Sector: Premium coupe Price: €35,000 – €53,500 (approx) Fuel: 4.6 – 8.1l/100km CO2: 121 – 169g/km

BMW is putting clear air between its saloon, GT and estate 3 Series models and their more glamorous coupe and cabriolet siblings, by renaming the two-door cars as 4 Series. Visibly wider and with a longer wheelbase than its 3 Series predecessor, the 4 Series Coupe is a good-looking car, with an aggressively striking front end.

The flattened double kidney grille almost touches the headlights and the car has large air intakes in the lower apron, that pass air around the front brakes and out of the side through rakish air breathers, positioned behind the front wheels. Muscular rear arches and a wider track also contribute to the sporty look of the new Coupe.

There are three petrol engines and three diesel-burners available, though the 184hp 420d will probably remain the most popular with fleet buyers. Other diesel engines include two versions of BMW’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, developing 258hp in the 430d and 313hp in the 435d.

Petrol options include two 2.0-litre engines, a 184hp 420i and the 245hp 428i, with the six-cylinder 435i boasting a 306hp 3.0-litre engine. Expect a twin-turbo version of the six-cylinder engine in the forthcoming M4 model.

Six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions are available, with the auto standard on all six-cylinder models. BMW’s xDrive four-wheel drive system can be ordered on 420i, 420d and 435d models.

There are five trim levels available, from SE, through Sport, Modern, Luxury and M Sport. Higher trim levels build upon a generous SE specification which in the UK includes a BMW Professional radio, a 6.5” colour Control Display, Bluetooth connectivity and automatic air-conditioning with two-zone control.

All models come with Dakota leather trim, with dashboards featuring a range of surface treatments from traditional inlaid burr walnut in Luxury models to brushed aluminium and high gloss black and red in Sport models. A host of options are available to tailor the cabin to your preference, with a head-up display now available on the Coupe.

The longer wheelbase benefits rear seat passengers, with comfortable individual seating for two adults in the back. The rear bench also folds 40:20:40 to allow a variety of occupant and luggage combinations.

In the front the 4 Series delivers a comfortable, sporting driving position with good visibility, even at the rear three-quarters. An electric arm hands the seatbelt to the driver as you close the door and the seats are adjustable for length, height, backrest and seat angle, with adjustable thigh support on all models above the base SE trim.

On the move the 4 Series excels, with lively handling and a real sense of what is going on beneath the tyres, even through the electric power steering. The 420d’s four-cylinder diesel engine provides plenty of power and, having tried 420d, 428i and 435i models, the diesel driver should not feel short-changed.

The base model performs well and makes an entertaining driving partner and a refined cruising companion. Move up the engine and specification levels, and the 4 Series becomes a seriously luxurious way to travel, whatever trim level you opt for.

Verdict

Some fleet managers might not allow drivers to opt for a two-door car, but for the lucky few the 4 Series offers a real bonus over its four-door stable mates.