Review
BMW’s 3 Series Coupé and Convertible are no more after three generations. In their place comes the 4 Series, which BMW says will reflect the fact it is a fresh design in its own right, not a 3 Series with fewer doors and a lower roofline.
On sale from this month, the 4 Series is longer and lower than the 3 Series Coupé it replaces. It also provides extensive equipment upgrades over its predecessor. BMW is confident it will sell about 9,000 4 Series Coupés in its first full year, which looks like being its most successful performance since 2008, when it sold 11,098 3 Series Coupes.
Buyers won’t be disappointed with the premium-level comforts on offer. Standard kit for all models includes front and rear parking sensors, auto lights and wipers, xenon headlights, alloy wheels, DAB radio, leather upholstery, dual zone air-con, cruise control and an iDrive controller with a 6.5in colour screen.
Customers wanting more can up-spec from SE trim to Sport or Modern for £1,500, Luxury for £2,500 or M Sport for £3,000, so it’s a simple step-up for BMW salespeople to manage. Sport and Modern involve largely stylistic changes and 18in alloys, while Luxury adds sat-nav, telematics and BMW’s emergency call system. M Sport gets a bodykit and upgraded suspension and brakes.
From its launch this month, the 4 Series is offered with three powertrains: a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol, a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel, which will be the biggest seller.
Gearbox options include a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic with a launch control function and paddle-shifters.
From November, the range will expand, with the addition of a lower-powered 2.0-litre petrol engine and two 3.0-litre turbodiesels. xDrive all-wheel drive is standard on certain models.
All models feature start-stop and, crucially for BIK-conscious company car users, have CO2 emissions as low as 121g/km.
With a wider track and longer wheelbase than the 3 Series, 50:50 weight distribution and the lowest centre of gravity of any current BMW, the 4 Series has been well positioned to provide a dynamic driving experience. It doesn’t fail. And remarkably it still delivers the efficiency that so many potential customers now expect.
What’s been said about the BMW 4 Series Coupé
The 4 Series carries a premium of just over £3,000 over the 3 Series, but this isn’t excessive given the extra style and equipment it offers. The 4 Series is also priced in line with the rival Audi A5 and Mercedes C-Class Coupé, and is better to drive than both. If you’re after a classy, four-seat coupé, the 4 Series is definitely worth considering.
It is clearly a more appealing car than the old 3 Series coupé – and ultimately better handling and more rounded, too. It will appeal equally to enthusiasts and those simply in the market for something touting a fair portion of exclusivity and bragging rights.
Despite the marketing obfuscation, the 4 Series is a great car to drive, although tyre choice is crucial. The rear seats are cramped, however, and it costs at least £3,000 more than the regular 3 Series. Beware the options list, too.
As editor, Tim is responsible for the media content, planning and production of AM's multiple channels (AM print and digital magazines, website, social media and contributing to our events planning). He interviews and writes about as many franchised dealer groups and UK divisions of motor manufacturers as possible, to explore the issues facing UK motor retail and understand what solutions dealers and suppliers are using to overcome these.
Factsheet
- Price
- £28,280-£43,900
- Engine
- (at launch) 2.0-litre petrol: 245bhp; 3.0-litre petrol: 306bhp; 2.0-litre diesel: 184bhp
- Performance
- 0-62mph 5.1-7.5secs, top speed 144-155mph
- Transmission
- 6sp man, 8sp auto
- Efficiency
- 34.9-60.1mpg, 121-189g/km CO2
- RV 3yr/30k
- 42.6%
- Key rivals
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé, Audi A5 Coupé, Infiniti G37 Coupé