DecodedCarsBMW 4 Series
14 model years from 2014 to 2027, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2014–2027
- Class
- Subcompact Cars, Compact Cars
- Latest engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Best MPG
- 27–31 combined, by year
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaigns, all years
- Fewest problems
- 2022
- Interest
- 10,935 Wikipedia views / 30 days
The 2026 4 Series in brief
The 2026 BMW 4 Series is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 188 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,920 lb (430i 2dr Cabriolet).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (28 city / 36 highway), 29% better than the 2026 subcompact car average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $2,650 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
The BMW 4 Series has 14 model years in our data, from 2014 to 2027, classed as Subcompact Cars, Compact Cars.
Its most efficient year was 2027 at 31 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 27 to 31 MPG.
Buying used? 2024 has the fewest problems in our data.
2023 has the most recalls (1); all years together count 1 campaigns and 0 owner complaints.
How the 2014 4 Series compares
The 2014 BMW 4 Series is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 183 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,470 lb (428i 2dr Coupe RWD).
About the BMW 4 Series
The BMW 4 Series is a range of compact executive cars manufactured by BMW since 2013. The 4 Series was created when BMW spun off the 2-door models of the 3 Series into a separate series. The 4 Series is currently in its second generation.
From the Wikipedia article "BMW 4 Series", licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
2026 4 Series pros & cons
Full 2026 details →What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 29% better than the average 2026 subcompact car (24 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Best and worst years to buy used
2024 4 Series
0 owner complaints · 0 recalls
None of the 10 model years we compared stands out for complaints or recalls.
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 10 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
Compare head to head
4 Series changes by model year
- 2026
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 4-cyl turbo
- 2025
- Engine added: 3.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 28 to 31
- 2021
- New body dimensions: 5.1 in longer, wheelbase +1.6 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- New hybrid version
- Best combined MPG up from 27 to 29
- 2017
- Lightest version 161 lb heavier
Years without a measurable change are left out.
Show all 14 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 31 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 31 MPG | 187.8 in | 3,920 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 4-cyl turbo | 31 MPG | 187.8 in | 3,920 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 28 MPG | 187.8 in | 3,920 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 28 MPG | 188.2 in | 3,913 lb | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 28 MPG | 187.8 in | 3,920 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 29 MPG | 187.8 in | 3,920 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 27 MPG | 182.7 in | 4,211 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 27 MPG | 182.7 in | 4,211 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 27 MPG | 182.7 in | 4,211 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 27 MPG | 182.7 in | 4,160 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 27 MPG | 182.7 in | 3,995 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 27 MPG | 182.7 in | 3,995 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 27 MPG | 182.7 in | 3,470 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Alternatives to the 2026 4 Series
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 BMW 3 Series | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Tesla Model 3 | 363 mi | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Audi A6 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →