BMW introduced the 4 Series Coupe back in January of 2013 at the Detroit Auto Show. At the time, this compact executive two-door was slated as a replacement for the outgoing 3 Series Coupe, given the brand’s decision to split the model line into two separate iterations, with the 3 taking up four-door duty, and the 4 going two-door. While the 4 Series comes with an interior and exterior that’s similar to the current sixth-gen F30 3 Series, the 4 Series is also outfitted with a longer, wider body, and marketed as a sportier alternative. Initially offered exclusively as the F32 coupe, the 4 Series gained the F33 two-door convertible and F36 Gran Coupe five-door liftback body styles a year later. So far, the model has sold well, moving roughly 400,000 units worldwide since its launch. Most of those sales have been in the U.S., with the U.K. and Germany also scooping up their respective fair shares. Now, the Bavarians have decided to give the 4 Series an update, and the Coupe variant gains new styling and tweaked suspension.

The rest of the package is more or less unchanged from the 2017 model year, with a ton of opportunities on the table for customization of the interior and exterior, as well as a variety of drivetrain and powertrain options (especially for those customers located across the pond).

“The maxim guiding the BMW 4 Series model update was ‘stick to the proven formula but add extra richness to the cars’ character’,” says Domagoj Dukec, Head of Exterior Design at BMW Automobiles.

And why not? With sales up, it makes sense to stay hands off with the thing, especially when you consider a complete overhaul is imminent with the arrival of the next-gen 4 Series in a just a few years’ time

But what about the 2018 model year? Is it worth a look, or should you wait for the second generation? Read on to find out all the specifics.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 BMW 4 Series Coupe.

2018 BMW 4 Series Coupe

Specifications

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• Model: 2018 BMW 4 Series Coupe
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Pros

Cons

Exterior

Note: New 2018 BMW 4 Series Coupe pictured on the left, outgoing BMW 4 Series Coupe pictured on the right.

At its core, the new 2018 BMW 4 Series Coupe is more or less the same as the outgoing model. You still get two doors, short overhangs, an extended hood line, and a cab-back profile. In fact, it’s roughly the same look that was revealed with the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupe back in 2012.

But, as with any refresh, you gotta change some things to help the new model standout. As such, there are a few styling differences to find when looking at the two models side by side.

For starters, the front end gains a few noticeable tweaks, starting with the restyled headlights. These units appear “meaner,” with a prominent upper “eyebrow” design element that lends them an extra air of aggression (“who you callin’ ‘angel eyes?!”). The main projectors get hexagonal graphics, with flat-bottom tubes and circular daytime running lights. New for 2018 are Bi-LED lighting elements as standard, which replace the old xenon lighting elements. Adaptive LEDs are an available extra. Meanwhile, LED fog lights in the corners of the bumper are equipped as standard across the range.

The bumper was restyled as well, most noticeably in the lower air dam. The look is reminiscent of something you might get from the M Division, with larger intakes and sharper, straighter lines. To help differentiate between the various trim levels, BMW added a glossy black bar surround to the front of the Sport Line, plus a chrome bar surround for the Luxury Line.

Around the back, the changes are much less noticeable, with BMW adding a new connector strip between the rear reflectors, as well as a reshaped lower bumper apron, both of which were added to the Sport and Luxury Lines. The updated model also gets LED taillights, a first for the 4 Series. These units have an all-red look to them, with the upper portions turning orange when indicating.

The rest of it is as it was before, with lots of horizontal lines used at both ends to enhance the visual width, plus mildly flared wheel arches (the car’s widest point is around the rear wheels), and a shapely silhouette. Just behind the front wheels is a checkmark vent, while a prominent shoulder line adds visual rake.

Overall, it’s a handsome-looking piece of design, and I’m not surprised BMW didn’t change too much in this update. The small tweaks BMW did make add to the car’s sportiness, in particular the M-inspired front end, and to me, that’s a good thing.

Final touches include four new wheel designs, each of which is specific to one of the four different trim levels. Most of the new rollers use a five-spoke configuration, while the Luxury trim uses a multi-spoke design. Sizing ranges from 17 to 19 inches in diameter. There are also two new exterior paint options – Sunset Orange, and Snapper Rocks Blue.

Exterior Dimensions:

The Competition

Note: Audi A5 Coupe pictured on the left, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe pictured on the right.

Just as the 4 Series is the sportier two-door iteration of the 3 Series, the Audi A5 is the sportier two-door iteration of the A4. And, just as the 4 Series looks strikingly similar to the 3 Series, the same can be said for the styling between the A5 and A4. Up front, you’ll find a nose that’s dominated by the Four Rings’ Singleframe grille, which is essentially a central hexagonal intake divided by large horizontal slats and finished in polished metal. The headlights are all angles and cuts, with a similar shape found in the lower side intakes. The lines are simple, with a drawn-back sweep that lends the whole thing a sleek appearance, while also giving the car an air of beefiness and poise, especially in the rear. The tail is rounded, with an upturned flick complemented by a gently sloping roofline.

Exterior features of the A5 include LED daytime running lights, standard xenon headlights (adaptive units available), LED taillights, a panoramic roof, dual exhaust tips, and a rear lip spoiler.

Rounding out this three-way German contest is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. Taking cues from the bigger, badder S-Class, the C-Class is packed with all the usual Mercedes styling treatments. In front is a glitzy grille, which is bisected by a single horizontal bar and adorned with a flashy insert. Below the three-pointed star are shapely intakes that help move the eye rearward along the car’s bold profile character lines. The long hood gives way to a sultry roofline, while the rear end terminates in an oval shape that adds even more curvaceous appeal.

Standout features for the C-Class Coupe include a panorama roof, an optional AMG body kit, available 19-inch wheels, standard LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights, and an integrated spoiler.

While all three models are certainly attractive in their own right, the peacock Mercedes has to be my go-to pick when it comes to choosing a winner in the styling department. I like the aggression and muscle of the BMW, and I like the elegance of the Audi, but if I’m buying a two-door European luxury mobile, I wanna get noticed. And that’s exactly what’ll happen behind the wheel of the chromed-out, voluptuous C-Class.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

Step inside the new BMW 4 Series Coupe, and a cabin that’s very close in look and layout to the outgoing model will greet you. There are two well-supported sport seats in front, as well as two extra seats in the rear, completing the 2+2 seating arrangement. The dash uses an asymmetric, driver-oriented design, while high-end materials and premium touches are everywhere.

Speaking of which, the new 4 Series Coupe utilizes double-stitching for the upholstery covering the instrument panel, while the updated “sport” multifunction steering wheel is wrapped in leather and gets prominent hand bolsters at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions.

The center stack controls get an attractive high-gloss black finish for the surround, while electroplated trim was added to the air vents, armrest controls, and center tunnel. Additional chrome trim made its way onto the center stack.

New for 2018 are three fresh upholstery colors, including Midnight Blue Dakota leather, Cognac Dakota leather, and Ivory White Dakota leather. That new interior trim includes Carbon Aluminum, Light Fineline, and High-gloss Black with Pearl Chrome.

As you might expect, the infotainment system was also revamped, with new navigation and instrumentation displays added to the list of upgrades. There’s an optional Multifunctional Instrument Display that can change up the graphics based on the drive mode selected. For example, “Comfort” mode offers the usual analogue instrument cluster, with road speed, engine rpm, fuel level, oil temp, fuel consumption rate, and the current transmission gear all displayed. Swap it into Eco Pro mode, and you get the available “bonus range” and brake energy regeneration rate readouts. Predictably, Sport mode is focused on road speed, engine rpm, and horsepower output level.

To make it easier to operate, the infotainment uses a tile-based interface and offers customizable “live content” for the various features. This means six tiles distributed over two screen pages. Just like on your smartphone, you can arrange the tiles as you see fit.

BMW’s Navigation system Professional is an available option, and also gets the tile-style interface.

Further features include an inductive charging tray for properly equipped smartphones, located in the central armrest. The 4 Series will also boost your phone’s cell signal, adding more bars courtesy of the car’s onboard antenna. Speaking of signal, passengers will enjoy the equipped Wi-Fi hot spot, which offers a connection for up to 10 separate devices. USB ports are outfitted to the central console, and offer enough juice to charge both phones and tablets. Apple CarPlay is an available option, while BMW’s Connected services (essentially a digital assistant app) is equipped as standard.

