First drive: BMW 4 Series

After offering a medium sized, sporty two door coupe as part of the 3 Series line-up for decades, BMW has now decided to make it a model in its own right. The 4 Series name may jar with faithful brand followers, but promises a car with a much greater performance focus than the well-rounded 3 saloon. To see if it delivers, AOL Cars headed to the Highlands of Scotland to put it through its paces.

What is it?

NOT – as BMW is keen to point out – simply a two door version of the 3 Series. The 4 Coupe not only sits 10mm lower than its saloon sibling, but also has a much wider track at the front and rear, a longer wheelbase, unique suspension settings and the lowest centre of gravity of any current BMW. Such revisions are designed to increase the dynamic potential of what is already a very accomplished car. The styling has been changed, too, with the 4 Series presenting a much wider (largely down to the exaggerated rear wheel arches) and muscular aesthetic on the road. The interior is near verbatim 3 Series, though features increased use of gloss black surface trim and a greater choice of interior colour options for a more luxurious feel.