The article was originally produced on August 14, 2013, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

BMW 435i

Just like so many other car brands, BMW creates space for new models. This is done by filling in the gaps in the numbering of the model program. The BMW 4 Series is now here and Cars Collection was invited to the first test drive in a high summer Portugal. 

What it's basically about is that BMW has split its four-door and coupe versions, the 3-series will continue to have four doors, while the new 4-series will only come in a two-door coupe version. Whether a cabriolet will come in the 4 series is still unknown. If you look at how Audi divided its model program when the A5 was created, the possibility seems logical that in the future the cabriolet versions will fall under the 4 series number. 

First in the 4 series, the 435i is released with the classic straight six-cylinder engine with twin turbo units. A potent and powerful machine for everyday use with its 306 horsepower. Together with the 8-speed automatic transmission, it makes driving a joy, soft as a silk glove but at the same time powerful as a German tool. On the winding roads of the Portuguese coast, the 435i really shows how a comfortable car should be experienced. The steering is direct and responsive exactly where you want it when you want to feel what is happening under the car and on the road. 

Externally, we recognize the new lines in the front from the 3 series. On the 4 series, however, they have become more marked, which seems to be a common denominator for the larger model within the program you are looking at. Spy shots of the new X5 reveal wide channels between the kidneys in the grill and the headlights. The body lines are very compliant and you can clearly see what advantages the two doors have over four. The test cars are all painted silver-grey, a color that suits this car model in a sober way. All the folds and edges of the body lines come out clearly as the sun begins to lower in the sky and the shadows fall. 

The interior environment is, in classic BMW fashion, just as true to the driver. It feels like you are the one in control behind the wheel. Something that disturbs the driver's view, however, is the iPad-like screen that sticks up on top of the dashboard. One could wish that it could be folded down for the occasions when it is not needed. The interior of the test car is blood red together with brushed aluminum and black edges. Delicious and hot in every way, most of the cars on the market will probably appear with more subdued color combinations such as all black. 

When the remaining number of km on the navigation shows zero, we stand in front of the entrance to the historic F1 circuit, Autódromo do Estoril. The Portuguese GP was held here between 1984-1996 and the first to win was Alain Prost in a McLaren. The approximately 4.1 km long track is considered difficult to drive and during its heyday saw many exciting driver duels. It is located on a mountain plateau, roughly 3 miles west of Lisbon, and is often exposed to strong Atlantic winds and rain showers. With 30 pit boxes, control tower, helipad and VIP room, the track is FIA approved but domestic political controversies have so far prevented more F1-level racing. With both technical and fast parts, most of the standard cars that run here get to show their colors, so does the 435i. You can clearly feel that the car is not intended for a racing track. Both tires and brakes are undersized to be driven as hard as the track entails. Inside one of the pit boxes, BMW has set up an upcoming version of the 4 Series that is considerably more adapted to this type of driving, namely M-Performance. With both a stronger engine, more aerodynamic details and a lot of carbon fiber, this proves that it will be a very pleasant acquaintance for days on the racing tracks. After the new year, the 4-Series M-Performance will be available. No price tag has been set at the moment.

The BMW 4-Series will be released in addition to the 435i and M-Performance as the 428i, then with a four-cylinder petrol engine. A diesel version with the model designation 420d will also come at the same time, which should offer low consumption but at the same time power resources for the discerning. A four-wheel drive version will also be added later.

A coupé model is absolutely not practical in any way. But if you don't have to think about anyone more than yourself, the extra doors on a four-door model are quite unnecessary and also don't look as tasteful as a coupe. A bit like a practical jacket with many pockets compared to a well-cut suit, why have a car that fits more than what you really need. The BMW 4-Series is a creation with a nice fit.