Panel Upgrade: Fourplex in Los Angeles

[Joel A.]

I am rehabbing an old fourplex in the Los Angeles area, consisting of two detached duplexes. The electric panels need upgrading and it is a huge cost since DWP is requiring that I put all the new meters (4+1 house panel) in one location, which requires a 40 ft trench to connect the two buildings. All 4 units are 1 bedroom units, with 4 separate garage spaces for each unit. I plan to upgrade all the appliances, add a washer dryer and a mini split ac/heater for each unit. I'm debating whether I should upgrade to 200 or 400 amp. I've had several differing opinions from electricians. The majority of them are saying I need a 400 amp, while a few are saying 200amp is sufficient. So my question is for all the fourplex/apartment owners and electricians/gcs out there, is a 200 amp main sufficient to serve 4 units+1 common area, or would i need to upgrade to 400amp? 5 gang 200 amp vs a 5 gang 400 amp main?