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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Base Price | $45,409–$54,854 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 BMW 4 Series at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this coupe. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.5/10, while Reliability at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.7/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 8.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.5/10. The BMW 4 Series delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.2/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $45,409–$54,854, 25 MPG, seating 4, the BMW 4 Series sits in the premium tier of the coupe category. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 BMW 4 Series is a solid, well-rounded coupe that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is value and reliability — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 BMW 4 Series ranks #42 of 110 coupes in the Carivo database — better than 63% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $45,409 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $47,314.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Coupe ranking →
Across the 4 Series model years we've scored, the 2021 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.9/10 | $51,397 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.8/10 | $49,900 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.8/10 | $48,403 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $46,906 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $45,409 |
We rate the 2021 BMW 4 Series's reliability 6.7/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #42 of 110 coupes in our database (better than 63% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2021 BMW 4 Series starts at $45,409 and ranges up to $54,854 across trims (MSRP when new). At 25 MPG, expect roughly $2,100/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of BMW models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.