BMW 2 Series G42 vs BMW 4 Series F32
BMW 2 Series
G42 · 2021 – 2026
The second-generation 2 Series Coupé (G42), on the CLAR platform.
BMW 4 Series
F32 · 2014 – 2020
The first-generation 4 Series Coupé (F32), on the rear-wheel-drive F30 platform.
BMW 2 Series
Pick the 2 Series Coupé for a usable, daily rear-wheel-drive coupé with a strong engine range.
BMW 4 Series
Pick the F32 for the pre-2020 4 Series Coupé with timeless lines and the eager B58 (440i) — before the G22’s controversial grille.
Performance
220i · Petrol vs 420i · Petrol
| BMW 2 Series | BMW 4 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
184 hp
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
Winner
|
290 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,5 s
|
7,3 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
236 km/h
|
236 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
119,5 hp/t
|
120,3 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
150 g/km
|
145 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,5 L/100km
|
6,2 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 2 Series | BMW 4 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
390 L
|
445 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.200 L
|
1.200 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,74 m
|
2,81 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,54 m
|
4,64 m
|
| Ground clearance |
14,0 cm
|
13,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,1 m
Winner
|
11,3 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.600 kg
|
1.800 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 2 Series | BMW 4 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel drive) | F30/F32 (rear-wheel drive) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 petrol · B47 2.0 diesel (mild-hybrid) | N20/B48 2.0 · N55/B58 3.0 petrol · N47/B47 2.0 diesel |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual · 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- Cooling-system plastic parts (expansion tank/hoses)
- Oil-filter housing / valve-cover gasket seepage
- Steering-related campaigns (early cars, VIN-specific)
- N20 timing chain (early 420i/428i, pre-2016)
- N55 charge pipe and oil leaks (435i)
- Cooling-system plastic parts (expansion tank/hoses)
Pros
- Bigger, wider and more mature than the F22
- B48/B58 are a clear reliability step over N20/N55
- M240i (B58) remains the enthusiast favourite and holds value
- LCI (2017) brought better B48/B58 engines and iDrive
- Timeless coupé line without the G22 grille
- xDrive available for all-weather traction
Cons
- No convertible in this generation
- No manual gearbox available
- N20 pre-LCI engines carry timing-chain risk
- Tight rear seats and access for this class
Driving experience
BMW 2 Series
Bigger, heavier and more grown-up than the F22, but still rear-wheel drive. The G42 rides with better isolation, steers accurately with decent weighting, and remains balanced and adjustable through corners, if a touch less playful than before. Rear-drive is standard; xDrive on the M240i adds grip and pace. The B48 four is smooth and efficient, the B58 six in the M240i is strong and fast, and the 220d is the economical distance pick. The 8-speed automatic is excellent; there is no manual in this generation. It is a more mature, more comfortable car than the F22, with the same rear-drive character and less of the edge.
BMW 4 Series
Classic BMW dynamics: precise steering, balanced chassis and strong rear-drive feel. The car is engaging on twisty roads and stable at speed. xDrive versions are more neutral and secure in poor conditions. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) offers a useful range. The B58 440i is the standout for character and refinement; B48 four-cylinders are smooth and responsive. Early N20 and N55 cars are also capable but feel less refined than the later B-series engines. Overall a stylish, driver-focused coupé that prioritises dynamics over pure comfort.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
BMW 2 Series
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
BMW 4 Series
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
