Say what you like about the M135i we've
just waved goodbye to
, it certainly wasn't dull. And yet that's exactly the accusation Mr Harris levelled at the 4 Series we've got in its place.
19s and M Sport branding bring the bling
And, no, before anyone starts, PH is not on the BMW payroll and this is not sponsored content. We can't be bought, no sir. But we're not above saying yes to enjoying an all-new BMW coupe in that all-too brief honeymoon between novelty and ubiquity.
By virtue of the fact it's only just appeared in the car park and I've enjoyed but one there and back in it thus far this introduction is going to be a scene setter rather than a definitive verdict. But we've plenty of time to ponder that.
First some revision. Having seen the 4 Series in supposed 'concept' form last December Harris then drove it this summer and wrote an extended review and filmed a video in which BMW gave him the 306hp turbocharged six-cylinder 435i range-topper, an empty track and told him 'no drifting'. Since then of course we've had further info on the MPerformance upgrades, including a boost to 340hp, louder pipes and a limited-slip diff. And, perhaps more significantly, a first taste of the M3 and M4 that share the basic 35i recipe of a blown straight-six driving the rear wheels. And then some.
No contest in the beauty stakes vs predecessor
Back in the real world a silver, vanilla spec 4 Series over with our colleagues at Autocar does add some weight to those underwhelmed by the car's looks. But this is PH. No 420d for us!
Hence Estoril Blue, all the M Sport trimmings and, most importantly, the flagship turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol. And two most unexpected controls sprouting from the centre console. Yes, that really is a manual shifter. And a handbrake. A curious spec in this day and age and, likely, an extremely rare one too given that you can (and probably would) have it with the all-conquering eight-speed auto. Is BMW to be celebrated for still offering a manual? Or simply tight in expecting you to spend the additional £1,660 for something most would expect as default on a car like this? Discuss. Either way, it's still weighed down with £6,725 of options (details below) to knock on the door of a £50K OTR price.
So it's 14hp down on the M135i despite having the same engine, 85kg chunkier (like for like with a manual three-door M135i), three tenths slower off the line and a hefty £13K pricier than the official list of our optioned up auto five-door. Oh, hang on, I thought we'd stopped those comparisons... Anyway, you might be wondering why we've swapped.
Remember them? It's got three pedals too!
Well, if the M135i was one of those dates where you'd say 'yeah, I know they're a bit funny looking but they've got a great personality...' the 4 Series is rather less gregarious, a whole lot better dressed and the one you'd probably rather be seen with. If not the one you'd pick for a riotous night out on the tiles.
But we'll see. First impressions would suggest the relationship with that N55 single-turbo straight-six will be a lot more intimate than the respectful but distant one you have via the eight-speed auto. Which I'm looking forward to. New-age engines of this ilk are clearly flattered by the autos they're inevitably optimised for. So will lumps and bumps in the turbocharged power delivery masked by the auto appear? Or can it really replicate the creamy, linear power delivery of normally aspirated BMW straight-sixes of old and unearth hitherto hidden charisma in the 4 Series package? For now an interesting novelty it'll be interesting to see how that transmission is viewed after a few stop-start M25 commutes...
FACT SHEET
Car: 2013 BMW 435i M Sport
Run by: Dan
On fleet since: October
Mileage: 2,155
List price new: £48,160 (Basic list of £41,435 OTR plus £670 for 19-inch M double-spoke 442M wheels, £360 for Adaptive Headlights, £515 for Adaptive M Suspension, £350 for enhanced Bluetooth, £300 for folding mirrors, £825 for head-up display, £460 for Interior Comfort Package comprising memory electric seats, 'extended storage' and sun protection glass, £95 for internet, £675 for Harmon/Kardon speakers, £570 for M Sport brakes, £1,000 for BMW Professional Media Package, £325 for online entertainment, £330 for reversing camera and £250 for Variable Sport Steering.)