On the practicality front, the 4 Series Coupe can swallow up to 445 liters (15.7 cubic feet) of cargo.

The Competition

Note: Audi A5 Coupe pictured on the left, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe pictured on the right.

Like its exterior, the A5’s interior is an image of elegance and streamlined simplicity. While it appears as though there’s still a good number of hard buttons and knobs, the shapes used in the layout are a little subtler than the Bimmer. It’s still interesting to look at though, especially the new curves Audi added to the lower dash section, which span the length of the car to connect similar swoops in the door panels. Standout features include a flat-bottom multifunction three-spoke steering wheel (wrapped in leather), aluminum inlays, triple-zone climate control (front and rear passenger split), and 12.2 cubic feet of cargo space.

Then we have the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, which once again stands out thanks to its striking design qualities. The look and layout pulls no punches, leaving subtlety in the dust with lots of polished trim, multi-hue color combinations for the upholstery, and opulent materials everywhere. A lot of the curves found on the exterior panels are repeated inside the cabin, and it all molds together into one cohesive package that never leaves you questioning the car’s luxurious intentions. Standout features include an optional flat-bottom steering wheel, optional wood trim, optional brushed aluminum pedals, optional dual-zone climate control, optional multicolor LED ambient lighting, an optional Wi-Fi hotspot, and optional leather upholstery. 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space can be had in back.

If you have the means, I feel like the Mercedes is once again the winner in this category. Of the three, the Merc Note: Audi A5 Coupe pictured on the left, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe pictured on the right. the most luxurious, and I can appreciate the extravagant layout as a good match for the exterior styling. Only problem is you’re gonna need an extra chunk of change to get all those optional goodies. But hey – this isn’t exactly the right segment if you’re looking to save money.

Drivetrain

This is where things start to get a little complicated. In true BMW form, the new 4 Series boasts no less than 31 different model and powertrain variations, including four-cylinders and six-cylinders, gas burners and diesel burners. To make sense of it all, BMW branded each model with a number and a letter – the bigger the number, the more power you get, while the letter “i” denotes gasoline variants, and the letter “d” designates diesel variants.

Each powerplant hails from the BMW Efficiency Dynamics engine line. Each gets a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection, Valvetronic variable valve control, and Double-Vanos variable camshaft timing. Gasoline models include the 420i, 430i, and 440i, while the oil burners include the 420d, 430d, and 435d. The engine configuration for the 420i, 420d, and 430i is a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder, while the 440i, 430d, and 435d use a 3.0-liter six-cylinder.

Putting the power to the pavement is a RWD set-up as standard, while BMW’s AWD system (a.k.a. xDrive) is an available option. The xDrive system comes as standard on the top-trim 435d diesel.

While overseas customers will enjoy the full breadth of the 4 Series Coupe lineup, U.S. customers will be a bit more limited in their choice, with just the 430i and 440i offered for the Coupe. Thankfully, both RWD and AWD are available.

On the gas front, peak output ranges between 184 horsepower for the 420i, and up to 326 horsepower for the 440i. Combined fuel economy is between 51.4 mpg and 35.8 mpg, while emissions are between 127 g/km and 185 g/km. Opt for the oil burners, and you’ll be looking at peak output between 190 horsepower for the 420d, and 313 horsepower for the 435d xDrive. Meanwhile, fuel economy ranges between 70.6 mpg and 47.9 mpg, while emissions are between 106 g/km and 155 g/km.

As far as performance is concerned, the quickest of the bunch is the 435d xDrive, which posts a 0-to-62 mph time of 4.7 seconds. And that’s a shame, because it’s highly unlikely we’ll be getting it around these parts. Nevertheless, the 430i and 440i still manage respectable acceleration figures, putting up times of 5.8 seconds and 5.0 seconds, respectively.

