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2017 BMW 430 Road Test and Review

Scott Oldham
by Scott Oldham
July 7, 2017
5 min. Reading Time
2017 BMW 4 Series Driving Quarter Curvy Road ・  Photo by BMW

2017 BMW 4 Series Driving Quarter Curvy Road ・ Photo by BMW

For decades the BMW 3 Series defined and dominated the small luxury coupe and convertible classes. That changed in 2014 when BMW, to some confusion of the German brand’s faithful as well as the general buying public, rejiggered its naming nomenclature and decided that coupes and convertibles would wear only even numbers.

This created the smaller 2 Series and it slapped the new 4 Series label on the extremely popular 3 Series Coupe and Convertible. The larger and more expensive 6 Series held pat and the 3 Series became a sedan only zone. And then, to further the confusion, BMW created the attractive 4 Series Gran Coupe, which has four-doors and now makes up over 50 percent of 4 Series sales.   

Whatever they want to call it, the 2017 BMW 4 Series is a consistent favorite in the extremely competitive small luxury coupe, convertible and sedan segments, where it successfully competes against the Lexus IS and RC, Mercedes-Benz C Class, Audi A4 and A5, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti Q60, Jaguar XE and the new Alfa Romeo Giulia.

Lets take a closer look at the 2017 BMW 4 Series.

Models and Pricing

Built in Germany, the 2017 BMW 4 Series is available in three bodystyles, Coupe, Convertible and the 4-door Gran Coupe and two trim levels, 430i and 440i. Both are available with rear-wheel drive or BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system.

Prices start at $43,195, including $995 for destination and handling, for the 430i Gran Coupe with four doors. The 430i Coupe costs $200 more, and the 430i Convertible, with its power retractable hardtop, starts at $51,545. Adding xDrive all-wheel drive adds $2,000 to the MSRP of any model.

Under the hood of a 430i is BMW’s revered 248-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine partnered with a 6-speed manual or the more popular 8-speed automatic transmission. A 430i is quick, running from 0-60 mph in about 5.5 seconds.

The 440i is even quicker. It’s powered by a 320-hp 3.0-liter inline 6 cylinder engine that can rocket the 4 Series to 60 mph in about 4.8 seconds. And with the off the line traction of the available all-wheel drive BMW says that number drops to 4.6 seconds. That’ll test your neck muscles. Again an 8-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual is available. There are no hybrid or diesel models.

 Photo by BMW

Photo by BMW

Don't Forget the M4

There’s another member of the BMW 4 Series, and it’s by far the most powerful, most expensive and undoubtedly the most desirable. It’s the 2017 BMW M4.

BMW’s M division is the brand’s in-house tuner or hot-rod shop, known for cars like the M3 and M5. It competes head to head with AMG at Mercedes-Benz and less known programs like F at Lexus and the high-performance V cars from Cadillac.

High-performance M models, like the 2017 M4, are standalone high-performance models tuned on racetracks. The M4 Coupe and Convertible are mechanical twins to the M3 Sedan. These vehicles are powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine making 425 hp (444 hp with an optional Competition Package), enough to get the lighter coupe to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. M4s are available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual clutch automatic that BMW only uses in its M cars. More aggressive suspension tuning, larger wheels and tires and flared and scooped bodywork to express its racetrack intentions are also part of the M4 package.

Prices start at $67,395 for the Coupe and $75,895 for the Convertible.

 Photo by BMW

Photo by BMW

How It Drives

Our rear-wheel drive 430i Coupe test vehicle proved to be comfortable, compliant and quiet. It feels quick, sporty and responsive, but its ride manages to be plush. This is a fun-to-drive coupe that can be driven every day without sacrifice.

It’s a quick car and it feels better the harder you push it, especially in Sport and Sport+ modes, which increase the throttle response and retunes the transmission for more aggressive shifting and gear holding. Sport+ also stiffens the suspension for increased handling, but compromises ride quality. Steering feel is good.

The 4 Series has a lower center of gravity and slightly wider tracks than a 3 Series, and you can feel it in the Coupe’s precise and agile handling. The turbocharged 4-cylinder doesn’t sound great at idle but it likes to rev out to its lofty 7,200 rpm redline and it makes enough power to thrill. The 8-speed automatic transmission provides firm and well-timed gear changes.

