• Strong engines across the board
• Powerful M440i at top of range
• Slick auto gearboxes as standard

Petrol engines

The petrol line-up kicks off with the 184hp 420i, which comes with rear-wheel drive. This is a lively performer, with a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds and maximum speed of 146mph.

The 430i uses the same engine, but develops 245hp for a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds and a maximum speed limited to 155mph. The top petrol model is the M440i xDrive (there’s no M4 Gran Coupe), which gets a twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine that produces 365hp – 0-62mph is 4.7 seconds, maximum speed is also limited to 155mph.

The M440i xDrive is the one to have if you’re a petrolhead. Its speed is backed up with a fine, deep-chested soundtrack and more than enough acceleration to make decent progress. If you’re stuck behind an HGV on an A-road, pull the left paddle for a second or so, and the car drops a couple of gears and readies itself for action in Sprint mode. Then, it rockets forwards with real conviction.

Diesel engine

There’s a solitary diesel engine offered in the 4 Series Gran Coupe, although it can be had with rear- or four-wheel drive. The 420d is good for 190hp, and acceleration is strong too, with a 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds.

What’s it like to drive?

• Fun handling sports car
• Excellent balance from chassis
• Can be comfortable when necessary

Much of the 4 Series Gran Coupe’s hardware is shared with the 3 Series, and that means a low centre of gravity and almost 50:50 weight distribution, so the ingredients are all there for an excellent drive.

It steers accurately and handles with precision and agility that’s surprising considering it’s not particularly lightweight. Stick it in Sport mode and the steering gets heavier and more responsive, which adds to its confidence-inspiring feel.

The M440i’s engine backs all this up with punchy acceleration and a great six-cylinder soundtrack. If you need to overtake, pull the left paddle of the auto gearbox for a second or so, and the car drops a couple of gears and readies itself for action in Sprint mode. Then, it rockets forward. But drive in a relaxed manner and noise levels are low, with impressive high-speed stability and refinement.

It’s not quite perfect, though. UK drivers might find themselves in Comfort mode all the time as the M Sport’s suspension in its sportier settings are a bit too firm for our liking. The optional adaptive damping eases this shortcoming, though. An impressive performance overall, and quite a step-up from its predecessor.