BMW 4 Series verdict

When the last-generation version came along, rumours were rife of 3 Series owners trading up into four-door 4 Series Gran Coupés in big numbers. Some may have done the same this time. But given the lingering divisiveness of the 4 Series's styling, and how BMW has omitted certain options from its powertrain armoury, that outcome looks less likely in 2024 than it was in 2013.

Whatever the motivating factors explaining the styling of this car, it would be a major injustice not to bear witness to its many and various objective qualities. The M440i is a car you could use every day of the year and enjoy on absolutely every journey. It is at once fast and engaging; stable and composed; long-legged and refined; and a rich and luxurious thing in which to travel.

A rounded, engaging and potent coupé whose appeal might only be dented by its looks

Matt Saunders

Road test editor

But for the slick, engaging manner in which it drives, we don’t see why you shouldn't consider the 420i. It makes for a comfortable grand tourer of sorts that can entertain on a good road when you want it to, gets the simple things like driving position, interior design and ergonomics in a general sense right, and is relaxing to casually tool about in.