[WXdrivefun]

Anyone here considering upgrading to the new 4 series G22?
Or is the controversial front kidney grill design steering you away?

Thoughts and opinions appreciated if someone is in the market for a coupe 230/m240 or 430/m440?

Anyone test drove the new 4 series to compare with their existing 2 series?

[MarkDemma]

When I got my 240 I did try out the last 4 series. My impression was that while the interior was really nice, it just felt too big. I definitely preferred the nimbleness of the 2.

I've driven one of the new 3s and did see a significant improvement with the CLAR architecture, still too big tho.

I'm sure the G22 drives really well, but I really could never get past that front end. If it hasn't "grown on me" yet it never will.

I AM really wanting to see how the new 2 series turns out. IF they don't try to do the same nose job it could be a really nice car, with the benefit of the new CLAR underpinnings. But I fear that 1- the M240 variant won't have a manual option, 2- even if it doesn't have the ridiculous grill the current BMW designers have been messing up lots of other design elements and 3- I really don't like the new digital dash.

So no, the 4 could be the best driving car in the world and I wouldn't 'get it because of the grill. Holding out hope for the 2.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by WXdrivefun

Anyone here considering upgrading to the new 4 series G22?

Some may consider changing to a larger, heavier car, but whether it's an "upgrade" or not is highly subjective.

[USA-RET]

I will keep my F22 until the i4 is released. Pricing and range will be the determining factors. If I trade, it will be for that car.

I really do like the smaller size of the F22, but the 4 series doesn't appear to that huge. Longer by 11 inches and a couple inches wider. I've never found driving a little longer car to be noticeable. 2 inches width diff - (just check that diff with your fingers and its rather inconsequential IMO).

I had considered a 4 series as my next BMW, but like the size of the F22. Basically thought a 4 series would be a step up with a few more options (HUD) that I would enjoy (although I find the 3 series to be more pleasing to my eye that the 4) . With the intro of EV's into the mix, I doubt my next trade will be for an ICE car of any manufacture.

[p912guy]

I have been closely watching the development and introduction of the new M440 convertible as a possible replacement for my M235 vert when the time comes, mostly because the next 2 Series won't be available as a drop top. I took my car in for service a few days ago and was surprised to see several new M440 coupes in stock with their controversial grill. I had been withholding judgement until I saw it and I have to say I wasn't impressed. The front end does look better in person, but it's still not good looking to my eye. As you move around the car it looks a bit bloated and not very special, at least in a good way. I also don't care for the fact the side creases don't line up in a logical way, which creates a miss matched look to me. That said, the interior looks great and I think I would be very happy spending lots of time inside of the car. My other concern is just it's size. It's bigger than the outgoing 4 Series and a bit heavy too. I was hoping they wouldn't make it bigger and would actually have shaved some weight off it.

Of course, that was just the coupe I saw, so we'll see what the convertible looks like and how it drives before I completely rule it out, but I don't think the new M440 is on my short list anymore.

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by USA-RET

I will keep my F22 until the i4 is released. Pricing and range will be the determining factors. If I trade, it will be for that car.

I really do like the smaller size of the F22, but the 4 series doesn't appear to that huge. Longer by 11 inches and a couple inches wider. I've never found driving a little longer car to be noticeable. 2 inches width diff - (just check that diff with your fingers and its rather inconsequential IMO).

i4 pricing will be around $69K, range is expected to be in mid-300 mile range according to latest research. I had hoped it would come in closer to $50K, although that may be possible if differing powertrain options are offered.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Some may consider changing to a larger, heavier car, but whether it's an "upgrade" or not is highly subjective.

For folks who can't have two cars it's highly dependent upon regular daily use. If I had a highway commute I'd definitely take the 4 over the 2. Back roads, 2 for sure.

[dradernh]

I generally keep my cars for quite a few years and expect almost all BMWs will be hybrids or EVs by the time I go shopping again. Mine is almost certainly the last BMW I'll buy.

[MichaelL]

Nope, not at all. For the next 2 series, maybe. Can't wait to see it. 4 series is too big for my taste, no stick, and that over styled grill? No thanks.

[morphomeman]

I suspect that most of us on the forum bought the 2 for reasons of size.
Less is truly more, at least for us.
So if I want to drive a large vehicle, I hop into our X3. It is also a great road cruiser.
I plan to keep my 235 as long as I have kept previous BMWs, at least a dozen years. By then, as many have pointed out, our choice may be restricted to electrics.
There is also a reasonable probability that I will no longer be driving by then. AFAIK, there are no cars in either heaven or hell.

