PRE FLIGHT BRIEFING BMW 420i

⊲ Why is it here?

Because finally the conversation had to shift from what it looked like to how it drove, so here we are: behind the wheel of the new G22 4-series. While evolved from the same platform as the current 3-series, the 4 is no lazy spino – Munich’s lavished a pretty comprehensive re-engineering job on the platform to make the 4 more of a driving machine.

⊲ Any clever stu ?

Physically there’s a sti er body, lower ride height, wider tracks, re-tuned braking, steering and suspension systems and more negative camber on the front wheels. The 420i goes without the 4-series’ new 48-volt mildhybrid system, and you can’t have it with xDrive all-wheel drive. The Technology Plus Pack (£3650) brings Driving Assistant Professional for a degree of semi-autonomy on highways.

⊲ Which version is this? The entry-level petrol, with 181bhp and 0-62mph in 7.5sec. The 430i uses a more powerful version of the same engine, costs £4k more and can be had with the M Sport di erential. The

M440i xDrive is an altogether more potent device with a straight-six engine, 369bhp and a £55k price tag before options.

Go on, push yourself…