2018 BMW 4 Series Coupe

进入市场以43500美元的基本模型430i in rear-wheel-drive, the xDrive version ups the cost by $2,000. For the top-end 440i, an MSRP of $48,900 can be expected with rear-wheel-drive as default. The xDrive variant will set you back $51,900 without any additional packages optioned. These prices exclude and registration, licensing, and taxes, as well as a destination fee of $995. With very similar price ranges for both the C-Class and the Audi A5 at a base level, the additional cost of package-upgrades needs to be taken into account.

A BMW sports coupe has much to live up to, with a history identifying it as one of the premium driver's cars on the market. Driving the 4 Series feels right: it has excellent balance and agility, cornering with ease and responding to driver inputs rapidly. Together with naturally great engines and a good suspension system, the 4 Series delivers a breathtaking driving experience. The 4 Series also delivers on its drive-mode promises by actually changing up the driving experience accurately per selection. The suspension, steering, and engine responses are all precisely tuned for the various modes, including Comfort, Eco-Pro, Sport, and Sport Plus. Comfort mode tones down the sporty character of the car and turns it into a comfortable cruiser, while Eco-Pro reduces fuel consumption by keeping the revs as low as possible and reducing climate control strength. Sport mode livens up the drive with better throttle responses, more accurate steering, quicker shifting gears, and - of course - louder engine sounds. Sport Plus can be overkill for some, as it reduces the traction settings, makes the ride even firmer, and introduces a launch control feature.

For hardcore drivers, the M-Sport Package is available as well to increase the top speed, tighten up suspension, and add an aerodynamic kit, all aimed at increasing the performance aspect of the Coupe.

When it comes to sports coupes, BMW used to dominate with their winning combination of sporty handling and blistering performance. Nowadays, there are many worthy competitors like the Mercedes C-class Coupe, the Lexus RC350, and the Audi A5 jostling for the top spot. Although the BMW still has some tricks up its sleeve to keep them at bay, it manages to do so by only a hair's breadth.

It's almost unusual for BMW to find itself trying to measure up to rivals, but such is the case with the 4 Series Coupe - with core competitors such as the Audi A5 and the Merc C-Class gunning for the top spot in this segment as well. At least these competitors have the advantage of comprehensive feature-lists, while the 4 Series is left wanting without additional packages installed. For a premium German coupe, the infotainment system doesn't live up to expectations and lacks basic smartphone integration or even the modernity of a touchscreen. It's nonsensical in this segment to require additional costs for Apple CarPlay while much cheaper vehicles include it as standard. With extra packages almost necessary to bring the 4 Series into the arena with the A5 and Mercedes C-Class, an inflated overall price can be expected just for important elements like blind-spot detection and heated seats - features which should be standard on a vehicle of this caliber.

It's not all bad though, and the 4 Series does have the advantage of being a spectacular car to drive. It excels as an enjoyable, lifestyle-oriented coupe with impressive engine performance on the range-topping 440i, offers a quiet and serene cabin and still has the option of outfitting the legendary M Sport styling and capabilities.

It stands to reason that the more inexpensive model would be an obvious choice, but given the need to equip packages - and the fact that buying a Coupe is somewhat of an investment - buyers may as well go the whole way and opt for the 440i. It offers the more powerful engine and opens up availability to premium-level packages that will further enhance the driver's experience. Hardcore purists would want the rear-wheel-drive version with the optional six-speed manual transmission for added engagement, and would probably get the most out of the M Sport or Track Handling packages. If your goal is to invest in a luxury cruiser for relaxed outings, however, the 430i is a good choice with its lower price; this frees up your budget for some of the much-needed advanced driver safety features that need to be purchased additionally, as well as any comfort accessories that would enhance the level of luxury inside.

Mercedes has always been BMW's most direct rival and the two German manufacturers have been duking it out for years, most notably in the luxury and performance segments. In this case, both entry-level Coupe's have starting costs of between $43,200 and $43,500, with Mercedes hanging on to the lower price. For the entry-spec model, the Mercedes offering churns out 241 hp and 273 lb-ft, which is not all that different from the 248 hp, 258 lb-ft 430i. Both vehicles feature similar drivetrains, with all-wheel-drive optional to both; the BMW does have the added advantage of offering a six-speed manual, though. Top-range Coupe's share fewer features in the sense that the 440i (priced at $51,900) is capable of 320 hp, while the C43 can make 362 hp, although costing $4,000 more.

Mechanics aside, the Mercedes C-Class is known for its elegant and plush interior, and as such, offers a much classier cabin than the BMW, with a better infotainment system and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to boot. Without the need for extensive package-customization, as well as it's better performance on the top-end model, the Mercedes C-Class Coupe is the better cruiser of the two.

Times have certainly changed when Lexus has upped their game sufficiently to allow for comparison with a BMW sports coupe - but the RC is both a testament to Lexus' improvements, as well as BMW's need to remain on their toes. While the BMW 4 Series maintains its signature good looks, Lexus has gone all out in creating a fresh, stylish, and assertive coupe. With the benefits of superior cabin craftsmanship and sublime ride quality, the Lexus is a serious contender in this segment. Differences in entry-level pricing are negligible, but basic powertrain configurations are quite different. While the 430i is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four developing 248 hp and 258 lb-ft, the entry-point to the Lexus RC range is equipped with a similarly powered 241 hp 2.0-liter turbo, with a 3.5-liter V6 with 311 horses and 277 lb-ft available on the RC350. Not only does the Lexus impress with a powerful base engine and a smooth, comfortable ride, it is also well-specced with standard features that don't require the purchase of additional packages just to get on par with driver safety. Die-hard BMW fans will still opt for the superior dynamics of the 4 Series (especially in manual configuration), but we are inclined to give the Lexus RC the benefit of the doubt in lieu of comfort and value for money.