[RvR]

Originally Posted by WXdrivefun

Anyone here considering upgrading to the new 4 series G22?
Or is the controversial front kidney grill design steering you away?

Thoughts and opinions appreciated if someone is in the market for a coupe 230/m240 or 430/m440?

Anyone test drove the new 4 series to compare with their existing 2 series?

BMW has managed, in my opinion, to out-ugly Lexus (and Edsel) with that 4 series grill. It's just insane. Whatever they were thinking, they were wrong.

Other concerns, IIRC, the 4 series weighs almost 4,000 lb. I must have watched too many Gordon Murray videos, but that's at least 500 lb., too heavy (probably 1,000 lb. if you asked Gordon), and to top it off, doesn't have a manual transmission available.

So no.

To me, the 2 series is the perfect coupe size, like the E46.

The F80 loaners I drove seemed big and boat-like.

Even the F22's successor repels me, no manual available with the B58, and not even made in Germany.

[USA-RET]

Originally Posted by RoundelM3

i4 pricing will be around $69K, range is expected to be in mid-300 mile range according to latest research. I had hoped it would come in closer to $50K, although that may be possible if differing powertrain options are offered.

The estimated retail was said to be around $50K and a low 300 mile EPA range (it was supposed to directly compete with the Tesla Model 3). If it comes in $20K higher or they lower the range on the est priced $50K model, they can keep it.

Time will tell.............

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by USA-RET

The estimated retail was said to be around $50K and a low 300 mile EPA range (it was supposed to directly compete with the Tesla Model 3). If it comes in $20K higher or they lower the range on the est priced $50K model, they can keep it.

Time will tell.............

We are possibly blending reports about base rwd models versus higher performance awd models. I’ve also understood that the i4 lineup will start around $50k.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

For folks who can't have two cars it's highly dependent upon regular daily use. If I had a highway commute I'd definitely take the 4 over the 2. Back roads, 2 for sure.

sometimes I think on back roads a wider track like in any of the powerful 4-series would allow higher speed cornering. the six cylinder 2's are so fast I get a little freaked about grip or stability in very high speed corners.

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by USA-RET

The estimated retail was said to be around $50K and a low 300 mile EPA range (it was supposed to directly compete with the Tesla Model 3). If it comes in $20K higher or they lower the range on the est priced $50K model, they can keep it.

Time will tell.............

The range estimate via the European method is supposed to be 360 - so likely more like 320-340 here in the US. Price-wise, it's going to depend on how the car is equipped. Personally, I'll pay a little more for BMW quality/fit-and-finish over Tesla any day (many bad reports about initial quality and fixing known problems). That, and when you buy a Tesla, they "own" you - the only available source for fixes and parts is Tesla - period. Nothing else is authorized, and if you're a 2nd owner, you may have to jump through hoops to make sure Tesla knows the ownership has changed.

[morphomeman]

Tesla also has its own charging system, so you have to use their network of stations.
There should be a global standard.
We are getting a bit off-track, though. OP was not interested in an electric vehicle, AFAIK.

[WXdrivefun]

It seems like no one made comparison as a long term 2 series owner vs the G22 4 series, appreciate more feedback. Thanks ahead of time

[morphomeman]

Over the years, there have been several threads on this board comparing the F22 with the 4-series coupe, most concentrating on the difference in size. It has frequently been noted that the F22 is almost identical in all dimensions to the much-loved E46.
That said, there are likely very few people in this world with much experience of both the F22 and the G22, so you are not likely to get much feedback on your question. That may be why the conversation so quickly went off track.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by morphomeman

It has frequently been noted that the F22 is almost identical in all dimensions to the much-loved E46.

Pretty damn close, the belt line on the F22 is a touch higher but that's about it.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Pretty damn close, the belt line on the F22 is a touch higher but that's about it.

It's very close in size to the wife's Mazda 3 that I use to run around town, too:



It's uncanny how the weight difference makes the MZ3 feel like a significantly smaller car.

[Mason Hatcher]

I dropped my 2 at the dealer today for service and while there I wandered around the showroom. Holy crap the new 4 series coupe is good looking in person. I really like it.

[Efftooto]

Originally Posted by morphomeman

There is also a reasonable probability that I will no longer be driving by then. AFAIK, there are no cars in either heaven or hell.

How can it be considered Heaven if there are no cars there?

And Hell would have cars but only Civics.....

Chris