 Photo by BMW

Photo by BMW

Sexy Lines

A few years ago BMW’s design team was on the ropes. Audi’s designers were kicking their butts and the gang from Mercedes was coming on strong. One look at the clean and timeless lines of the BMW 4 Series is all it takes to know this is no longer the case.

Although its shape debuted back in 2014, it still looks fresh. Its classic long hood, short deck proportions, even on the four-door Gran Coupe, always will. These cars look long, low and wide, especially from the rear, just as cars should.  

The Gran Coupe is particularly striking. It looks wider and lower than a 3 Series sedan, because it is, and its success is a testament to its beauty.

 Photo by BMW

Photo by BMW

Comfortable Dynamic Interior

Inside our 430i Coupe test vehicle was extremely comfortable and the entire interior has an overall feeling of quality. 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 in years past.

Visibility is good, and the outside mirrors are nicely oversized. The heated front seats in our test vehicle were extremely comfortable. The driver’s seat is also height adjustable for shorter drivers. In combination with the tilt and telescopic steering wheel, it’s easy to find the perfect driving position.  

Standard features include Bluetooth, a large 6.5-inch screen, power front seats, a 9-speaker audio system and BMW Driving Dynamics control with Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ settings. Onboard WiFi (standard on the Audi A4 and A5) is available.

 Photo by BMW

Photo by BMW

Cargo and Cupholders

Trunk space is large for the class. The 2017 BMW 4 Series Coupe offers just 15.7 cubic feet of trunk space. If more is needed, it comes standard with a split fold down rear seat, which is easily folded flat for your larger items. The Convertible’s trunk is also large at 13.1 cubic feet. And the Gran Coupe’s 17 cubic feet of cargo space can also be expanded by folding its rear seat -- plus it’s a hatchback, which makes it easy to load large items like a bike.

Storage inside the BMW’s interior is not as generous. The center console bin is shallow although the door pockets are large and have slots for water bottles.

The two front seat cupholders are not huge, but they are well placed so tall drinks don’t interfere with any of the switchgear. There are also two rear seat cupholders.

 Photo by BMW

Photo by BMW

Passenger Space and Fuel Economy

Coupes and convertibles don’t usually make great family cars and the 4 Series is no exception. The back seats are tight and only seat two. These are four seaters and their long door can be an issue in tight parking spaces.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe, however, has four doors and seats five comfortably. Although some of its competitors, including the BMW 3 Series, offer more rear seat room, the Gran Coupe has plenty. Rear passengers can spread out and enjoy the rear air conditioning vents and adjustable headrests. Younger families will appreciate the BMW’s easy to reach LATCH connectors in the outboard seats.

Overall, fuel economy is good for this class. The 430i is the fuel sipper of the range, rated 23 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. I averaged 26 mpg during a week of mixed driving. The significantly more powerful 440i is rated 21 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. The muscular M4 is rated 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

 Photo by BMW

Photo by BMW

Advanced Safety Systems

Tech-based safety systems are extra cost options on the 4 Series. BMW offers Active Cruise Control (which will keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and can be used in stop and go traffic), lane departure warning, Blind Spot Monitor and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection that warns if vehicles and pedestrians are in your path. It will also automatically begin braking if it’s a low-speed situation and the system believes an accident is imminent. Similar systems are standard on some of the 4 Series competitors.

Other safety-related technologies include standard LED headlights, optional side- and top-view cameras that provide a detailed overhead view of the vehicle and its surroundings, a head-up display that projects the speedometer and other information on the windshield ahead of the driver, and Parking Assist sensors in the front and rear bumpers.

 Photo by BMW

Photo by BMW

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a sporty, small, luxury coupe, convertible or sedan, the BMW 4 Series is a very desirable overall choice.

Despite growing competition, the 2017 BMW 4 Series continues to be a favorite because it’s comfortable, it performs well, and few cars are this fun to drive. It’s also beautifully appointed and extremely attractive. Although some features and safety technology that are standard on other cars in the segment are extra cost options on the BMW, the 4 Series makes up for that with a unique combination of luxury, performance, and style that has often been imitated but never quite duplicated.

If you can, step up to the 440i. Over time you’ll appreciate the increase in horsepower and additional features. The small penalty in fuel economy will be worth it.

 Photo by BMW

Photo by BMW


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