Transmission options include either a six-speed manual, or an eight-speed Steptronic. The eight-speed comes as standard on the 430i xDrive, 430d, 430d xDrive, and 435d xDrive. All U.S. models come equipped with the eight-speed, without the option for three pedals offered. Boo.

Engine Specs

Performance

The Competition

Under the hood of the A5 you’ll find a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which is turbocharged to produce 220 horsepower at 4,450 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque between 1,500 and 4,300 rpm. Routed through a six-speed manual transmission and standard quattro AWD system, it’s enough to bless the A5 with a sprint to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Top speed clocks in at 130 mph. Alternatively, you could go for the optional eight-speed Tiptronic automatic (quattro AWD is still standard). Elsewhere in the world, you can get the A5 with a 2.0-liter diesel burner and a 3.0-liter diesel, not to mention a high-spec 250-horsepower 2.0-liter gasoline lump.

The Mercedes alternative is limited to a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder, which produces 241 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 273 pound-feet of torque between 1,300 and 4,000 rpm. Both RWD and AWD are offered, but either drivetrain configuration yields the same 5.9-second 0-to-60 mph time. Top speed checks out at 155 mph. Cog swaps come by way of a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Meanwhile, international markets get options like a 184-horsepower four-cylinder, a 200-horsepower diesel four-cylinder, a six-speed manual transmission, and a nine-speed automatic gearbox.

Looking at the specs, the BMW is clearly the one to get if straight-line speed is a major concern. Rocking a 3.0-liter turbo six sounds like a lot of fun, and unless you’re head-to-head with something with an AMG badge or RS badge, you should have no problem when stamping the loud skinny pedal.

Chassis And Handling

One of the biggest upgrades the 4 Series Coupe is bringing for the new model year is a revamped suspension system. BMW says it “greatly enhanced the cars’ dynamic handling capabilities without compromising on their impressive ride comfort.”

Well, BMW, that really is the trick, isn’t it?

To accomplish this wonderful (yet elusive) combination of characteristics, the 4 Series Coupe gets enhancements similar to its new Gran Coupe sibling. While BMW doesn’t go into detail on what it did exactly, it does mention stiffer settings (good!), better straight-line stability, and improved steering feel, all with improved agility in the corners, minus the compromise in ride quality. Further improvements include better damping technology, reduced body roll, and a more neutral response. All suspension options were improved, including the standard set-up, the M Sport option, and the Adaptive option.

“Both the lateral and longitudinal dynamics have been improved,” says BMW, “regardless of the load on board.”

As a reminder, the 4 Series uses aluminum double-joint spring struts in front, and a five-link set-up in the rear. The car also boasts a center of gravity that’s 40 mm (1.6 inches) lower than the 3 Series, plus a wider track as well (the front is up 14 mm, or 0.6 inches, while the rear gains an additional 22 mm, or 0.9 inches).

Enthusiasts will be interested in the optional high-performance rubber to take advantage of the handling improvements. The brakes are single-pot calipers with discs in front and in back, while turning the thing is electric power steering with the option for Variable Sport Steering. Curb weight is around 1,550 kg (3,417 pounds).

The Competition

Note: Audi A5 Coupe pictured on the left, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe pictured on the right.

With its standard quattro AWD, you could make the argument that the A5 isn’t the favorite when pitched against the poised RWD-goodness of the Bimmer and Merc. That said, this thing is still no slouch. Up front is a five-link suspension, while in the rear is a trapezoidal-link. Eletromechanical steering helps it turn, while 12.6-inch discs in front and 11.8-inch discs in back help it stop. Opt for the Sport package and you get (among other things) a lowered suspension (a 20 mm drop, or 0.8 inches), which should pair nicely with the optional summer performance tires offered as part of the Black Optic package. Curb weight is rated at 3,682 pounds.

By comparison, the Mercedes has a few more options when it comes to prepping your two-door for fun. Starting things off is the four-wheel multilink suspension (four-link in front, five-arm in the rear), which is composed of aluminum components for reduced weight. Go for the Sport Package, and you’ll also get upgraded suspension bits and a sport-tuned brake system. Alternatively, an Airmatic air ride suspension system is also on the table. Curb weight is rated at 3,770 pounds.

