2021 BMW 430i Coupe Review

Written By: Jerry Reynolds | May 17, 2021 1:00:00 AM

This week I am taking a look at the totally redesigned 2021 BMW 430i coupe. This is essentially a 3-Series BMW sedan, but in a two-door body.

Exterior

So, let’s address the elephant in the room: The new grill is polarizing and garners a very mixed reaction. On the Car Pro Facebook page, pictures of it are divided between love it, and absolutely hate it. Personally, I like the aggressive look, but that’s just me.

I find the overall exterior looks of the 430i to be attractive in Mineral White, with beautiful 19” wheels and blue brake calipers. The lines are distinct, and the swooping roofline looks great.

Performance

Under the hood, you’ll find a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine with twin turbos that puts out 255-horses, which sounds light for a BMW, but it has 295-pound feet of torque that carries you from 0-to-60 in a respectable 5.5 seconds. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic with shift paddles. My review vehicle is the rear wheel drive version, but all-wheel is available. The 4-Series is also available in a convertible.

Interior

As you expect with a BMW, the interior is fantastic. There are super comfortable and bolstered front seats with power adjustments on both sides. In this one, they are heated, but not ventilated.

The gauge cluster is pretty amazing and is 12.3” and changes with each drive mode. In the middle, there is a map to show you exactly where you are. I was impressed with the color head-up display that projects on the windshield directly in front of you.

The center console is well laid out with the shifter, a switch to turn off the start/stop, you can activate the Auto Hold feature, which I love, and this is where you choose your drive modes.

Your drive mode options are: Sport (of course my fav), Comfort, Eco Pro for the best fuel economy, and Adaptive so you can set the car up as you wish.

Also on the console, is a cubby that is covered and gives you two cup holders, a wireless phone charger, and a USB port.

The round knob on the console is the i-Drive, which operates everything on the 8.8” touchscreen above the console. If you prefer, it is also operated by touch, and I love that you get the choice.

Either way you choose, you operate the Harmon Kardon sound system, the navigation system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, Sirius XM, and HD radio. This is also where you see the fantastic camera system.

You can also load in your own apps and activate Caring Car, a 3-minute program meant to invigorate the occupants with music, climate controls, and lights. It’s pretty cool and a nice touch.

For a coupe, the back seat is actually usable. BMW makes entry easy with power sliding front seats, and once you are seated, head room is ample, but leg room will be tight for people six-foot tall or more. Rear occupants get their own climate control, a fold down center console with cupholders, and USB charging ports.

The trunk space is good and has a wide opening. You can pop the trunk from inside or on your key fob, but closing is manual.

Standard Features

Standard features include a large power moonroof, blind spot monitoring, keyless entry, LED headlights, frontal collision warning and much more. This car comes extremely well equipped.

Verdict

Fuel economy is good at 26 city, and it will do 34 on the highway. Total MSRP as you see it here is $59,220, which is in line with the Audi A5, and the Mercedes C-Class, its top competitors.

Overall, this coupe is impressive. Visibility is good, acceleration is fantastic, and it is whisper quiet inside. For sure, this should be on your shopping list if you are in the market for a luxury coupe.

The Sad Ending To My Review

On my third full day of my time with the 430i coupe, I hit a pothole going about 30 miles per hour. It destroyed the right front tire. If you have low profile tires like this vehicle does, it doesn’t take much to blow one out. Luckily the wheel was not damaged.

Sad Ending