BMW 3-Series models are everywhere, a sure sign of the premium brand’s success in the compact executive sector. But with increased sales comes ubiquity. To combat this, BMW has decided to differentiate its 3-Series Saloon and Coupe versions; the latter is now called the 4-Series and offers exclusivity in the shape of sporty coupe styling over its more sedate saloon sibling. While you can see the resemblance with its 3-Series Coupe predecessor, it’s a longer, lower and wider car, with its widest point at the rear wheel arches; there’s a 50mm increase in wheelbase, with an overall length rise of 26mm, while it’s 43mm wider with a 16mm-lower roofline. Lowered suspension also means the model has the lowest centre of gravity of any current BMW. The engine line-up reflects the 3-Series, and the car also introduces the option of all-wheel-drive for the first time, alongside its trusty rear-wheel-drive offering. Performance 4.5/5 We tested the top-of-the-range 435i, which is the most fun you’ll find in a 4-Series Coupe. The 3.0-litre V6 powertrain with 306bhp is seriously pokey, hitting 62mph in 5.4 seconds (5.1 seconds in auto) with a top speed of 155mph. Those figures mean it loses to the Audi S5 Quattro which achieves the benchmark sprint in 4.9 seconds, but it’s considerably faster than the Mercedes C-Class Coupe C350 AMG Sport Plus at 6 seconds flat. From low revs to the red line, there’s torque a-plenty with 295lb ft between 1200 and 5000rpm. This isn’t a car to let out a roar at start-up, but instead, it’s elegantly quick, moving up its six-gear range with ease and finesse, making it a pleasure at traffic light getaways to motorway cruises to twisty country roads. Ride and handling 5/5 The 435i comes into its own on the handling front, with accurate and precise steering allowing you to chuck it into corners with total confidence. Grip is also exceptional with understeer near-eradicated and any minor errors of driver input quickly corrected by this finely engineered creation. There isn’t a sense of go-faster in this car, but that’s no complaint; the 435i is effortless in any situation, but with the power and agility to handle whatever is thrown at it. Then there’s the different driving modes – Sport is the winner for putting it through its paces on open rural roads, while Comfort is best for cruising. And our car was fitted with Adaptive M Sport Suspension, a £515 extra, which makes the car firmer, with even sharper steering. And yet, despite this (and the 19-inch alloy options), the 435i soaks up bumps surprisingly well, making it a much more useable model than you might expect. Interior 5/5 Anyone familiar with a 3-Series will know the interior well. It’s a cocooning, comfortable cabin with well-designed and useable controls. Standard spec includes front and rear parking sensors, heated front seats, leather steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth, while our M Sport trim adds 18-inch alloys, lots of aesthetic tweaks inside and out and that M Sport suspension. There is also a generous amount of space in the back for two rear passengers, considering its two-door coupe status. Head room is slightly compromised for taller bods, but still respectable, while boot size is only marginally smaller than a 3-Series saloon – 445 litres versus 480 litres – although, admittedly, access isn’t so user-friendly. Running costs 4/5 As the most power-hungry iteration, the 435i is never going to be the most cost-effective 4-Series, emitting 185g/km with combined economy figures of 35.8mpg. If you opt for the eight-speed auto ‘box, those figures will improve to 169g and 39.2mpg. Sensible buyers will opt for the prevalent 420d, which makes up 60% of sales, which emits as little as 121g in auto mode with 61.4mpg. Our spec-laden 435i M Sport in manual costs £41,435, while the 420d starts from £31,795, making the latter a surefire business case. Still, you won’t have as much fun as in the 435i. Verdict 4.5/5 BMW has usurped its predecessor with the 4 Series Coupe, with swish looks, high levels of comfort and outstanding driving dynamics. Equivalent competitors – the Audi S5 Quattro and Mercedes C-Class coupe in C350 AMG Sport Plus trim – are good, but the 4-Series takes the class lead with this brilliant model.
Our Rating
