The BMW 4 Series is BMW’s sporty luxury car family built around Coupe-style body designs. But there is more than one 4 Series. BMW currently sells the 4 Series Coupe, 4 Series Convertible and 4 Series Gran Coupe in the U.S. The performance range adds the M4 while the fully electric i4 sits alongside the 4 Series Gran Coupe in BMW’s broader lineup.
That mix can make the 4 Series confusing at first. A Coupe has two doors. A Convertible gives you an opening roof. A Gran Coupe has four doors. Then BMW adds names such as 430i, M440i and M4.
Here’s how it all fits together.
AI Overview: What is the BMW 4 Series?
The BMW 4 Series is a family of sporty luxury cars that includes Coupe, Convertible and four-door Gran Coupe body styles. For 2027 in the U.S., the regular lineup includes the 430i and M440i in these body styles while the M4 sits at the high-performance end. BMW also sells the electric i4 Gran Coupe as a related electric model.
Key takeaways
- The 4 Series Coupe is the traditional two-door version.
- The 4 Series Convertible gives you a folding fabric roof and four seats.
- The 4 Series Gran Coupe has four doors and a more practical body.
- The 430i is the regular four-cylinder model.
- The M440i uses a stronger six-cylinder engine and sits in BMW’s M Performance range.
- The M4 is the full BMW M performance model.
- xDrive means all-wheel drive while the standard rear-drive versions keep BMW’s traditional rear-wheel-drive layout.
- The electric i4 Gran Coupe is related to the 4 Series family but uses an electric powertrain.
What is the BMW 4 Series?
The BMW 4 Series is BMW’s sporty luxury car family available as a Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe. The 2027 U.S. lineup includes 430i and M440i versions while the M4 provides full BMW M performance. BMW also offers the electric i4 Gran Coupe as a related model.
1. The 4 Series was created to give BMW’s sporty two-door cars their own identity
The 4 Series name helps separate BMW’s sporty Coupe family from the 3 Series sedan family.
That does not mean the two cars have nothing in common. They are closely related and share much of their engineering philosophy. But BMW gives the 4 Series its own model number to make the body style and positioning clearer.
This becomes especially useful when you look at the lineup today. BMW sells the 4 Series as a Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe rather than making one body style do everything.
2. The 4 Series Coupe is the classic two-door choice
If you picture a BMW 4 Series, this is probably the car you have in mind. The 2027 4 Series Coupe is available as the 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i and M440i xDrive. BMW lists 255 hp for the 430i and 386 hp for the M440i. The 430i uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The M440i moves to a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six. Both can be had with rear-wheel drive or xDrive depending on the version.
The Coupe seats up to four people, with two rear seats behind the front occupants. For someone who wants the 4 Series primarily because of its two-door shape and sporty character, this is the straightforward version to consider.
3. The 4 Series Convertible changes the experience completely
The Convertible keeps the basic 4 Series formula but removes the fixed roof. For 2027, BMW uses a tailored fabric top evaluated in Edmunds’ Convertible Review, replacing the older hardtop design. The roof can open or close in about 10 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph. The car seats four people. The lineup includes the 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i and M440i xDrive. BMW lists 255 hp for the 430i models and 386 hp for the M440i models.
There is a trade-off for choosing a convertible. You get open-air driving but you also add weight and mechanical complexity compared with a fixed-roof Coupe. For someone who cares strongly about having an open roof, that trade can make sense. If you mainly want the sharpest Coupe experience, the fixed-roof car is the simpler choice.
4. The Gran Coupe is the four-door 4 Series
The name Gran Coupe can be confusing because it sounds like a two-door car. BMW uses it for a four-door body with a Coupe-like roofline. The 2027 4 Series Gran Coupe comes with the 430i and 430i xDrive as the core gasoline models. BMW also lists M440i and M440i xDrive versions.
This makes the Gran Coupe the version to look at when you like the styling of the 4 Series but need easier access to the rear seats. It also has a practical advantage over a traditional two-door Coupe because rear passengers do not need to climb through the front doors.
5. Coupe vs Gran Coupe: which one is actually different?
The body style is the first obvious difference.
| Feature | 4 Series Coupe | 4 Series Gran Coupe |
| Doors | 2 | 4 |
| Main Use | Sporty personal car | Practical daily car |
| Rear Access | Through front doors | Dedicated rear doors |
| Seating | 4 | Up to 5 |
| 430i Available | Yes | Yes |
| M440i Available | Yes | Yes |
| xDrive Available | Yes | Yes |
There is also a difference in proportions and practicality.
The Coupe makes more sense when the car is primarily for you and one passenger. The Gran Coupe makes more sense when rear-seat access matters regularly.
Neither body style needs to be treated as the “correct” 4 Series. They solve different problems.
6. The 430i is the starting point for the regular 4 Series
The 430i is the model to understand before moving into the M cars. BMW gives the 2027 430i a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine producing 255 hp. In the Coupe, BMW lists a preliminary 0–60 mph time of 5.6 seconds for rear-wheel drive and 5.4 seconds for xDrive.
