Test drive BMW Series 4 Coupé 420i: aiming for excellence

Yes, we know, and we understand why you are asking yourselves what on earth we are doing testing the BMW Series 4 when it is in its final life cycle. The answer is simple and, in our view, very logical. We wanted to check how much it is worth getting into this generation of one of the most charismatic sports coupés from BMW, though we are still in time; or, on the other hand, forgetting about it and waiting for the new one and its innovations.

To answer this question and settle our doubts, we decided to live with the BMW Series 4 for a week in its 420i variant with the ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox and Luxury trim. These have been the arguments of the German coupé for convincing us that going for it is a good idea, but has it succeeded? Let’s find out.

Subtle, elegant and captivating

Whenever I go to pick up a press car, a hungry curiosity begins to run through me and can only be satisfied after learning the characteristics of the car that will accompany me. While waiting at the BMW Spain facilities for the Series 4 to be handed over, I had a feeling that the M trim would be the one covering its flesh; but, to my surprise and delight, that task was carried out by the Luxury trim.

Regardless of the level of equipment on the Bavarian coupé, overall we find a stylised and elegant car. The front remains faithful to its principles, being governed by the characteristic BMW kidney grilles, which are emphasised by two subtle yet imposing LED headlights.

The side of the Series 4 flexes its muscles with a very stylised look and lines that give fluidity to its design without ever being abrupt. The 19-inch wheels — €1,361 — keep adding elegance to the whole, but it is the rear that puts the finishing touch with two elongated, stylised LED taillights and a genuine double exhaust outlet of the good kind.

Quality, quality and more quality in the cabin

It is true that the Series 4’s styling is continuous and stays within the brand’s design standards — which closely follow the current models — something that helps it avoid being too affected by the passing of time. However, I did not have the same impression of its interior, an area I expected to be somewhat obsolete and antiquated. Nothing could be further from the truth.

BMW has worked on the facelift of one of its signature coupés to stop the years from punishing it too much. Upon entering we are greeted by a steering wheel that initially feels too large — you get used to it quickly — but with a very pleasant feel and which already anticipates the level of finish throughout the rest of the Series 4’s interior.

Behind it sits a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster — €296 — which, without offering as much information or personalisation as its rivals, has smooth graphics and a design capable of offering an exquisite blend of classic and modern. The dashboard is governed by an optional 8.8-inch screen that we won’t struggle to get used to thanks to a very intuitive menu layout and quick responsiveness.

It can be operated by touch or via a rotary controller on the centre console. Because the screen is far from the front seats, the latter will be easier to use, since otherwise we would have to stretch too far to carry out various functions.

On the other hand, and something I personally appreciate, is that BMW has kept the physical controls intact in the Series 4. The German firm has not wanted to go overboard with minimalism, either on this model or on any of its more modern ones, which remain faithful to the little wheels and buttons of old, a path the next Series 4 will most likely follow.

Thanks to that loyalty from the German brand’s models, the current Series 4 does not look outdated compared with them; on the contrary, its sobriety is a hallmark, and the absence of superfluous elements and excessive ornamentation makes feeling at home behind the wheel of the BMW coupé much easier. Just as its level of finish does, which is on par with a car whose starting price — for our test unit — is €48,000.

Every touchable area is covered in soft, top-quality materials such as leather or wood inserts, leaving hard plastics for the more hidden places that we will not be touching much with our hands. This aura of luxury and exclusivity is complemented by two comfortable seats that hold the body very well. Although neither its long, heavy doors — which we will need to open carefully — nor access to the rear seats are as comfortable.

Once you have overcome the awkward process of getting your posterior into the second row — an endemic affliction of coupés — you will find surprisingly generous legroom. Though be careful, because if we raise our heads too quickly, we will soon meet the rear window due to the pronounced slope of the elegant roofline of the Series 4 Coupé, which offers somewhat reduced headroom.

Last but not least, let’s talk about the boot, which offers 445 litres in this variant of the BMW Series 4. It is more than enough cargo space for the luggage of two or even three people, the only drawback being a loading opening with rather awkward dimensions, though these are offset by generous depth.

