It’s the decrease, wider, meaner, sleeker twin of the three Series, and one which polarises opinion like a lot of BMW’s designs as of late. 

Like the three Series, the 4 Series provides a alternative of mild-hybrid engines, together with a 2.0-litre petrol (codename B48) within the 420i and 430i, and a 3.0-litre straight six within the M440i, which is sweet for 369bhp and 0-62mph in 4.1sec. You may also step as much as the M4, which is as poised and directionally eager as you may think about. No diesels can be found: they have been dropped from the working in March 2023.

The electrical i4, in the meantime, is available in three flavours: eDrive35 (285 miles of vary), eDrive40 (365 miles), and M50 (318 miles). The latter produces 542bhp and a 0-62mph time to rival most M automobiles. Even the cooking model, the 35, does the dash in a Volkswagen Golf GTI-rivalling 6.6sec.

These powertrains complement a automobile with stiffened, higher dealing with poise than even the three Series, which is the best-handling govt automobile in its class. The automobile rises to the B-road problem with all of the composure however maybe barely much less rearward playfulness than you would possibly anticipate.

The cabin exudes a premium atmosphere, with simply sufficient trinketry and knurling to distinguish it from the three Series. It’s additionally very snug over lengthy distances, aided by a driving place that’s barely decrease than that of the three Series and an consideration to ergonomics that makes it one of many best possible interiors in its class.

It’s a little bit of a disgrace that it lacks the visible grace of its predecessors. But whereas the entrance grille (now a sufferer of countless clichés associated to Bugs Bunny) and squashed headlamps are a bit of tougher to abdomen, there’s no query that this automobile is as dynamically compelling as you’ll need. And then some.