2021 BMW 430i Road Test and Review

For the last 20 years, BMW hasn’t been afraid of controversial styling. Back in 2001, the new look of its flagship 7 Series sedan caused quite a stir with its buck some backside and droopy headlamps. More recently, the radical designs of its i3 and i8 hybrid models, which debuted eight years ago, remain polarizing. And BMW’s stylists are still pushing the envelope.

This is the all-new 2021 BMW 4 Series. Have you seen its grille yet? It’s a fresh take on the brand’s famed twin-kidney design, and it’s not exactly conventional. Some will appreciate BMW’s willingness to push its design language forward and take chances. Others think the sleek new 4 Series has a bad case of buckteeth. Maybe Bugs Bunny is still popular in Germany? But more importantly, the new 4 Series remains a great drive. Basically a two-door version of the perennially popular 3 Series sedan, it continues to define the small luxury coupe class. But the competition is fierce. Rivals include the Lexus RC, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A5, and Infiniti Q60.

Built in Germany, the 2021 BMW 4 Series is, for now, only available as a coupe. A convertible is coming soon, and it will feature a soft top rather than a retractable hardtop for the first time. Buyers choose between the four-cylinder 430i and six-cylinder M440i models. Both are turbocharged and available with either rear-wheel drive or BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. There are no plug-in hybrid or diesel models, but that may change in the future. For this test, we spent a week in an all-wheel-drive 430i coupe. 

Prices are competitive for the class. They start at $46,595, including $995 for destination and handling, for the 430i coupe with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive adds $2,000 to the MSRP. Our test car, with its optional M Sport package and few other extra-cost options, came in at $53,645. The more powerful M440i (which we review separately) comes with standard all-wheel drive, M Sport 18-inch wheels, the M Sport suspension, a performance rear differential, a rear spoiler, a leather-wrapped dashboard, and other upgrades. It starts at $59,495.

BMW’s 4 Series not only shares its solid and responsive chassis with the four-door 3 Series, but also its engines. Under the hood of the 430i is BMW’s revered 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which is silky-smooth and torquey. It makes 255 horsepower, 7 hp more than last year, and is partnered with a well-tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. Surprisingly, and disappointingly, a six-speed manual isn’t available.

The 430i is quick. BMW says the rear-wheel-drive coupe hits 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and the all-wheel-drive model makes the charge in 5.3 seconds. That’s quicker than most of its rivals. The more powerful M440i will really test your neck muscles. It’s powered by an even smoother 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild assist from a 48-volt hybrid system for a total of 382 hp. BMW says that’s enough to rocket the M440i coupe to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Again an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission is standard. Although we appreciate the M440i’s additional thrust, the more affordable 430i is quick enough to thrill and satisfy most buyers.

It’s easy to think the 4 Series is just a 3 Series with two fewer doors, but it’s a little more complicated than that. To increase its performance and sporty character, the 4 Series has a lower center of gravity and slightly wider tracks, which means its suspension has been stretched from side to side for more traction and stability. This year, BMW has further widened its front track another 1.4 inches and its rear track 1.2 inches, and you can feel it in the coupe’s precise and agile handling.

To improve its ride quality, BMW has also stretched its wheelbase 1.6 inches, and our all-wheel drive 430i test vehicle proved to be comfortable, compliant, and quiet, even on its oversized 19-inch wheels and tires. This is a fun-to-drive coupe that can be driven every day without sacrifice. Overall, the 430i is sporty and responsive. Steering feel isn’t as natural as it is in BMWs of the past, but this is a driver’s car that feels better the harder you push it — especially in its many Sport modes, which increase the throttle response and retune the transmission for more aggressive shifting and gear holding.

BMW’s turbocharged four-cylinder doesn’t sound great at idle, but it’s torquey off the line and likes to rev out to its lofty redline. The 430i coupe’s eight-speed automatic transmission is also an impressive piece, always providing firm and well-timed gear changes. Plus, there are paddle shifters on its thick leather-wrapped steering wheel for manual control.

Overall, fuel economy is very good for this class. Not surprisingly the 430i is the fuel sipper of the 4 Series range, rated 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive and 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway with all-wheel drive. I averaged 29 mpg during a week of mixed driving, beating its combined EPA rating of 27. EPA fuel economy estimates for the significantly more powerful M440i are 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

The perversion of its grille aside, this is an undeniably sharp and sexy-looking ride. Compared to the 3 Series sedan, the new 2021 4 series Coupe is 2.2 inches longer, 1 inch wider, and 2.2 inches lower. The two cars do share the same wheelbase.

BMW says the new 4 Series is more aerodynamically efficient than before. Its shape is clean and timeless with a classic long hood, short deck proportions, minimalist lines, muscular fenders, and an aggressively tapered greenhouse ending in BMW’s familiar Hofmeister kink, which shapes its rear side glass. The 430i looks long, low, and wide, especially from the rear, just as it should, but its long doors can be an issue in tight parking spaces. LED headlamps and taillights are standard, and interesting trapezoidal exhaust tips are integrated into its rear bumper. Our test car’s optional M Sport Package included a uniquely styled front bumper with larger air intake openings, a racier rear bumper, and high-gloss black trim. It’s all very tasteful.

Open the door and you’re met with beautiful materials, dynamic design, and precise panel fitment. Everything feels expensive, and there’s a large screen in the center of the dash. Like its exterior, you get the feeling that the interior of the 4 Series won’t feel dated as the years pass. Visibility is good, and the outside mirrors are generously sized. Standard features include power seats with height adjustability, BMW’s excellent iDrive infotainments system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and its Driving Dynamics Control with Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ settings.

Despite its new longer wheelbase, the BMW’s back seat is still pretty tight. And it is a four-seater, with only two rear seatbelts. Up front, though, our 430xi coupe test vehicle was extremely comfortable, and the entire interior has an overall feeling of quality. Some may find its firm front seats to be a bit too hard, though. 

Storage inside the BMW’s interior has also improved. The center console bin still isn’t huge, but it is now big enough to be useful, and there’s another large bin ahead of the shifter. Its door pockets are big and have slots for water bottles. There are two front-seat cupholders and another two in the rear.

Cargo volume is down from 15.7 cubic feet to 12, but the 430i still has one of the largest trunks in the class and offers plenty of luggage space for a multistate road trip. If more is needed, the 4 Series comes standard with a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, which easily drops flat for your larger items.

The list of advanced safety systems that are now standard on the 430i has expanded radically. The car now comes with a lane-departure warning with steering correction, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, a rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision preparation, automatic high beams, and speed limit information. Previously, most of these systems were either not available or cost extra.

Optional systems include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping assist, a front cross-traffic alert with side collision avoidance, and a Level 2 autonomous assist system, which allows for extended hands-free vehicle operation. BMW also offers an emergency stop assistant, which it says can help guide the car to the shoulder and bring it to a stop in a medical emergency situation. The optional Parking Assistance Package includes a 3D surround-view camera and can guide your 4 Series into and out of a parking spot. Has the Ultimate Driving Machine become the Ultimate Parking Machine?

Although the sporty small-luxury coupe class isn’t as hot as it once was due to the ever-growing popularity of SUVs, BMW’s investment in the class is not only welcome, but the all-new 2021 BMW 430xi is an impressive package. It’s safer than before, more comfortable, beautifully appointed, and offers a significant increase in power and handling over last years model. Few cars offer a more compelling mix of luxury and performance for the price.

It may take us a while to warm up to its new grille, but the 2021 BMW 4 Series is a very desirable overall choice.