First Drive: BMW 4 Series

There's a certain logic in BMW's move to create a new series rather than, as before, tag a 'coupe' label onto a sportier looking 3 Series, writes Brian Byrne. Basically it's easier to create a specially targeted marketing model for the demographic they want to attract.

So, the professional young 30-somethings with a family in growth might be happy with a 3 Series saloon or estate, but the singletons in that same bracket will feel much happier, not to mention hipper, being able to talk about their own cooler coupe Beemer quite distinct from those favoured by their coupled and familied peers.

It also gave BMW the opportunity to significantly reshape other parts of the car to match the more individual target buyers, without losing the benefits of scale by using the 3 Series platform and powertrains.

So we have in the 4 Series a significantly more sporty image than the predecessor 3 Series Coupe managed. A much more edgy front look, wider and lower than before, techier detail to the headlights.

In the profile too, there's a more emphatic stance, lowered roofline and suspension, a longer wheelbase that provides a more substantial presence as well as providing more room inside for occupants. Large 18" wheels are standard apart from the entry SE, and the fastback rear has its own unique take on BMW backsides.

The inside architecture is pretty well taken from the 3 Series, with just some individual trim finishings to set it off. The rear has decent room for two, even if that occasion will likely be limited in the target market.

BMW continues to relentlessly work on increased fuel efficiency, and the 4 Series benefits from the vary latest iterations in the engine variants. The biggest seller will be the familiar 2.0 diesel, but a range of petrol units are also to be on the lists when the car comes available later in the year. There are 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic transmissions options, and xDrive AWD will be an option early in 2014.

The familiar Comfort and Sport dynamic choices are available, as well as all the safety, connection and entertainment gizmos from other Munich models.

I took an introductory run across northern Scotland yesterday in the car, in 184hp 420d and 306hp 435i guises. The roads and terrain were quite ideal to show off the car for what it does best, tour the longer distances. Solid, direct, well able to handle a range of road environments, it was very much on the button for a sightseer in the Highlands.

With more to consider when it arrives in Ireland, I'll back off further comment until I get some extended experience here. But after just that brief time with the car, I can sense that the 4 Series will likely in quite a short time generate its very own cachet in the wider world of BMW drivers.

Available in Ireland from early October, with a starting price of €47,130 on the road — less than €3,000 more than the equivalent 3 Series saloon — it arrives with three engine offerings and five levels of specification. An extension of interesting times.