• Dashboard similar to 3 Series
• …which is a very good thing
• Standard equipment levels are good

How is the quality and layout?

Inside is where the origins of the 4 Series are the most obvious. Its interior, especially the dashboard, is almost identical to that of the 3 Series. But before you see that as a criticism, it certainly is not, because it’s a wonderful place in which to spend time.

You get a set of digital instruments that are crisp and clear to use, if not particularly configurable, and BMW’s iDrive interface. The combination of touchscreen and rotary controls is handy, while BMW’s voice control system is also near flawless, with all commands input via the ‘hey BMW’ statement.

Infotainment and tech

It’s worth returning to the infotainment system, which is outstanding. All 4 Series Coupes feature a 10.3-inch display that’s crisp and bright, and all the better because you can use it either use as a touchscreen or operate it using the iDrive controller between the front seats. Being able to use it without prodding the screen is a huge positive, and an aid to driver safety.

Both the M Sport and M Sport Pro models offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, DAB radio and an online and connected sat-nav system that matches anything you’ll find via your smartphone. There’s an optional Technology Pack that gains a clear-sounding Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging and an ineffective gesture control function that we’d happily sling in the bin.

Comfort

• Plenty of space up front
• Not so impressive in the back
• Quiet and refined at a cruise

The driving position in the 4 Series Coupe is excellent, as is the layout of all the major controls. Although you sit quite low, forward visibility is good, and visual aids, such as parking sensors and optional parking cameras, are simple to use and display crisply on the central infotainment screen. The seats themselves are plush and supportive, and hold you in place when you’re driving briskly.

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Rear-seat passengers get a less impressive deal. There’s only room for two, and they get an adequate amount of room. Getting in and out via a narrow gap is aided by front seats that have motorised safety belts that tuck neatly out of the way. But there’s no escaping the fact it’s a coupe that offers less room than the saloon it’s based upon.

At least driving comfort is decent. The 4 Series Coupe rides fairly well for what’s a sporty machine, although we’d recommend the optional adaptive dampers for the smoothest experience.