Sector: Compact Executive Price (October 2013): £31,575–£41,435 Fuel: 34.9–60.1mpg CO2: 124–189g/km

As it adds more models into the 3 Series range – such as the 3 Series GT – BMW has decided that the former 3 Series Coupé will now be known as the 4 Series.

The new naming strategy, says the German manufacturer, is also in-keeping with the rise of the 6 Series and X6, where the emphasis is on a sportier proposition than the popular 5 Series and X5 models respectively. The “4” manages to continue this trend with a lower and wider vehicle than the 3 Series saloon, in a development that is, the company tells us, much more than a re-badging exercise from the outgoing Coupé.

Dropping the car 10mm closer to the ground, compared with the 3 Series saloon, means the 4 Series’ centre of gravity falls to below 500mm, which is the lowest figure of any car in the BMW range. There are chassis improvements front and back, with a front axle that is 60% stiffer than the one found on the 3 Series Coupé, the result being a steering setup that is more precise and has more feel.

Customers will benefit from an increased level of standard equipment on the 4 Series, compared with the 3 Series Coupé. Items include: an upgraded iDrive system; automatic boot, wipers and lights; front and rear parking sensors; multi-function steering wheel; and heated front seats. The likes of adaptive cruise control, head-up display, park assist and BMW’s “Professional Multimedia” navigation unit are offered as options on all models.

Packaging-wise, there is 12mm more legroom in the rear of the car, while the boot has been expanded and can now swallow 445 litres, an improvement of five litres on the outgoing model.

There are five trim levels – SE, Sport, Modern, Luxury and M Sport – to choose from, with M Sport specification promising to account for the biggest slice of 4 Series sales in the UK. Across the board there is a greater use of quality materials in the cabin, with more leather and high gloss finishes throughout. The seats are comfortable and offer plenty of support, while the driving position offers an unobstructed view of the road, and the instrument panel.

Three 4 Series versions will be available from launch: the petrol-powered 428i and 435i with 245 and 306bhp respectively, with diesel customers being offered the 420d, which puts out 184bhp. BMW hasn’t been resting on its laurels when it comes to its EfficientDynamics with the 4 Series. Efficiency improvements, such as air breathers and aero curtains situated behind and ahead of the front wheel arches respectively, have helped cut CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy throughout the range.

The manual and automatic versions of the 435i emit 185 and 169g/km respectively, down from 196g/km in the outgoing model. The new 420d’s CO2 emissions, meanwhile, fall from 125g to 124g/km in the manual, and from 140 to 121g/km in the auto.

The UK is expected to be the second biggest market for the 4 Series – after the US – with a 12% share. BMW expects to sell in the region of 9,000 4 Series in its first full year, and is predicting close to 46,000 sales of the car here, over the course of its seven-year lifecycle.

The current models, which go on sale on 5 October, will be joined by other 2.0 and 3.0-litre engined versions by the end of 2013. Through 2014, buyers can expect more models, including all-wheel-drive capabilities of xDrive. BMW says the system has proved a popular addition to its fleet, especially in the north of England and Scotland, where there is a high takeup rate.

Verdict:

BMW has been clever in its positioning of the 4 Series, and is sure to attract a lot of current 3 Series drivers, as well as those from rival brands. Those who do not require the practicality of a four-door 3 Series saloonwill prefer the dynamics of this car, which offers an impressive ride and handling compromise.

SECTOR Compact Executive PRICE £31,575–£41,435 FUEL 34.9–60.1mpg CO2 124–189g/km

As it adds more models into the 3 Series range – such as the 3 Series GT – BMW has decided that the former 3 Series Coupé will now be known as the 4 Series.

The new naming strategy, says the German manufacturer, is also in-keeping with the rise of the 6 Series and X6, where the emphasis is on a sportier proposition than the popular 5 Series and X5 models respectively. The “4” manages to continue this trend with a lower and wider vehicle than the 3 Series saloon, in a development that is, the company tells us, much more than a re-badging exercise from the outgoing Coupé.

Dropping the car 10mm closer to the ground, compared with the 3 Series saloon, means the 4 Series’ centre of gravity falls to below 500mm, which is the lowest figure of any car in the BMW range. There are chassis improvements front and back, with a front axle that is 60% stiffer than the one found on the 3 Series Coupé, the result being a steering setup that is more precise and has more feel.

Customers will benefit from an increased level of standard equipment on the 4 Series, compared with the 3 Series Coupé. Items include: an upgraded iDrive system; automatic boot, wipers and lights; front and rear parking sensors; multi-function steering wheel; and heated front seats. The likes of adaptive cruise control, head-up display, park assist and BMW’s “Professional Multimedia” navigation unit are offered as options on all models.

Packaging-wise, there is 12mm more legroom in the rear of the car, while the boot has been expanded and can now swallow 445 litres, an improvement of five litres on the outgoing model.

There are five trim levels – SE, Sport, Modern, Luxury and M Sport – to choose from, with M Sport specification promising to account for the biggest slice of 4 Series sales in the UK. Across the board there is a greater use of quality materials in the cabin, with more leather and high gloss finishes throughout. The seats are comfortable and offer plenty of support, while the driving position offers an unobstructed view of the road, and the instrument panel.

Three 4 Series versions will be available from launch: the petrol-powered 428i and 435i with 245 and 306bhp respectively, with diesel customers being offered the 420d, which puts out 184bhp. BMW hasn’t been resting on its laurels when it comes to its EfficientDynamics with the 4 Series. Efficiency improvements, such as air breathers and aero curtains situated behind and ahead of the front wheel arches respectively, have helped cut CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy throughout the range.

The manual and automatic versions of the 435i emit 185 and 169g/km respectively, down from 196g/km in the outgoing model. The new 420d’s CO2 emissions, meanwhile, fall from 125g to 124g/km in the manual, and from 140 to 121g/km in the auto.

The UK is expected to be the second biggest market for the 4 Series – after the US – with a 12% share. BMW expects to sell in the region of 9,000 4 Series in its first full year, and is predicting close to 46,000 sales of the car here, over the course of its seven-year lifecycle.

The current models, which go on sale on 5 October, will be joined by other 2.0 and 3.0-litre engined versions by the end of 2013. Through 2014, buyers can expect more models, including all-wheel-drive capabilities of xDrive. BMW says the system has proved a popular addition to its fleet, especially in the north of England and Scotland, where there is a high take-up rate.

Verdict

BMW has been clever in its positioning of the 4 Series, and is sure to attract a lot of current 3 Series drivers, as well as those from rival brands. Those who do not require the practicality of a four-door 3 Series saloon will prefer the dynamics of this car, which offers an impressive ride and handling compromise.

Highlights

• Extra spec need not cost the earth – 420d represents a price premium of just £540 over the outgoing 3 Series Coupé.
• The performance package, and the improved driving dynamics make a real difference to both the 435i and the 420d.
• A lower and wider stance might give the 4 Series extra visual presence on the road, but the real benefits are found behind the wheel.