The Ultimate Driving Machine has received the Ultimate Nostrils in this latest generation, and to say that hasn’t met with universal acclaim is to flirt liberally with understatement. Like most of BMW’s recent launches the front grille is more than oversized; no longer a functional element with a twist of chrome, but a dramatic styling exercise that just so happens to do double-duty for cooling.

BMW’s design team is confident you’ll grow used to it. Until then, owners of the 420d Coupe should probably expect, well, let’s call it “enthusiastic feedback” from their friends and neighbours.

The side view is more elegant, and the tail inoffensive.

0-100 km/h is quoted as 7.2 seconds though feels faster. There’s a whole lot to like about this engine, from the way it surges forward with a judicious stab of the accelerator to the noise it makes as you do so. Is there a little digital trickery to enhance that soundtrack? Yes, maybe, but unlike in some cars it never feels too much like fakery.

The transmission, meanwhile, lacks the rifle-bolt sharpness of a DCT but I’m not sure that matters. It’s content to slur through the ratios in regular Drive mode, or speed things up – including eager downshifts when you’re pushing it – in Sport.

Elsewhere, though, the 420d Coupe leans on the touring side. It’s flat and composed in the corners, even with the drive mode set to Comfort to soften out the bumps, but doesn’t feel entirely eager or playful. Instead the standard all-wheel drive keeps the power in check: you’ll get around the corners just fine, with understeer telegraphing when things are getting hairy, but there’s none of the RWD-aping that other M-badged cars deliver.

It’s not to say this 4 Series is dull, only that it takes its dual personality seriously. Sure, there’s speed when you want it, but it also makes for an excellent long-distance cruiser.

The brake pedal grabs hard at first graze, but then the long travel is better suited to subtle modulations while cruising rather than instilling maximum confidence when you’re looking to change direction in earnest.

For all the brashness of the exterior, the interior is oddly familiar. You could mistake the cabin for one of any number of BMW models: the generous might say that there’s no need to fix what doesn’t need it, but it’s a reminder all the same that there’s less distance from the 3 Series than the outside might suggest.

A leather-wrapped M Sport wheel with paddle shifters is optional, while the 8.8-inch central touchscreen is standard. As is the analogue cluster with 5.1-inch display, 14-way power front seats, a power glass moonroof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and navigation. That Executive Package throws in heating for the wheel and front seats, ambient lighting, a head-up display, gesture control, and a full digital instrument cluster along with a larger 10.3-inch central screen. There’s also auto climate control, WiFi hotspot, parking sensors, and keyless entry; add more rands and get a wireless charging pad, and upgrades to the Harman Kardon audio system.

It’s a clean, easy to use dashboard, and everything feels screwed together nicely. The iDrive system has matured into something surprisingly straightforward, usable with either the touchscreen or the control knob in the centre console. I wish BMW’s drive mode buttons were a little easier to find without having to look down at them next to the shifter, though time and familiarity would probably ease that headache.

As for driver assistance, blind spot warnings are standard, and you get frontal collision warnings and rear cross-traffic alerts too.

In the rear, meanwhile, there’s a surprising amount of space. BMW’s decision to throw in some creature comforts back there – including dedicated USB charging ports and air vents – suggest it’s intended to be more than just a leather-lined parcel shelf. I wouldn’t want to spend extended time back there as an adult, but older kids should fit just fine.

Would the 4 Series Coupe be an easier sell with a less-ostentatious fascia? Almost certainly. I’ll say that – consistent with those aesthetic laws – my attitude toward it did soften over the course of the week, though I’m still not sure it’s entirely in keeping with the rest of the 420d Coupe’s style.

If you expect vascularity from your coupe then this isn’t quite it; if you’d love your budget to stretch to an 8 Series, however, but you just can’t dig deep enough, the 4 Series could be a welcome compromise.

Time will tell if BMW’s polarizing design is one day seen as classic or caustic. From the inside, though, the 2021 420d Coupe is far less challenging, and more than suited to the task of road trip companion.

As 2020 came to a close, we wrapped up the year by attending the BMW 4 series coupe launch down in sunny Cape Town. This car was controversial from its initial images that were released due to its larger than normal kidney grille. In those early days it was either you liked the car or didn’t.

I on the other hand thought it was a positive switch up since the newer models have a more distinct appearance which then made sense on this new model. Personally, I liked the vehicle then and like it even more now.

As mentioned, the exterior has evoked mixed feeling amongst car enthusiasts across the board. However, once you see this car in person for the first time you begin to feel different towards it. By feeling different I mean it in a positive way. The 4 has a sporty track ready appearance and that huge grille gives it’s that aggression. Even though much of its looks are derived from the 3 Series, The 4 has a much wider stance. Both rear and front lights have a slimmer design and personally I think the front lights were inspired by The 8. If you don’t believe me take a quick glance at them again.

