How much of a difference does a name or number make? BMW has recently decided that all its sporty models should have an even number in their title, just like the 6 Series and the upcoming 2 Series, hence the arrival of the new 4.
So two-door BMW cars - both coupes and convertibles - begin with even numbers, while odd numbers are reserved for more family-friendly sedans and wagons.
The car you see here is the new BMW 4 Series, a brand new model number in the BMW range that waves goodbye to the outgoing 3 Series coupe - in a similar way to Audi with the A5 range, which changed the game in this segment and proved to be a smash hit.
Exterior
Compare the exterior looks of the 4 Series to the last iteration of the 3 Series coupe and the newcomer is indeed a sexy evolution in two-door design, paying respects to past generations while flirting with some details from the bigger 6 Series.
In fact, the 4 Series is a bit wider and longer than the 3 Series coupe, giving it a more hunkered down look that will catch the attention of onlookers.
Besides that, there are two new vertical airflow zones on the sides of the apron (called Air Curtains) that improve airflow around the front wheels. And together with new vents in the front wings (called Air Breathers), which reduce drag around the front wheels, they help to boost fuel efficiency.
Still it's no surprise to see plenty of styling similarities between the 4 Series and the 3 Series. The 4er has the same aggressive front end and angular Xenon headlights, while the trademark BMW twin rings look menacing, especially in the rear view mirror of the car in front.
At the rear, the 4 Series sports beefy haunches and a rump that looks like its keeping those rear-drive tyres pinned to the asphalt. L-shaped tail lights act as a seamless continuation of the swage line along the side of the car, complemented by twin exhaust pipes that round up the whole sporty look.
Interior
Like the 3 Series with which it shares a platform and many of its styling elements, the 4 Series is stunning inside, and only the most enthusiastic nitpicker will find fault with this layout and design.
The layout will be familiar to anyone who's driven a 3 Series, with the same combination of a simple yet smart layout and an upmarket feel. Perhaps the overall design of the 4 Series' cabin comes across as being a bit too normal and lacks that excitement.
There is a terrific sports car feel to the steering wheel and low seating position, with the sports seats in red Dakota leather nicely contoured, hugging you comfortably.
Like the 3 Series with which it shares a platform and many of its styling elements, the 4 Series is stunning inside, and only the most enthusiastic nitpicker will find fault with this layout and design.
The layout will be familiar to anyone who's driven a 3 Series, with the same combination of a simple yet smart layout and an upmarket feel. Perhaps the overall design of the 4 Series' cabin comes across as being a bit too normal and lacks that excitement.
There is a terrific sports car feel to the steering wheel and low seating position, with the sports seats in red Dakota leather nicely contoured, hugging you comfortably.
The asymmetrical dash is driver centric, with controls leaning slightly towards the captain's seat. Other switches on the centre console are also easily accessed, including BMW's revised touchpad iDrive controller, which allows handwritten manoeuvres to be executed.
As a result of a wheelbase that is 50mm longer than the outgoing 3 Series Coupe, rear passengers get more room for comfort, although headroom for taller passengers could have been a little more generous.
Just aft the rear seats is a 445 litre cargo hold, which can also be easily accessed via an automatic boot lid release function - a simple swipe of the foot below the rear bumper.
The Drive
The car we have here is the top of the range 435i, equipped with the ever popular 3.0-litre in-line six turbocharged lump, which sends 306 horses and 450Nm of torque to the rear wheels.
At low revs, the powerplant is very well-mannered and offers decent pulling power. Give the right pedal a bit more pressure and power swells in delectably and linearly, making the drive effortless.
Tagged to the slick-shifting eight-speed transmission, it propels the 435i to the century mark in 5.1 seconds - a tad faster than the Lotus Evora but a wee bit slower than the Audi S5 Coupe.
Sitting 10mm lower than a 3 Series sedan, the 4 Series has the lowest centre of gravity of any model in the current BMW range, including the sporty Z4 roadster.
The car we have here is the top of the range 435i, equipped with the ever popular 3.0-litre in-line six turbocharged lump, which sends 306 horses and 450Nm of torque to the rear wheels.
At low revs, the powerplant is very well-mannered and offers decent pulling power. Give the right pedal a bit more pressure and power swells in delectably and linearly, making the drive effortless.
Tagged to the slick-shifting eight-speed transmission, it propels the 435i to the century mark in 5.1 seconds - a tad faster than the Lotus Evora but a wee bit slower than the Audi S5 Coupe.
Sitting 10mm lower than a 3 Series sedan, the 4 Series has the lowest centre of gravity of any model in the current BMW range, including the sporty Z4 roadster.
Furnish a wider rear track, adaptive M-tuned springs and dampers, and it's no surprise that the 4 Series feels even more engaging from behind the wheel than the 3 Series sedan.
The 4 Series' steering is also nicely weighted and to swing from corner to corner with that rewardingly precise feeling is a real joy.
Conclusion
All in all, the new 4 Series is a practical, four-seater coupe with a decent boot and plenty of quality. More importantly, it lives up to BMW's and its own image by being an entertaining drive on a journey of any length.
If you are looking for an engaging, eye-catching and emotional sports coupe, the BMW 4 Series may just be for you.
