Tees Life Tees Life issue 4 | Page 23

MOTORING
Tees Life ’ s motor man Graham Courtney reviews the BMW 4 Series

ENVY COMES AS

STANDARD

In 2011 BMW launched its new 3 Series and decided to give the sleek coupé and convertible models a new name . The BMW 4 Series arrived .

There are actually now three versions to be found within the 4 Series . First , there ’ s the sleek two-door coupé and the gorgeous two-door convertible .
Then there ’ s an elegant Gran Coupé which , in effect , offers the same spacious interior as a 3 Series saloon but has the sleek profile of a coupé . It also has five doors , which means it has a handy large boot opening and , if you flop down the rear seats has a sizeable load area . I hope you ’ re still following this !
Both the 4 Series Coupé and Gran Coupé start at £ 33,110 while the 4 Series Convertible kicks off at £ 38,260 .
This makes owning a stunning BMW 4
Series a hugely tempting proposition .
In terms of specification , gone are the days when BMW was rather stingy with providing some goodies . Every BMW 4 Series comes with sat nav , smart alloy wheels , air conditioning , tyre pressure monitor , DAB radio , Bluetooth , cruise control and central locking . In fact , there ’ s no need to dip into the vast selection of optional extras unless something takes your fancy . Having said that , we ’ d recommend the M Sport package with its additional body styling . It makes the 4 Series really stand out .
No matter which BMW you go for , there is a great engine range . You can have manual or auto ‘ boxes and there ’ s the option of fourwheel xDrive which will be handy during winter months or if you live out in the sticks . As for the engines , you can choose from four-cylinder 2.0 litre petrol units in the 420i and 430i models . If you want six-cylinder petrol , head for the 3.0 litre 440i . If you prefer diesel power , there ’ s a four-cylinder 420d and a pair of four-cylinder units in the 430d and 435d . The 420i will manage around 48mpg while the most economical diesel , the 420d , will stretch things to over 61mpg . However , even the hunky sixcylinder models aren ’ t thirsty yet have the added advantage of extra performance and a wonderful exhaust note . Something like the BMW 4 Series 420d M Sport would be a brilliant all-round compromise .
No matter whether you go for the BMW 4 Series Coupé , Convertible or Gran Coupé , you end up with one of the most stylish cars on UK roads . Speak to Stockton-based Bespoke Motor Works to find you a BMW that ideally suits your needs ….. and desires .
23