and comforting, but it's just play nice and luxurious. Everything falls to hand just as it should. New for this year is an updated infotainment system, the new iDrive. It has Apple CarPlay as an option, but it's a $300 option, which sort of bothers me, because a lot of other car companies are putting in there for free and standard throughout their entire lineup. BMW, come on, let's get with it. Under this arm rest here is a new wireless charging pad for $500. That's a bit excessive. Especially when you consider you can buy one for your home for $30 on Amazon. Once you close the door of the 430I, you're presented with the seat belt right over your shoulder. And that's really nice, because otherwise, it's an awkward crane backwards to grab it. As it is, with this $53,000-ish price, it does actually feel like a $53,000 car. [MUSIC PLAYING] In this class, this BMW 4 Series represents more of a driver's car versus the Mercedes Benz C Class that is more classical luxury, while the Audi A5 sort of splits the difference and adds a whole lot of technology. The differences between all three of these are so slight, it's going to come down to personal preference. I get the performance argument, but for my money, and there there's a lot of money on the line here, I'd go with the BMW M2, because that thing is an absolute riot to drive. And if you think I'm wrong, let me know. For more information on the BMW 4 Series, as well as its competition, head over to edmunds.com. If you want to see more videos like this, hit subscribe. [MUSIC PLAYING]

2018 BMW 430i Review

Edmunds Senior Writer Mark Takahashi finds himself at odds with his fellow editors when it comes to the entry-level 2018 BMW 430i. They contend that the four-cylinder engine shouldn't be offered in the 4 Series because its performance won't live up to its appearance or heritage. Mark disagrees and sets out to prove why the 430i is a car worth considering.

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Which 4 Series does Edmunds recommend

Edmunds' Expert Review

Overall rating

trim levels & features

trim tested

driving

acceleration

braking

steering

handling

drivability

comfort

seat comfort

ride comfort

noise & vibration

climate control

interior

ease of use

getting in/getting out

driving position

roominess

visibility

quality

utility

small-item storage

cargo space

technology

audio & navigation

smartphone integration

driver aids

Features & Specs

Safety

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2018 BMW 430i Review

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2018 BMW 4 Series Convertible 440i xDrive 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

2018 BMW 4 Series Convertible 430i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

2018 BMW 4 Series Convertible 430i xDrive 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

2018 BMW 4 Series Convertible 430i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

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