BMW 2 Series vs. BMW 4 Series: which is better?
Which is the best two-door BMW sports coupé? Read our comparison guide to find out more
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BMW has a lot of cars in its catalogue, but arguably some of the best ones are its coupés, which are fun to drive and look great.
They come in a variety of sizes, so whether you’re after something just for you or a practical model for the family, you’ll find a BMW coupé to suit your needs.
In this guide, we compare the 2 Series and 4 Series – two of the most popular BMW coupé models – to find out which is best.
Styling
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While the BMW 2 Series is also available in people carrier formats, it’s the coupé models we’ll be focusing on here, which are much more comparable to the 4 Series models.
Both look sporty and have plenty of aggressive styling, like a large grille and flared wheelarches, to make them stand out against other coupés.
The 2 Series has a more compact design that gives it a sportier feel, while the 4 Series is longer and wider and looks more elegant.
What are they like to drive?
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While many BMW models have gone from being rear-wheel-drive to front-wheel-drive, the 2 Series and 4 Series remain rear-wheel-drive, which helps them retain their sporty and engaging driving characteristics.
This helps to make them more confidence-inspiring from a standstill, and they can also be fun to drive through corners.
Some more powerful versions get four-wheel drive, which not only helps to put the power down more effectively but instils more confidence in slippery conditions.
Both are available with a range of frugal 2.0-litre engines plus a few larger 3.0-litre options, which sound great and perform well.
Compared to some other cars, these BMWs have slightly firmer suspension, which makes them more responsive and improves handling.
It’s worth noting that while the 2 Series coupé and convertible models are rear-wheel-drive, a four-door version badged Gran Coupé plus a pair of MPVs badged Active Tourer and Gran Tourer are front-wheel-drive, which helps with efficiency and costs.
Interior and technology
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Inside, both cars are reasonably similar. The iDrive touchscreen is one of the best in the business, but you still get plenty of physical buttons that are easier to use on the go.
The interiors of both cars are built to a high standard with a mix of quality materials, but the 4 Series is designed to be a more comfortable and luxurious space because it’s a larger and more expensive car.
Space in the back of the 2 Series is sufficient, though as with any small coupé, adults might only want to sit there for short periods of time. Still, there’s plenty of room to ferry a few mates around.
Legroom in the back of the 4 Series is much better, but there isn’t as much headroom as in the 3 Series – which shares many parts with the 4 Series – because of its sloping rear roofline.
As well as the coupé, there’s a convertible that has about the same amount of space, and a five-door Gran Coupé model, which has slightly more space and is easier to get into.
Size and dimensions
While it may be less practical than a family hatchback, its sporty coupé shape means the 2 Series is quite long. It’s 4,537mm long, 1,838mm wide and 1,390mm tall.
The 4 Series is nearly 22cm longer at 4,756mm, and it’s wider at 1,852mm, but it’s slightly shorter at 1,383mm tall.
Boot space
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The 390-litre boot is about the same as you’d find in a family hatchback like a Volkswagen Golf.
The 4 Series has 440 litres of boot space, which is 40 litres less than the 3 Series saloon. Even more practical is the 4 Series Gran Coupé, which has a wide-opening hatchback-style boot, measuring 470 litres even in the case of the electric i4 variant.
Reliability
These two coupé models have average reliability scores, and the brand as a whole often comes out ahead of other premium car companies like Mercedes in customer satisfaction reports.
They’re also backed by a three-year warranty that, unlike some other cars, doesn’t have a mileage cap.
Adding to a car’s reliability is a good maintenance routine. BMW parts can be more expensive than some others, including tyres.
Insurance bills could also be higher than less premium brands, so it’s worth checking before buying one.
Verdict: BMW 2 Series vs. BMW 4 Series: which should you buy?
Despite being coupés, both models are very different. Buy the BMW 2 Series if you’re after a car for you, and maybe your partner, but aren’t likely to need frequent access to the back seats.
If you have a family or regularly carry passengers, the BMW 4 Series offers more practicality without having to give up on your dream of owning a sporty coupé.