But if I were to choose just one of these three for driving excitement duties, I’d have to go with the Bimmer. Not only is it the lightest option, but it’s also very close in set-up to the outrageously good M4, and if you throw in the right options, odds are you’ll be a believer in that whole “Ultimate Driving Machine” tag line.

Note: Audi A5 Coupe pictured on the left, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe pictured on the right.0}

Keeping this thing safe is the usual assortment of features, such as ABS, ASC, traction control, and a standard airbag system. You also get neat stuff like Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control, Dry Braking function, and brake fade compensation.

The Competition

Like the Bimmer, the Audi A5 is equipped with a full airbag system, ABS, EBD, electronic stability control, and traction control.

The Merc is equally outfitted, bringing a bunch of air bags, ABS, EBD, electronic stability control, and the like. It also gets autonomous features like automatic braking, attention assist, optional blind spot assist, and optional adaptive headlights, which makes it the safest option of the three.

Safety And Convenience

Pricing for U.S. models of the 2018 4 Series has yet to be released, but should remain around $42,000 for the 430i and $49,500 for the 440i. Add an extra $2,000 to those sums if you want AWD grip.

There are also a variety of trim levels on offer, which BMW likes to call “Model Lines.” These include the base model ES/SE Line, the Luxury Line (upgraded alloy wheels, wood trim interior, bucket seats in front), the Sport Line (bigger alloy wheels, red contrast stitching, red dash accents, sportier front bucket seats), and the M Sport Line (M Division body kit, big aggressive alloy wheels, blue contrast stitching, blue dash accents, sporty front bucket seats, exclusive Estoril Blue exterior paint option).

The 4 Series Coupe is manufactured in Munich and will hit dealers as soon as production ramps up this March.

The Competition

The Audi A5 starts at $41,200, with the eight-speed Tiptronic transmission adding $1,000, the Convenience package (keyless start, driver seat memory, etc.) adding $900, the Technology package (DVD player, adaptive headlights, upgraded stereo, etc.) adding $3,950, the Sport package (sport seats, sport suspension, etc.) adding $750, and the Black Optic package (19-inch wheels, summer tires, glossy-black trim) adding $1,250.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class starts at $42,650 for RWD, while the AWD model starts at $44,650. Mercedes offers a huge variety of options and packages, with standouts including the Sport Package (AMG body kit, sporty suspension, sporty brakes, etc.) for $1,675, the Night Package (glossy black exterior trim, 18-inch wheels, plus the Sport Package) for $1,975, the Premium 1 Package (blind spot monitor, rearview camera, upgraded stereo, etc.) for $2,300, and the Airmatic Package (air suspension, dynamic select drive modes) for $1,190.

Other Options

Infiniti Q60

Nissan’s premium brand offering has its own take on making an upscale compact coupe, and it’s called the Q60. Engine options include either a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 208 horsepower, or a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 making 300 horsepower. Adaptive components for the steering and suspension are offered on higher trims, with RWD as standard and AWD as an option. A seven-speed automatic comes standard. Pricing starts at $38,950.

Read the full review here.

Lexus RC

Another Japanese answer to the Euro luxury challenge comes from Lexus and the RC Coupe. You can get it with either 241 horsepower from a turbocharged four-cylinder, or 306 horsepower from the top-trim V-6. Both a six-speed automatic and eight-speed automatic gearbox are on the table, as is RWD and AWD. Higher in the range, you’ll find adaptive components for the suspension. Pricing starts at $40,155.

Read the full review here.

Conclusion

If you ask me, you can break down the three major German luxury makes into the following classifications – Audi is the most usable on a day-to-day basis and offers the best value for your money, BMW is the brand to go it with if you care about speed and performance, and Mercedes-Benz is all about presence, glitz, and leaving an impression.

In that sense, the new 4 Series Coupe fits in well with its two chief competitors. It still looks like the one to get for fun behind the wheel, but it’s not quite the same value as the Audi, and it’s not quite as head-turning as the Merc. And that’s perfectly okay with us – because after all, in our mind, performance trumps all.

Our suggestion? Get the 440i with RWD, throw on the M Division pieces, and enjoy it. At least until the next-gen arrives.