The interior is much similar to other BMW’s most especially the dash area of which I’m happy about. The generous might say that there’s no need to fix what doesn’t need it, but it’s a reminder all the same that there’s less distance from the 3 Series than the outside might suggest. For one, I like getting into a BMW and knowing how the buttons and knobs work this makes for a pleasurable experience.

The customizable colour combinations of the interior leather and finishes give it much more personality and, dare we say, flavour to an individual’s needs and preferences. My favourite scheme during the launch drive had to be combination of grey and white interior. But one would have to steer clear of wearing blue denims when riding this specification.

Honestly, the cabin space is rather limited, I guess it makes sense why this car is targeted at individuals that don’t have kids or just one. If you fall under that segment then this really could be the car for you. However, don’t despair if you have a family because the Gran Coupé is designed just for you.

We test drove two variants; The 420d that churns out 140kW and the M440i xDrive that outputs an impressive 275kW. If I had to choose one I would take the 420d, I believe it produces the right amount of power and if you have driven a BMW diesel you would also know how fuel efficient they are. This particular model is claimed to do between 4,2 – 4,3 l/100km compared to the M440i that has an efficiency between 7.1-6,8l/100km.

Besides the fuel efficiency, the 420d delivers an exciting drive, obviously the xDrive and M sport package in the M440i make for a performance enhanced drive, I still feel the 420d is not to be underrated.

Additional features on the M440i xDrive include, M launch control, M Sprint function that gives you a burst of speed should you need it. The M Suspension and M TwinPower Turbo engine, M Steptronic Sport Transmission and the much-needed M Sport exhaust system. All of this gives you a 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds compared to the 420d that does it in 7.1 seconds.

Both the 420d and M440i drive very well and I feel the drivability of this coupé is better than the drive of its greatest rival the Mercedes Benz C200 Coupé. The low driving position is quite enjoyable and the steering is quite exceptional too. Even though the car is sporty in design the drive in both variants is very comfortable and suited for daily driving. One can expect to pay from R802 900 for the 420d and M440i from R1 117 450.

Before we get to that, let’s tackle the basics. The 2021 4-Series Coupe is 2.2-inches longer, 1.0-inch wider, and 2.2-inches lower than a 3-Series sedan. But compared to the outgoing 4-Series Coupe, the new model is approximately 5.2-inches longer and has a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase. It also has a 1.2-inch wider rear track to emphasise its rear-biased drive train. With the new 4-Series coupe, you’re essentially getting a bigger car than before, which adds to the overall presence and roominess of the vehicle.

Admittedly, the growth spurt is necessary to justify the new BMW kidney grille, which also adorns the front of the incoming BMW i4 electric sedan. It’s a love-it or hate-it affair, but BMW claims the larger grille is necessary to cool the more powerful motor underneath the hood. The large grille is angled forward and extends down to the front bumper cover, which is the first time ever in a BMW. It’s a bit polarising at first, but it tends to look better the longer you look. Or so BMW wants us to believe.

Thankfully, the new 4-Series Coupe retains the longish bonnet and tapering roof design. It also has frameless windows and more bulbous fenders. Additionally, the hood, fenders, and doors are now crafted from aluminium. Also new are darkened L-shaped LED taillights that extend to the rear quarter panels while the front consists of slimmer LED headlights with u-shaped daytime running lights. The optional M Sport package adds a restyled front bumper with larger air openings, a new rear bumper, and gloss black aero bits.

The new BMW 4-Series Coupe is entering the fray with a set of more powerful turbocharged engines. We’ll get into the specifics closer to the local introduction date.

Handling wise, the new 4-Series is slated to handle better than a regular 3-Series sedan. The rigid chassis and wider rear track enables it to have a lower center of gravity than the 3-Series. Combined with innovative double-joint springs and lift-related shock absorbers in the front (and five-link suspension in the rear) with a lower ride height, the new 4-Series is tuned to deliver sharper handling and a more accurate steering feel. Optional in the 4-Series coupe are BMW’s M Sport suspension (with firmer springs, stiffer bushings, and firmer anti-roll bars) and Adaptive M Suspension with variable dampers.

Standard on all 4-Series Coupe models are 18-inch alloys with either all-season or run flat tires. Optional across the board are 19-inch alloy wheels or staggered 19-inchers with wider wheels in the rear. On the safety front, the new 4-Series comes standard with lane departure warning and steering correction, frontal collision alert, pedestrian braking, blind spot detection, and rear cross traffic alert among many. Choose the optional Parking Assistance Package to receive a 3D surround panoramic camera which includes a backup assistant and remote 3D view function – the latter of which shows a three-dimensional image of the parked vehicle in any smartphone.

The BMW 4-Series Coupe has a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display with iDrive 7, navigation, and BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant, the latter of which recognizes voice-activated commands. The optional Live Cockpit Professional display includes a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen and an all-digital 12.3-inch instrument console. And of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard as well.

The global market launch for the 2021 BMW 4-Series Coupe is set for October 2020.