Our view:
I've got a major problem with the 435i - it's too damned good. Shane got a blast in the 4 Series in Portugal (
read that report here), and while track driving in the sun is always welcome, brilliance in that scenario doesn't always translate to a British back road riddled with surface imperfections, compressions and craters the size of Hippocrates.
So our first chance to drive a 435i M Sport Coupé - equipped with a manual gearbox, God love it - on UK turf was something we jumped at. Over the years, I've had a lot to do with many, many BMWs, and I happily admit to being a marque enthusiast, someone who is willing to forgive the Munich cars some of their smaller flaws in favour of the dynamic enjoyment they can provide. I'm thinking primarily in terms of ride - the early 'run-flat' years saw every non-M BMW in the range saddled with a nervous, fidgety attitude that never truly went away unless you were on that mythical 'glass-smooth' German blacktop I've heard so much about. Yet I was prepared to overlook that because of their fabulous drivetrains.
But this new 4 Series doesn't even have to overcome that drawback. On paper, the fact this 435i has not moved on in terms of power or torque compared to the old E92 335i might be something to cause alarm, but all fears are allayed once you are driving it. The engine has a beautiful, classic rasp to it that's straight out of the BMW back catalogue of Straight-Six Snarls, with a muted exhaust rumble to match. And the twin-turbocharging is now so seamless that you really do think the Four is normally aspirated most of the time. Performance, from any speed in almost any gear, is not an issue.
Our 435i was equipped with the manual six-speed gearbox and again, it's something from BMW's past - in a good way. It has a particular, notch-like feel to it, but is precise of throw and heel and toe rev-matching is no issue at all. The optional M Sport brakes (£570) are also superb, while the damping - adjustable between various modes - provides sufficient body control and that aforementioned serene ride.
Perhaps the best feature of the driver interfaces is the steering. This is a Servotronic system and the press pack suggests the set-up is more communicative because the front end of the F32 4 Series is 60 per cent stiffer than the old 3 Series Coupé. Whatever the reason, this system is a delight, full of feel, pin sharp and decently weighted too. This 435i was fitted with the Adaptive M Damping, which means you get a Driving Experience Control switch that allows you to choose between Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ (this is the one exclusive to the M Sport with optional dampers) modes. These vary the stiffness of the dampers, the sharpness of the throttle and the assistance in the steering accordingly. And, in Sport+ mode, the 435i M Sport is a fantastic driver's car. It has mammoth mechanical grip, teamed with a delicacy and adjustability mid-bend that would not have been possible in an old 335i, while the steering is so direct it's almost telekinetic. This makes placing the Four on the road a genuine pleasure, although - with all that torque and the traction control dialled back - you still need to be on your game to keep the 435i from getting ragged. It's brilliant stuff, and of course when you ease back and stop driving like a lunatic, the car adopts mini-GT levels of unruffled cruising refinement.
The 4 Series does not lack for performance in either a straight line or around corners, yet manages to blend this impressive grunt with CO
2 below 200g/km and economy in the mid-30s when you're throttling back. It's this juxtaposition of power/frugality that makes it even more appealing.
Externally, the 4 Series has to be one of BMW's finest hours, especially in yet another throwback to BMW's past, Estoril Blue (a shade most commonly seen on E36 M3s). There's scarcely a bad line on it, with muscularity brimming from every corner and an overall elegance that's very pleasing on the eye. In M Sport trim, it probably looks its glamorous best, so no complaints here.
Inside is typically BMW - well laid out but perhaps not as rewarding on the eye as an Audi cabin, say. Still, there are no questionable plastics and a superb driving position can be attained using the standard-fit electric front seats and the reach-and-rake Sport steering wheel. BMW says this Four is much better equipped as standard than the old 3 Series Coupé, and all F32s come with parking sensors all round, heated front seats, DAB radio, Xenon lights, leather upholstery, Bluetooth, climate, iDrive and Drive Performance Control, we're not about to argue. The 435i M Sport starts at £41,435, though, the M Sport spec adding the aero pack, High Gloss Shadowline trim, 18-inch alloys, M Sport suspension and a BMW Business Media package plus other addenda over the SE. However, as is always the way with press cars, this one had an extra £6,725 of options to showcase - chief of which were an upgrade to the satnav to Professional (£1,000), gorgeous 19-inch style 442M alloys (£670), Adaptive M Sport suspension (£515) and Head-up Display (£825).
So why have I got a gripe with the 435i? Well, it's because recently, I had the chance to passenger in the M4 Coupé (
read that story here). This is also going to be a twin-turbo straight-six petrol and - apart from tougher suspension, wider styling and a bit more horsepower - I'm not sure how it's going to differentiate itself enough from its smaller sibling. Because the 435i M Sport manual is a sublime driver's car, providing excellent interactivity and perfectly weighted controls in a package that is genuinely desirable in the looks stakes. It would seem that the M4's biggest concern right now is a machine from its very own stable.
