2016 BMW 4 Series
Un4gettable
The BMW 3 Series coupe was an icon not only for the BMW brand, but for sporty luxury cars in general. That mantle has now passed to the 4 Series Coupe, which last year had the unenviable task of taking that tradition of excellence and making it its own. And make it its own it has.
The 2016 BMW 4 Series Coupe features sporty powertrains, and one of the few manual transmissions still available in its segment. Yet it’s not just a stripped-down sports car. It sits lower and wider than its sedan sibling, giving it a sleeker look and added dynamism. If it's unforgettable performance mixed with modern refinement that you crave, the 2016 BMW 4 Series is your ticket to driving bliss.
Performance
The 4 Series Coupe features two engine options that have already proven their mettle in a variety of other BMW models. They have the sporty character and refinement that’s perfectly suited to a luxury coupe.
The 428i comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. All 4 Series models are offered with a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic, with standard rear-wheel drive or optional BMW xDrive all-wheel drive.
With rear-wheel drive, the 428i can do 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph (it can be optionally raised to 155 mph). The manual-transmission model gets an EPA-rated 26 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 34 mpg highway),* while the automatic gets 27 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 35 mpg highway).*
The all-wheel drive 428i xDrive model takes 5.6 seconds to reach 60 mph, and has the same electronically-limited top speed as the rear-wheel drive models. Available only with the eight-speed automatic, the 428i xDrive gets an EPA-rated 26 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway).*
Upgrading to the 435i nets a silky smooth 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that produces an even 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. As with the four-cylinder 428i, the 435i is available with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The manual-transmission 435i takes 5.3 seconds to reach 60 mph, while the automatic will do it in 5.0 seconds flat. All 435i models have the same electronically-limited 130 mph (155 mph optional) top speed as the 428i.
EPA fuel-economy ratings are 24 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway) with the manual transmission,* and 25 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 32 mpg highway) with the automatic.*
Boasting all-wheel drive, the 435i xDrive can do 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds with the manual transmission and 4.7 seconds with the automatic, while top speed is unchanged from the other models. The EPA rates fuel economy at 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway) with the manual,* and 24 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway) with the automatic.*
Features
The 2016 BMW 4 Series Coupe features seating for four. In addition, BMW offers a 4 Series Convertible and four-door Gran Coupe. Pricing for the two-door coupe model starts at $41,850.**
Standard equipment includes Xenon Adaptive Headlights, 8-way power front seats, a 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench seat, SensaTec upholstery, wood trim, HD Radio®, pre-wiring for SiriusXM® satellite radio, a 3-spoke leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, iDrive system with 6.5-inch display screen and rotary controller, automatic climate control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
As with other BMW models, 4 Series Coupe buyers choose not only the engine and drivetrain but also the styling. Three available trim “lines,” including Sport Line, Luxury Line, and M Sport Line, come with their own specific exterior and interior styling elements to help personalize each car.
The BMW 4 Series is available with a number of different options packages. One more noteworthy options package is the Technology Package. This includes navigation, BMW Online and BMW Apps connectivity, a head-up display, Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information, Remote Services, and a revised instrument cluster.
Design
Few car forms are as inherently pleasing as a rear-wheel drive, two-door coupe, and the 2016 BMW 4 Series makes the most of that solid foundation. Prominently-flared wheel arches and a wedge shape add sporty character, while the fender-mounted “Air Breathers” and BMW-signature “Hofmeister kink” in the C-pillar mark this car as nothing other than a BMW.
The interior provides a good balance between sportiness and comfort. It’s fairly simple by modern luxury-car standards, but the supportive seats, easy-to-read analog gauges, and nicely-designed steering wheel are the perfect tools for a vigorous drive. At the same time, BMW’s iDrive system and a host of convenience features make the driving experience enjoyable even when you’re stuck in traffic.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 BMW 4 Series Coupe includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls,
Options include the Driver Assistance Package with Park Distance Control and a rearview camera, Driver Assistance Plus, which includes BMW’s Active Driving Assistant, Active Blind Spot Detection, side- and top-view cameras, and speed-limit information.
Bottom Line
The 2016 BMW 4 Series Coupe is a stylish and sporty luxury coupe that’s as comfortable cruising down the highway as it is carving canyons. It exists as a shining example of BMW's love for performance and must be experienced at least once by true driving enthusiasts.
Be sure to contact us online or visit BMW of Silver Spring at 3211 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904 to schedule your test drive.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices listed are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.
Image: BMW