DecodedCars2021 BMW 4 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 430i 2dr Cabriolet, 430i Xdrive 2dr Coupe, Gran Coupe 430i Xdrive 4dr Sedan, Gran Coupe 440i Xdrive 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 182.7–187.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,708–4,171 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2021 subcompact car (23.4 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 35 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 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 29 MPG combined (26 city / 34 highway), 24% better than the 2021 subcompact car average of 23.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 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
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 4 Series →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 430i 2dr Cabriolet | 187.8 in | 72.8 in | 54.3 in | 112.2 in | 62.2 / 62.6 in | 3,920 lb | |
| 430i Xdrive 2dr Coupe | 187.8 in | 72.8 in | 54.3 in | 112.2 in | 62.2 / 62.6 in | 3,708 lb | 53/47 |
| Gran Coupe 430i Xdrive 4dr Sedan | 182.7 in | 72 in | 54.7 in | 110.6 in | 61 / 62.6 in | 3,777 lb | 49/51 |
| Gran Coupe 440i Xdrive 4dr Sedan | 182.7 in | 72 in | 54.7 in | 110.6 in | 61 / 62.6 in | 3,933 lb | 51/49 |
| M440i 2dr Cabriolet | 187.8 in | 72.8 in | 54.3 in | 112.2 in | 62.2 / 62.6 in | 4,171 lb | |
| M440i Xdrive 2dr Coupe | 187.8 in | 72.8 in | 54.3 in | 112.2 in | 62.2 / 62.6 in | 3,977 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 430i Coupe | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | +24% | $2,850 | 304 |
| 430i xDrive Coupe | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | +15% | $3,050 | 325 |
| 430i Convertible | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | +15% | $3,050 | 326 |
| M440i Convertible Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +11% | $3,150 | 338 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 BMW 4 Series.
Similar 2021 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW 4 Series (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 3 Series | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 5 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Lexus IS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW 4 Series.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 BMW 4 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2021 BMW 4 Series in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2021 BMW 4 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 BMW 4 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 4 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 4 Series | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 4 Series | 31 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 4 Series | 31 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 4 Series | 28 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 4 Series | 28 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 4 Series | 28 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 4 Series | 27 | 182.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 4 Series | 27 | 182.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 4 Series | 27 | 182.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 4 Series | 27 | 182.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 4 Series | 27 | 182.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 4 Series | 27 | 182.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →