BMW has forged a formidable reputation with a long line of impressive coupes and the latest edition - the all new 4 Series is a stunner.
Effectively the next generation of the 3 Series Coupe, you won't be surprised to find that the 4 Series follows the 3 Series quite closely in terms of engine lineup.
At the top of the table is the 435i, followed by the 428i, and last but not least, the newcomer 420i which sums up the 4 Series range locally.
We remembered having a hell lot of fun with the 435i and this time around, we got to bring the baby 4 Series out for spin to see if it is just as entertaining.
Up close and Personal
Kudos to you if you can spot the difference in flesh between the 420i and its other half in a glance. Look closely enough and maybe you can find your answer.
The 435i sports twin exhaust pipes and wears 19-inch shoes whereas its younger brother's feet are one size smaller with only one tailpipe.
But both cars sport the same long and wide look, a spearing bonnet as well as beautifully sculpted coachwork, which is really visually arresting.
The 4 Series demands its sporting rights as soon as you are seated in the cockpit. You'll feel that you sit considerably lower than in the 3 Series sedan but the dashboard and high-quality fit and finish have been carried over.
The 4 Series is also more spacious in the back than the old 3 Series Coupe, helped by a longer wheelbase of 50mm, but the headroom has been compromised slightly by the sloping roofline, which may induce a bit of cabin fever for some passengers.
The Drive
Under the hood of the 420i is BMW's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 184bhp and 270Nm of torque.
You may not get the oomph that the 435i's 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged engine offers, but the smaller lump in the 420i dishes out its stuff in a smooth and linear manner.
The 2.0-litre simply loves to rev and has plenty of mid-range stomp. It gives the car more than adequate performance and is a proper feel-good engine. Paired with the slick eight-speed automatic transmission, the combination is a marvellous one.
While the 435i is more dynamic than the 420i, it's very similar to drive. With the lowest centre of gravity in the whole of BMW's lineup, the car is superbly settled on the roads.
Throw the car around corners and you will see why - the 4 Series will stay planted and secure with a low rate of roll.
Under the hood of the 420i is BMW's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 184bhp and 270Nm of torque.
You may not get the oomph that the 435i's 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged engine offers, but the smaller lump in the 420i dishes out its stuff in a smooth and linear manner.
The 2.0-litre simply loves to rev and has plenty of mid-range stomp. It gives the car more than adequate performance and is a proper feel-good engine. Paired with the slick eight-speed automatic transmission, the combination is a marvellous one.
While the 435i is more dynamic than the 420i, it's very similar to drive. With the lowest centre of gravity in the whole of BMW's lineup, the car is superbly settled on the roads.
Throw the car around corners and you will see why - the 4 Series will stay planted and secure with a low rate of roll.
And just like its bigger brother, the 420i feels the most alive when it's spun into Sport mode where the steering, throttle response and gear shifts are spruced up. This results in a nimble and precise driving experience that is particularly rewarding.
There may not be Adaptive M suspension like what you get on the 435i, but springs on the 420i are just about firm and thanks to smaller 18-inch wheels, the 420i delivers a ride that is slightly cushier than its brethren.
Conclusion
The big new number in the BMW coupe range carries an aura of style everywhere it rolls. But style aside, the 4 Series is a car for drivers and provides decent performance even in the entry-level model.
And at $244,800 (as of 21st March 2014), the 420i is $76,000 cheaper than the top-of-the-range 435i, so for those looking for a decent day-to-day coupe instead of a powerhouse, the base variant of the 4 Series may just be your cup of tea.