The same basic engine output appears in the Convertible and Gran Coupe.
This makes the 430i the natural choice for someone who wants the 4 Series design and driving character without stepping into the more powerful six-cylinder versions. It is also where the 4 Series starts making the most sense as an everyday luxury car rather than a performance purchase.
7. The M440i is where performance gets serious
The M440i moves to a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 386 hp.
In the 2027 Coupe, BMW lists a preliminary 0–60 mph time of 4.6 seconds for rear-wheel drive and 4.2 seconds for M440i xDrive.
The Convertible is slower because of its different body and weight. BMW lists 5.0 seconds for the rear-drive M440i Convertible and 4.6 seconds for the xDrive version.
The M440i belongs to BMW’s M Performance range.
That means it is much more performance-focused than the 430i while stopping short of the dedicated M4.
For many drivers, that middle ground is the interesting part of the lineup.
8. The M4 is a different level of BMW performance
The M4 is not simply an M440i with more horsepower.
It is BMW M’s dedicated high-performance version of the 4 Series Coupe.
For 2027 BMW lists the M4 Coupe with 473 hp, the M4 Competition with 503 hp and the M4 Competition xDrive with 523 hp. BMW lists a preliminary 0–60 mph time of 3.4 seconds for the Competition xDrive.
The M4 also gets substantial changes to the chassis, brakes, suspension and other performance systems.
That difference matters because the M440i is designed to remain a very usable everyday luxury car. The M4 puts far more emphasis on outright performance.
9. M440i vs M4: the badge does not tell the whole story
Both have six-cylinder engines.
Both can be very fast.
Both carry the 4 Series identity.
The difference is what BMW designed them to do.
The M440i is an M Performance car. The M4 is a full BMW M car. BMW’s own figures show the M4 Competition xDrive reaching 523 hp while the M440i is rated at 386 hp.
The M4 also has the more serious performance hardware and a stronger focus on high-speed driving and track use.
If you want one car that can handle commuting, road trips and fast weekend driving without becoming overly focused on performance, the M440i is the part of the lineup worth studying.
If you specifically want a full M car, then the M4 is the relevant model.
10. What does xDrive mean on the 4 Series?
xDrive is BMW’s all-wheel-drive system.
The 430i and M440i are available with xDrive in the Coupe and Convertible lineups. BMW also offers xDrive versions of the Gran Coupe.
All-wheel drive can be useful when roads have rain, snow or other low-grip conditions.
But there is another side to the decision.
BMW also offers rear-wheel-drive versions of the 430i and M440i. The rear-drive versions preserve the traditional layout that many BMW enthusiasts associate with the brand’s sporty cars.
So the choice is less about one being universally better and more about what you need from the car.
11. Where does the electric i4 fit?
The BMW i4 can cause confusion because it looks like part of the 4 Series family but uses an electric powertrain.
BMW calls it the i4 Gran Coupe, an electric model analyzed in MotorTrend’s i4 Overview.
It shares the four-door Gran Coupe concept with the gasoline 4 Series but has its own electric drivetrain and model naming. BMW currently lists i4 models alongside the 4 Series Gran Coupe range.
So you can think of the lineup this way:
4 Series gasoline → 430i and M440i
4 Series M → M4
Electric counterpart → i4
That makes the i4 relevant when someone wants the shape and general character of a 4 Series Gran Coupe but wants an EV instead.
A full i4 guide should cover range, charging, battery sizes and ownership separately.
12. Is the 4 Series practical enough for daily driving?
That depends heavily on which version you choose.
A Gran Coupe is the easiest 4 Series to justify if you regularly carry people. The extra doors make everyday use much simpler.
The Coupe works better when rear-seat use is occasional.
The Convertible asks you to accept some compromises in exchange for the open roof. BMW’s 2027 Convertible seats four and uses a fabric roof.
Then there is the M4.
It can absolutely be driven every day, but buying one for basic transportation means paying for a level of performance you may rarely use.
This is why “Is the 4 Series practical?” does not have one answer. The body style changes the answer more than the badge does.
13. How is the 4 Series different from the 3 Series?
The easiest way to separate them is body style.
The 3 Series is BMW’s traditional sport sedan. The 4 Series takes the same general family idea into Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe forms.
The Gran Coupe makes the comparison less obvious because both cars have four doors.
If you are choosing between a 3 Series sedan and 4 Series Gran Coupe, look beyond the number. Consider rear-seat access, roof shape, cargo needs, seating position, pricing and whether you prefer the sedan or Coupe-style design.
A detailed 3 Series vs 4 Series comparison is worth its own article because the two families overlap in important ways.
14. Why are there so many 4 Series names?
BMW’s naming system becomes easier when you split it into pieces.
430i tells you that you’re looking at the regular 4 Series model with a four-cylinder engine.