A driving experience with plenty of character

But enough about the obvious. The time has come to press the “Engine Start” button and focus on one of the most interesting aspects of this test: what it is like to drive the BMW Series 4 Coupé. Before getting into it, I feel obliged to introduce you to the one responsible for bringing this German coupé to life, badged as the 420i: a 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder capable of delivering 184 CV and 290 Nm of torque, power sent to the rear axle.

It is a noble engine, very willing to take us from A to B as comfortably as possible. The 290 Nm of torque arrives at just 1,350 rpm and stays strong well past 4,600 rpm. Thanks to this, we can feel a commanding push in the early stages of the rev counter, but halfway up it we will feel a very linear response from the engine, which takes away some of the sportiness from a package that otherwise promises a lot in that regard.

But don’t misunderstand me: the 420i has more than enough power to get around briskly, but don’t expect sporty behaviour from it, especially with the Luxury trim, a level of equipment that seeks to highlight the more bourgeois side of the Series 4. Nevertheless, the German firm has left its DNA present even in this more modest variant, which lets us experience how other mechanical elements do have a more rebellious character.

On the motorway, cruising at relaxed speeds, the BMW Series 4 feels like a fish in water, thanks to that undeniable GT character — more evident in its bigger brother, the Series 8. Although its suspension tuning is firm and somewhat firm-edged, in the more forgiving driving modes the imperfections of the asphalt are absorbed with ease, and superb sound insulation further immerses its occupants in that comfortable atmosphere. In these conditions, consumption of 6.9–7 litres per 100 km is easy to achieve.

In town, the rather generous dimensions — 4.64 metres long, 1.82 wide and 1.37 tall — of the Series 4 mean that squeezing through certain narrow spots is not the best idea. Its steering doesn’t help either: it is heavy and has few turns from lock to lock, which makes manoeuvring in car parks or tight areas harder. Nevertheless, surprisingly good rear visibility and the various parking and driving aids make things a little easier. In urban use, average consumption rises to 10.5 litres per 100 km.

But what happens when we give free rein to a car with certain sporting pretensions? Well, it is true that this variant is not the perfect partner for spirited driving, but there are several elements that encourage us to do it. Yes, the steering is firm even in Comfort mode, but it is communicative and precise like few others, which translates into an excellent connection with what is happening on the road.

The firm, tight suspension, which sometimes transmits a little too intensely the bumps and dips in the asphalt, helps reduce body roll considerably on twisty sections. However, the figures offered by the 420i variant and its weight — which is noticeable in very tight bends — will not let the rear swing around as freely as in other, more powerful rear-drive models, but its performance is more than enough to help us play with it and round off the line a little more.

Finally, let’s talk about the automatic gearbox, an eight-speed ZF torque converter unit. It is a smooth and quick transmission when making shifts, even when pushed, but somewhat abrupt when pulling away and in transitions between gears at low speed. In manual sequential mode, it behaves very similarly, responding practically instantly after the paddle is pulled.

Conclusion

BMW has left a very important legacy with this Series 4, a model that, despite its years on the market, manages to keep its composure in the face of adversity. It is a car with fairly timeless styling thanks to a modern yet continuous design language that can still be seen in current models; and, although it lacks the technology found in the current Series 3, it offers enough solutions to keep it from being labelled obsolete.

So, what is the answer to the question at the beginning? BMW intends to revolutionise the coupé segment with the new Series 4, a vehicle that will remain faithful to this generation’s philosophy but with certain nuances ready to mark a before and after. If you are a loyal fan of the brand, want a modern car despite the clear advance of the rest of the range, and one capable of withstanding the passing of time with composure and a marked sporty character regardless of the engine under its bonnet, the current Series 4 is your car.

It is true that the unit that accompanied me for a week pushed the final bill up to €67,000, but we are talking about a car in its final life cycle, and it will be easy to find units in stock at a much more competitive price. With this in mind, I recommend that if you are considering the Series 4 as your next car, don’t hesitate too long and take advantage of the generation transition to secure a good deal.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackBMW Serie 419 versions · from 56,950 €