Should you buy one?

This is a tough decision. The BMW 4 Series is certainly a great four-seat coupe, but then so is the Audi A5. These two are very closely matched in almost every area, and you wouldn’t be disappointed with either. So it comes to priorities – for usability and functionality, go for the Audi A5. For feedback and excitement, you’re better off with the BMW 4 Series.

The agile handling of the 4 Series makes it easy to recommend over the A5 for keen drivers, and if you have the budget for an M440i, then it’s a hugely involving old-school driver’s car that can run rings around an S5 Coupe. We’d say get one even if you can’t abide the divisive-looking grille – it’s not like you’ll be able to see the car’s front end when you’re enjoying its performance. Having said that, the 420d is equally enjoyable to drive, so you don’t have to break the bank in search of driving fun.

What we like

BMW’s iDrive infotainment system is still one of the best in the business, with sharp graphics and a user-friendly interface. The 4 Series itself is a hugely entertaining sports car with a practical edge, while the top-spec models offer plenty of thrills.

What we don’t like

It’s not that the 4 Series is ungainly, it’s just that the front end detracts from the rest of the package. Spec your car in a dark colour with black exterior trim, and the grille isn’t quite as distracting.

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