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Four-tune Cookie

Lisbon, Portugal — There’s more to the BMW 4 Series’ new model nomenclature than just being a 3 Series sedan with two doors removed.

Lisbon, Portugal — There’s more to the BMW 4 Series’ new model nomenclature than just being a 3 Series sedan with two doors removed.

It’s intended to reflect a further distinction from the 3 Series sedan and it sounds like BMW knows what the 4’s target audience — mostly young, upwardly mobile execs — want out of a car, or rather, what they wish to put into it. Be it for touring, cruising, posing or performance, the equipment menu and trim levels of the 4 Series can be mixed and matched to your heart’s content.

Those in search of even sportier performance and style should be pleased to learn of the M Performance Package, which includes dramatic styling bits, more power, sport suspension and a limited-slip differential.

According to an expert at the launch of the new 4 Series, apart from the bonnet, practically all other body panels are unique to the Coupe, which is lower and has a wider stance for a more powerful road presence.

The current 3 Series is already one of the best handling cars in its class, and the 4 Series is just as keen a corner-carving machine — with a difference.

Pedal to the metal, the 435i is always civilised, arguably even more so than the equivalent 335i sedan which could be entertainingly brutal at times. It leads to a smoother driving style, with more linear handling on the limit thanks to impeccable ride quality and superb steering.

Turbo lag on the excellent 3.0l engine has almost been eliminated, while the car features the same eight-speed auto as the sedan. Shifts are authoritative and brisk enough with none of the dithering or slurring that characterises less competent transmissions, although we would have preferred a stronger pedal feel to the brakes.

Life on the inside

Cabin quality too, better reflects the 435i’s elevated status in the BMW hierarchy. While it looks at first like it’s been lifted from the already luxurious 3 Series interior, time spent in the new car evinces a more upmarket feel through details like the sensual curves of the working surfaces, or the fact that the leather upholstery now spreads across the entire door trim panels seamlessly.

On the face of things, it looks, sounds and feels like a 3 Series Coupe, but spend time with it and the small things really add up to make a car that deserves its own name.

BMW 4 Series

Engine: 2,979cc, in-line 6, 306bhp & 400Nm

Performance: 250kmh, 0-100kmh 5.1 seconds, 7.2L/100km, 169g/km CO2

Price: TBA (Q4)

+: Upmarket looks and cabin, fast, smooth driving dynamics, great ride quality

- : Brakes could use better feel, local pricing and specs still a question

Also Consider: Audi S5, Mercedes-Benz C 350 Coupe

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