‘Hey, Big Mouth!’ 5Series.net Drives the Controversial-Looking New BMW Four

Poised, Balanced and Precise

We were tasked to get to know the newcomers over among the finest roads we know. First up, we had the pleasure of the M440i. Packing BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive and a tunable M Sport differential, that M tuning extends to the monster 13.7-inch front and 13.6-inch rear disc brakes with M-branded big blue calipers. Electronically controlled dampers come as part of the optional Adaptive M suspension system.

Sublime on the road, the 440i is poised, balanced and precise. It responds to driver inputs brilliantly and tests your limits rather than you it’s. And M440i splendidly reports everything I want to know about what it is doing. Stepping ‘down’ to the 420d I was impressed with its soft, smooth but still certainly sporty enough character.

Fine Steering Feel

That finely balanced electric power steering tech is starting to feel like it did at the acme of those brilliant mechanical old days. Our white steed had black 18-inch alloys wrapped in Sport rubber that roared a bit much on some surfaces.

Some may find it a touch too hard over less than ideal surfaces, but to the purist driver that’s a well-earned compromise. And fuel consumption is a boon versus what the likes of a 335i Coupé would devour just ten years ago. Uncanny, actually.

All in all, the new BMW Four Series challenges you on your fist encounter with it. But that controversial nose is out of sight when you get behind the wheel and that is when this car shows its brilliant true colors.

A Taste to Acquire?

That look is growing in us however, as we are sure it will on you. But then if you are the kind of person BMW has earmarked as an owner, none of that will matter anyway.

This Four makes a pretty big statement both on, and off the road. Go get it, tiger!

Photos: Rob Till/BMW