We are very lucky, as a Club to have such a great relationship with both BMW Australia and with their dealer network around Melbourne.

When we run events, our friends at the BMW dealerships that support us, lend us cars to take out and show you, our members, and the public at large, and get an idea of what the new models and range of vehicles has to offer. It allows us to get up close and personal to some of these amazing cars BMW are producing, drive them out in the countryside and really get a taste of all they have to offer.

This last weekend we were very fortunate to have the just released 4 Series Coupe to take to the Club’s annual Show and Shine from Melbourne BMW. I was lucky enough to drive it around town and can say I quite like the proper coupe shape and feel. I love 2 door cars, the body is more rigid and you feel it in the handling and driveability. The adaptive M suspension helps too and changes the ride noticeably with the touch of a button. Whilst it isn’t a small car, it feels quite nimble and not too big on the road. The twin power turbo engine is quiet and smooth, yet plenty of go, hard to believe it is only a 2 litre 4 cylinder. I love the all-round cameras and park assist, very handy when trying to get into underground parking bays, or hotel foyers… I would love to get one out in the countryside for a squirt on some fun roads, but we didn’t have time this time.

Of course, the on-board technology is amazing, it has so many gadgets and gizmos it would take more than a weekend to learn to use and enjoy it all. But I do love all the driver aids that are pretty much standard now, some of them take a little getting used to, like steering assist, but I love the driving experience in all the new models. As a driver you appreciate what a great car BMW build and am very that BMW continue to turn out cars that give us that Sheer Driving Pleasure.

One of the most talked about features is the new grille. Spending the weekend with the car, it grows on you. The 430i we had was Black Sapphire, so the black grille disappeared to a degree and walking around it or looking at it from a distance, it just looks right. I think the press photos you see must be taken from ground level, to accentuate it, as it doesn’t look as bad as everyone thinks when you see it in the flesh and I don’t mind it at all.

All around, I very much like the new 4 Series. If you can, get into a dealer and check one out.

Graeme Bell | Member #1
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne