2020 BMW 4-Series Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

BMW is a company known for its focus on performance. With the 2020 BMW 4-Series, the company has stayed true to its roots. The 4-Series is a luxurious car that can be exciting to drive, and because it comes with several trim options and a few different engines, customers will have plenty of opportunity to customize their rides. The inside in the cabin is packed with convenient amenities and sophisticated elements, and the exterior design of the car is modern and youthful.

What's New for 2020?

There are now more driver-assist features that are standard on the BMW 4-Series. These additions were likely spurred by the fact that the whole automotive industry seems to be moving in this direction. BMW has also made a few changes to some aesthetic aspects regarding the taillights and grille. More cosmetic changes are related to the interior materials and exterior design elements. For example, customers in 2020 have the option to choose Mocha Dakota leather seats and Mediterranean Blue or Sunset Orange paint colors.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 BMW 4-Series – The Pros

1. Many Trim Choices

One of the best things about shopping for a new 2020 BMW 4-Series is that it comes with so may options. Choose from the 4 Series Coupe, 4 Series Gran Coupe, 4 Series Convertible, or M4 Coupe and Convertible. This collection of models helps the 4-Series appeal to people with varying tastes. Those who love the idea of driving down the road with the top down will be naturally attracted to the convertibles, those who prefer a more traditional body type could go with the Gran Coupe wth four doors, and those who prioritize performance would be impressed with what the M4 has to offer.

2. The M4 Packs a Punch

The M4 cars come with six-cylinder engines that have excellent capabilities. With 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, these engines can send the M4 zooming down the road. Some components that have been used to boost performance are a forged magnesium crankshaft, strong but lightweight pistons, and a oil sump that would do just as well in a true racing vehicle. If this isn't enough, there's the opportunity to upgrade the engine so it can generate 444 horsepower.

3. Quick to Open

The 2020 BMW 4-Series Convertible only takes 20 seconds to transform. A driver could start off his or her journey with the hardtop roof completely closed. By simply pushing a button and waiting for less than half a minute, that driver can instantly change the atmosphere. Having the wind in his her hair with the sun shining down directly inside the cabin is such an iconic driving experience.

4. Staying Cozy

In the 4-Series Convertible, a cozy feature can keep people warm. The vehicle can come with neck warmers, which are heaters built into the seats and strategically placed between the seatback and headrests. These neck warmers can come with three different settings, and they work independent of the car's climate control system.

5. Two Engine Options on the Coupe

If customers prefer to stick with one of the 2020 BMW 4-Series Coupes, they'll still get to take advantage of a powerful engine. The 430i models come with 248-horsepower engines that have four cylinders, and the 440i versions have more capable inline-6 engines with 320 horsepower.

Either choice results in a car that feels agile and peppy. The standard engine takes about five and a half seconds to shoot from zero to 60 miles per hour, and the enhanced model can get to that mark in less than five seconds.

6. Hit the Track

The 2020 BMW 4-Series comes with the opportunity to get a Track Handling package. This suite of features boosts steering and suspension so the car can do a better job at taking tight curves, maneuvering around at lower speeds, accelerating smoothly, and braking safely. The package comes with sleek 18-inch V-Spoke wheels that are performance non run-flat tires, and they're sure to help the BMW make an impression everywhere it goes.

7. Available xDrive

xDrive is the name for BMW's all-wheel drive system, which is available on all of the 4-Series models with the exception of the M4. xDrive is an advanced system that's continuously working to optimize traction. When driving in typical conditions, the car sends 60% of the power to the rear axles and the remaining amount of power to the front axles. This results in a great balance that's ideal for most situations.

When anything changes, the car can automatically detect this. xDrive will immediately send more power to the axles that have the better traction. This could even mean that all of the power gets sent to a certain axle in order to get the BMW out of a tricky spot in mud, sand, or snow, for instance.

8. Solid Fuel Efficiency

In a high-performance vehicle, one might not expect to have enviable gas mileage. Fortunately, the 2020 BMW 4-Series does very well in this regard. Rear-wheel drive vehicles can achieve up to 34 miles per gallon on the highway. All-wheel drive versions see their efficiency reduced only slightly, to an estimated 32 miles per gallon on the highway.

9. Athletic Stance

The 2020 BMW 4-Series sits low to the ground, and it has a wide body that helps it look muscular. In addition to being aerodynamic, this type of stance can help with handling. Steering feels precise and the suspension can adapt to various elements in the road. People can choose from four driving modes - Comfort, Sport, Eco Pro, and Sport+. This lets them decide whether to be more aggressive or more gentle in their driving styles.

10. Easy-to-Use Infotainment System

In the BMW, an iDrive system provides entertainment and comes with controls for the available navigation technology. The screen is sizable, at 8.8 inches, and it comes with voice recognition to allow people to keep their hands on the road. A physical knob and buttons are included in case anyone prefers that traditional method of making his her selections. Apple CarPlay is standard, as are satellite and HD radio. Wireless charging and the ability to act as a Wi-Fi hot spot are available if anyone wants to take advantage of more advanced technology.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 BMW 4-Series – The Cons

1. Interior Storage Lacking

The interior of the cabin in the BMW 4-Series has a streamlined look. While this might look clean and modern, it also means that there's limited opportunities for interior storage. There is one dedicated phone storage space in the center console as well as a few cupholders. Beyond that, there are not too many other practical places to keep items.

2. Trunk is a Bit Shallow

Though the trunk isn't terribly small, it can be difficult to get larger items inside of it because of its narrow opening. People may find themselves doing a lot of maneuvering in order to get bulky items in and out of the trunk.

3. Back Seats Feel Cramped

Most customers aren't looking for cavernous cabins when shopping for coupes, but it would be nice to be able to comfortably accommodate taller passengers in the back seat. Unfortunately, the back seat in the BMW 4-Series is on the smaller side. Second-row leg room is only 33.7 inches in the coupe. In the convertible, it's even less, measuring 33.1 inches. On road trips, tall passengers might need to take a lot of breaks to stretch their legs.

3. Cost Can Add Up

While the base model of the 2020 BMW 4-Series has a reasonable price tag, the reality is that any upgrades can be pricey. First of all, getting a convertible instead of a coupe adds on to the price tag significantly. Also, people will be paying for everything from upgraded upholstery and sportier suspension to all-wheel drive and enhanced handling. It's important to be aware of this when shopping for a new 4-Series.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

The Lexus RC300 is a similar vehicle, and while it comes in several different models, none of them can match the M4 in horsepower. Additionally, many of the 4-Series models do better than the RC300 when it comes to mileage. A notable difference is that the Lexus doesn't have four-door or convertible options on its RC300. Another competitor of the 4-Series is the C-Class, made by Mercedes-Benz, a perennial competitor of BMW. Many would agree that the 4-Series has better handling, especially if one upgrades to the enhanced handling package, and it edges out the Mercedes in fuel efficiency.

Conclusion

Year after year, BMW has continued to shine and attract many customers in the luxury market. With its 4-Series, it gives people a lot to think about. The 2020 BMW 4-Series is an attractive vehicle, whether one gets a coupe or convertible, and there's no question that it was built with performance and handling in mind. Beyond those factors, it also has luxurious amenities in the cabin and advanced technology in the infotainment and safety departments. It would be a great purchase for anyone who wants his or her vehicle to stand out.