4 Series to the fore..

A STUNNING road presence that is matched by the driving experience is what BMW is promising buyers of its new 4 Series Coupe.

As well as a distinctive exterior design and high-quality interior, there’s upgraded on-board tech and many versions feature a mild hybrid set-up for greater efficiency.

But its head-turning looks alone are likely to make many motorists fall for the premium German marque’s newcomer, which launches in October.

The front-end features an imposing, upright kidney grille dramatically framed by a dynamically creased bonnet, contoured headlights and deep air intakes.

In contrast, the profile is sleek, with slender pillars, long doors, frameless windows and a flowing roofline.

The rear is almost as striking as the front, with design details to emphasise the width and low centre of gravity. It incorporates slim, darkened, full-LED rear lights and large, dualbranch tailpipes.

The four-seat, leather-clad interior has a driver-focussed cockpit and features strong horizontal lines as well as heated front sport seats as standard.

Practicality hasn’t been overlooked, either, with the car featuring a 40:20:40 split backrest, an array of larger storage areas and boot space that has been increased to 440 litres.

The two-door coupe is also the first BMW to be made available with the new M Sport Pro package, which includes a sprint function for extra bursts of speed and a sportier soundtrack.

Under the bonnet, 48V mild hybrid technology has been included with all diesel engines and with the straight-six 374hp petrol unit of the flagship M440i xDrive.

That version powers to 62mph in just 4.5 seconds and tops out at 155mph, while averaging 39.8 to 41.5mpg and emitting 155 to 163g/km of CO2. A diesel version that’s almost as potent is set to join the line-up next spring.

All models have an eight-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel, with the xDrive intelligent all-wheeldrive system standard on six-cylinder variants.

The new coupe utilises an enhanced version of the 3 Series Saloon chassis to offer improved handling and reinforce its sporting character.

Standard driver aid and safety systems include front collision warning and cruise control, both with braking functionality, speed limit information and lane keeping, parking and reversing assistance.

Hi-tech kit includes a fully digital 12.3in instrument cluster, 10.25in central touchscreen and BMW’s impressive Intelligent Personal Assistant. Other features on the list are intelligent emergency call, concierge services, real-time traffic and hazard information, and full smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Prices start at £39,870 for the 420i M Sport, with the diesel 420d M Sport costing from £42,440, while the M440i xDrive comes in at £53,875.