BMW 4 Series vs smart fortwo
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Coupes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 1 Oct 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
BMW 4 Series
From $83,500
Coupe
Petrol
Petrol
135kW
6.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
440L
smart fortwo
Price TBC
Coupe
Petrol
Petrol
52kW
4.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
smart fortwo: we're still completing price, length, width, height and wheelbase, plus 7 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The BMW 4 Series stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the smart fortwo. The smart fortwo counters with panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW 4 Series gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the smart fortwo offers black fabric with leather-optic side bolsters.
Drivetrain
The BMW 4 Series uses a Petrol producing 135kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The smart fortwo responds with a Petrol making 52kW and 92Nm, paired to a 5-speed soft-touch automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.
The BMW 4 Series has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 52kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m diameter
Average
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.9 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,824/year for the BMW 4 Series and $1,254/year for the smart fortwo. That is a $570 annual difference in favour of the smart fortwo.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 4 Series if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart fortwo if: You want lower running costs, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 4 Series comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (59 vs 40), taking 1 of 2 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (BMW 4 Series ahead by 45), performance (BMW 4 Series ahead by 28), reliability (BMW 4 Series ahead by 28). The smart fortwo will save you roughly $570 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW 4 Series and smart fortwo?
The BMW 4 Series is the cheapest at $83,500 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The smart fortwo uses the least fuel at 4.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW 4 Series and smart fortwo carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 4 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 4 Series makes the most power at 135kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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