2020 BMW 4 Series vs. 2021 BMW 4 Series
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 BMW 4 Series and 2021 BMW 4 Series contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2020 BMW 4 Series and the 2021 BMW 4 Series.
When comparing the 2020 BMW 4 Series's and the 2021 BMW 4 Series's specifications and ratings, the 2020 BMW 4 Series has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and interior volume. The 2021 BMW 4 Series has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2020 BMW 4 Series's and the 2021 BMW 4 Series's specifications and ratings, the 2021 BMW 4 Series is a better car than the 2020 BMW 4 Series.
Pricing: A used 2020 BMW 4 Series ranges from $20,789 to $36,808 while a used 2021 BMW 4 Series is priced between $31,994 to $48,967.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 BMW 4 Series loses 52.4 percent of its value and the 2021 BMW 4 Series loses 45.2 percent of its value. This means the 2021 BMW 4 Series retains 7.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 BMW 4 Series.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 4 Series is 6.5 out of 10 while the BMW 4 Series' quality rating is 7.4 out of 10. BMW 4 Series is ranked 24 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 4 Series is 5.8 out of 10. For the BMW 4 Series the reliability rating is 7.2 out of 10. This gives the BMW 4 Series an advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 4 Series.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2020 BMW 4 Series’s base engine makes 248 horsepower, and the 2021 BMW 4 Series base engine makes 255 horsepower. The 4 Series is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 537 miles. The 4 Series is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 530 miles.This gives the 2021 BMW 4 Series the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2020 BMW 4 Series the advantage in maximum range. Both models use premium unleaded.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$44,750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$41,892
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$25,900 - $53,950
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$45,600
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$44,749
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$26,100 - $75,400
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$27,712
Price Range:
$20,789 - $36,808
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$32,136
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$22,644 - $45,083
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
76
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
50,099
# Good or Great Deals:
25
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$39,598
Price Range:
$31,994 - $48,967
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$37,986
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$24,001 - $72,125
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
195
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
34,506
# Good or Great Deals:
92
BMW 4 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
6.5 / 10
Reliability:
5.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.2 / 10
Safety:
Not available
BMW 4 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 BMW 4 Series
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
7
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
4.1 - 10.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
2.2%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 BMW 4 Series
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
5.1 - 11.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
2.2%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.9 - 27.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
12.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
3.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1 - 28.9
BMW 4 Series Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
12 out of / 36Ranking
14 out of / 36Ranking
17 out of / 36Ranking
21 out of / 36Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 36Ranking
24 out of / 36Ranking
35 out of / 36BMW 4 Series Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
11 out of / 36Ranking
13 out of / 36Ranking
18 out of / 36Ranking
18 out of / 36Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
22 out of / 36Ranking
22 out of / 36Ranking
24 out of / 31Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe, Sedan
Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2020 BMW 4 Series Trim Levels
Not yet available
2021 BMW 4 Series Trim Levels
Not yet available
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
248 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1450 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.067 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1550 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 34 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
363 / 537 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 34 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
406 / 530 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
33.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.3 inches
Cargo Space:
17 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
109.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
51 inches
Cargo Space:
15.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
86.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3680 lbs
Width:
79.4 inches
Height:
54.7 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
110.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3578 lbs
Width:
81.9 inches
Height:
54.6 inches
Length:
187.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Carbon Black Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Estoril Blue Metallic / Imperial Blue Metallic / Snapper Rocks Blue Metallic
Gray
Mineral Grey Metallic
Silver
Glacier Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Arctic Race Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic
Gray
Bluestone Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Green
Sanremo Green Metallic
Orange
Sunset Orange Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Cognac w/ Dark Brown Highlight / Cognac w/ Dark Brown Highlight and Cognac Dashboard / Venetian Beige w/ Dark Oyster Highlight / Venetian Beige/Black
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Highlight / Black w/ Dark Oyster Highlight / Black w/ Red Highlight
Blue
Night Blue w/ Dark Oyster Highlight
Brown
Mocha
Gray
Ivory White w/ Dark Oyster Highlight
Red
Coral Red w/ Black Highlight
Interior Colors
Beige
Canberra Beige / Canberra Beige/Black w/ Contrast Stitching
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Stitching / Black w/ Oyster Contrast Stitching
Blue
Not available
Brown
Cognac w/ Contrast Stitching / Mocha w/ Contrast Stitching
Gray
Oyster w/ Contrast Stitching
Red
Tacora Red w/ Contrast Stitching