Should you buy one?

When this generation of BMW 4 Series was first launched, it went straight to the top of the class. But you could make solid arguments for all its rivals, such as the Audi A5 and Lexus RC, which offered very different experiences from the BMW and from each other. Cutting through them all could be tricky.

Now, though, the 4 Series really only has one rival in the Mercedes-Benz CLE. And there’s a clear differentiation between them: the BMW is the sporty one, the Mercedes is the luxurious one. For us, though, the 4 Series is the better, more-rounded package. It’s not that much less comfortable, its tech is more user-friendly and it’s much more satisfying to drive.

The 420i is a good all-rounder, but the M440i is a fantastic thing if you can stretch to it. The same is true if you’re looking for a used example, but we’d be tempted to seek out a 430d and enjoy its ability to cover 500-plus miles at high speed.

What we like

BMW’s iDrive infotainment system is still one of the best in the business, with sharp graphics and a user-friendly interface. The 4 Series itself is a hugely entertaining sports coupe with a practical edge, while the top-spec models offer plenty of thrills.

What we don’t like

It’s not that the 4 Series is ungainly, it’s just that the front end detracts from the rest of the car’s more elegant styling. Spec your car in a dark colour with black exterior trim and the grille isn’t quite so distracting.