I’ve just survived the launch of the new BMW 4 Series. Honestly, they made me drive the latest coupe across the Western Cape, and then stay in a nice hotel. I don’t know how I got through it all.

But it does mean that I can now tell you about the replacement to the venerable BMW 3 Series Coupe which no longer exists. BMW is trying to clean up their naming system, so even-numbered Series will represent the Coupe version of the sedan (odd-numbered) Series; ie the 2 Series is the coupe of the 1 Series, the 6 Series is the two-door of the 5 Series.

I’ve never been too fussed about names and numbers but this does seem a good policy, if they stick to it (which given the 4-door 6 Series Gran Coupe, they probably won’t). It’s also worth noting at this point that the two numbers that follow the Series number do not necessarily refer to engine size any longer. The 428 is fitted with a 2.0 litre turbo, and the 435 runs a 3.0 litre turbo.

Unfortunately I didn’t get to drive the 435 very much, or on very challenging roads, so I will focus on the 428, which will likely be the volume seller in the range, at least until the arrival of the entry level 420 in March next year.

BMW 428 looks and engine

I drove the 428 first in a striking blue hue, unique to the Sport line. The car looks simply fantastic in this colour, although the dark grey/silver pictured also works well. That blue manages to hark back to BMW’s M-Sport past, as well as looking right up to date, showing off all the coupe’s swoopiness. It’s the colour I’d have, although in pictures the white seems to work very well – sadly there were none on the test fleet.

The 4 Series doesn’t share any sheet metal with the 3 Series, and is longer, wider and lower. It manages to bring in lines from the bigger 6 Series and 3 Series, the latter particularly around the nose.

The 428 is powered by a 4 cylinder engine. It’s a superb powerplant, the exhaust of which has been cleverly tuned for a bassier, sportier note, belying the engine size. With 180kW and 350Nm on tap, I never felt like there was a shortage of grunt.

Overtaking manouvers are a breeze; the 8 speed auto’box dropping a few cogs, helps you blast past that pesky grain truck. But it’s in the twisties that the 4 Series as a package really comes together.

We averaged 10.2 litres/100km (which is off the claimed 6.6 litres/100m) on mostly long open roads, even though we were mostly in sport mode. I recommend sticking to EcoPro mode in urban driving, which will certainly bring your consumption down.

BMW 4 Series Coupe handling and drive

The 4 Series is one of the widest BMW’s ever, and has the lowest centre of gravity of any BMW production model. The wheelbase is just a little longer than the 3 Series, with shorter overhangs, meaning much of the weight is centred in the middle of the car, and you can feel it. The car seems to pivot around the centre, with very predictable and confidence inspiring handling. In fact, it’s so planted, you have to really push to remind yourself that it’s a rear wheel drive.

It’s easy to be precise with the front end and while I felt there could be a bit more feedback through the wheel, there’s certainly enough information coming through to your palms. The brakes are particularly impressive and just feel right.

For the sporting minded driver, who needs something more practical than something like a BMW Z4, the 4 Series could be all the car you’ll ever need. With a spacious boot and rear seats that fold flat, and generous rear legroom (although its strictly a 4-seater, see pics), the car is practical enough to use every day.

If longer distances are a big part of your motoring routine, I would suggest fitting the thinner, higher profile tyres, which create less road noise at highway speeds than the sportier, low profile tyres.

BMW 4 Series Coupe interior

The cabin is a familiar BMW leather lined affair, with all instruments angled towards and focused around a driver. I’m happy they’ve stuck with that design philosophy, because it works. The latest iDrive system is standard, which features a larger jog wheel with a trackpad integrated onto the top of the wheel, allowing you to draw letters and numbers with your finger. It’s a system that debuted on the big Audis a little while back, and it works. It’s good to see it here, because selecting letters with the jog wheel was a little tedious.

BMW Concierge service and ConnectedDrive

BMW SA is looking into launching the concierge service, which will feature a sim card integrated into the car, which can connect you to call centre and the internet at any time. The idea is that if you need to make a restaurant booking on the move, it can be done with a simple phonecall, and the route to the restaurant can be sent to the car remotely.

In the meantime, BMW ConnectedDrive is standard and connects to the internet through your Apple or Android device. Providing services like web browsing, social media connectivity, emailing and internet radio, through your cellphone’s data service.

The range currently comprises of just the 428 and 435, with the 420 arriving in the first quarter of next year. BMW are looking at introducing a diesel variant in the second half of next year, but this will be confirmed. They did confirm however that the M4 will be arriving next year, without saying exactly when.

BMW 4 Series Coupe Rivals

In terms of competition, while the Mercedes C Class Coupe and Audi A5 are very good cars, I think the BMW offers most complete package to the sportier, driving enthusiast sort of buyer. The C Class is a handsome coupe and the A5 might be one of the most beautiful cars on the road, but if you’re looking for an everyday coupe that will be the most rewarding when pushed, the 4 Series has it covered.

BMW 4 Series Range, Pricing in South Africa

BMW 4 Series Coupe gallery