M440i moves you into BMW M Performance.
M4 means the full BMW M model.
Then BMW adds body-style information such as Coupe, Convertible or Gran Coupe. Finally, xDrive tells you the car has BMW all-wheel drive.
So a name such as M440i xDrive Coupe can be read almost like a sentence:
4 Series + M Performance + six-cylinder model + all-wheel drive + Coupe body.
You don’t need to memorize every BMW code once you understand that pattern.
15. Which BMW 4 Series should you look at?
Start with the body style rather than the engine.
If you want a traditional two-door, look at the Coupe.
If you want open-air driving, look at the Convertible.
If you need four doors but like the 4 Series design, look at the Gran Coupe.
Then decide how much performance you want.
| What you want | Model to investigate |
| Everyday 4 Series Coupe | 430i |
| Coupe with more traction | 430i xDrive |
| Strong performance without full M | M440i |
| M Performance with AWD | M440i xDrive |
| Open-air 4 Series | 430i/M440i Convertible |
| Four-door 4 Series | 430i/M440i Gran Coupe |
| Full BMW M performance | M4 |
| Electric 4 Series-style car | i4 Gran Coupe |
BMW’s current U.S. lineup supports these different paths across the 4 Series family. Exact equipment and availability can change by model year and market.
BMW 4 Series models at a glance
| Model | Body style | Engine/powertrain | Drive options | Position |
| 430i | Coupe | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder, 255 hp | RWD / xDrive | Core model |
| 430i xDrive | Coupe | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder, 255 hp | AWD | Core model |
| M440i | Coupe | 3.0L turbo inline-6, 386 hp | RWD | M Performance |
| M440i xDrive | Coupe | 3.0L turbo inline-6, 386 hp | AWD | M Performance |
| 430i | Convertible | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder, 255 hp | RWD | Core model |
| M440i | Convertible | 3.0L turbo inline-6, 386 hp | RWD | M Performance |
| 430i | Gran Coupe | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder, 255 hp | RWD | Core model |
| 430i xDrive | Gran Coupe | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder, 255 hp | AWD | Core model |
| M440i | Gran Coupe | 3.0L turbo inline-6, 386 hp | RWD | M Performance |
| M440i xDrive | Gran Coupe | 3.0L turbo inline-6, 386 hp | AWD | M Performance |
| M4 | Coupe | 3.0L turbo inline-6, 473 hp | RWD | BMW M |
| M4 Competition | Coupe | 3.0L turbo inline-6, 503 hp | RWD | BMW M |
| M4 Competition xDrive | Coupe | 3.0L turbo inline-6, 523 hp | AWD | BMW M |
BMW’s official 2027 U.S. pages provide the current specifications for these gasoline models.
Conclusion
The BMW 4 Series is easier to understand when you separate body style from performance level.
The Coupe is the traditional two-door. The Convertible adds an open roof. The Gran Coupe gives you four doors while keeping the 4 Series shape. From there, the 430i is the regular model, the M440i moves into M Performance and the M4 takes the family into full BMW M territory.
If you’re choosing one, start with how you will use the car. Then decide whether you need rear doors, an open roof, more performance or all-wheel drive.
That approach makes the BMW 4 Series lineup much easier to navigate than simply comparing the badges.
BMW 4 Series FAQ
Is the BMW 4 Series a luxury car?
Yes. The 4 Series sits within BMW’s premium luxury-car range and focuses more heavily on sporty body styles than the traditional 3 Series sedan.
What is the difference between the BMW 3 Series and 4 Series?
The 3 Series is primarily BMW’s sport sedan while the 4 Series covers Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe body styles. The two families are closely related but serve different body-style preferences.
Is the BMW 4 Series available with all-wheel drive?
Yes. BMW offers xDrive versions of the 430i and M440i in the current lineup. The M4 Competition xDrive also uses BMW’s M xDrive system.
Is the M440i an M car?
The M440i is an M Performance model. The M4 is the full BMW M model. They are both performance-oriented but BMW positions them differently.
Which is faster, the M440i or M4?
The M4 has substantially more power. BMW lists 386 hp for the M440i and up to 523 hp for the M4 Competition xDrive.
Does the 4 Series Gran Coupe have four doors?
Yes. Despite the “Coupe” name, the Gran Coupe is a four-door model.
Does the 4 Series Convertible have four seats?
Yes. BMW lists seating for up to four passengers in the 2027 Convertible.
Is the BMW i4 the same as the 4 Series?
The i4 is a closely related electric Gran Coupe model within BMW’s broader 4 Series family. It uses an electric powertrain rather than the gasoline engines used in the 430i and M440i.
Sources Reviewed
Update Policy
This article should be reviewed when BMW changes the 4 Series model year, adds or removes body styles, changes engine specifications or updates the M4 lineup.
Specifications and availability can vary by country. The current model information in this article primarily reflects BMW’s U.S. 2027 lineup.
