BMW 420i coupe

THERE was a collective gasp from the motoring fraternity when BMW revealed its new-generation 4 Series and its extreme take on the twin-kidney grille, which the brand says was inspired by the likes of the classic 328 and 3.0 CSi.

Softening the visual blow somewhat is the M Sport exterior package that comes standard on all Australian-delivered 4 Series’ and we have to say, in the ‘M Portimao Blue’ paint our test car flaunted at least, we honestly don’t mind the look of it.

Besides that radical front end, the rest of the package is decidedly 4 Series with all of the usual flowing coupe lines – it really is an elegant package.

With the new model being 128mm longer and 27mm wider than its predecessor, we’re keen to see whether the 4 Series is still one of the benchmark offerings if you’re in the market for a usable, everyday two-door – and so we spent a week with the entry-level 420i coupe.