During our track testing, the coupe accelerated quicker than every competitor, including the more powerful twin-turbo Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400. Even in the sporty modes, accelerating from a dead stop won’t snap your spine like a Camaro SS V-8-but the 440i isn’t far behind. Along with a standard auto stop/start feature, there are four drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. Its turbo-six is quiet at idle and cruising speeds, but it comes alive when taken to the limit, every upshift followed by a pleasing exhaust snarl. The rear-drive 440i coupe we tested had the automatic, which can be manually controlled via steering-wheel paddles or the console shifter. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all models can be equipped with all-wheel drive.

However, the check box for a manual transmission is only available in three coupe trims: the 430i, the 440i, and the 440i xDrive. Both pair with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 430i is powered by a zesty 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, and the 440i boasts a 320-hp turbocharged inline-six that lives up to BMW’s reputation as a great engine company. The optional navigation system has a new interface, and the available advanced instrument-cluster display is more robust.

The 4-series has two new unique wheel designs, plus two new exterior colors: Snapper Rocks Blue and Sunset Orange. For 2018, BMW stiffened the suspension, tweaked the steering, and made subtle styling updates to the front and rear ends, including new headlights and taillights. The 4-series received new engines and new trim terminology in 2017. A highly capable chassis seamlessly transitions between relaxed and athletic. The 4-series is expensively tailored, and its driver-centric interior also has the segment’s largest back seat. The convertible is of the hardtop variety, which enhances interior quietness and is snug in cold-weather. Based on BMW’s venerable 3 Series sedan, both body styles are available with an overachieving 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder (430i) or a dynamic 320-hp turbocharged inline-six (440i). Whether cruising in the swanky convertible or raising hell in the racy coupe, the two-door BMW 4-series exemplifies the luxury sports car.

2018 bmx x428 idrive review