Video review: Sporty 4 Series Coupé jumps up a notch as BMW rebrands its models

To see the new BMW 4 Series Coupé approaching from a distance you could be forgiven for passing it off as just another BMW. It has the same double-halo headlights, the familiar kidney grille and the circular blue and white logo positioned prominently on the front of the bonnet.

If you know the German company's models, you'll recognise the latest 3 Series in the design, with the lamps tapering to join the grille as if in a single, integrated unit. Basically, it is a 3 Series - the result of overcrowding in that particular line-up. Over the years, the 3 Series grew to encompass a sedan, coupé, sports wagon and gran turismo. BMW then decided that enough was enough, and rebranded the coupé as a 4 Series. In a similar exercise, the 5 Series coupé was earlier rebranded as a 6 Series; two doors, even numbers.

Up close, the 4 Series Coupé stands firmly on its own four wheels. Although it shares a chassis with its four-door stablemates, the exterior design elements combine to produce a far sportier model. The tracking is wider, the roofline lower and the body slightly longer. The flared rear wheel arches are more muscular when compared to the 3 Series, and side strakes add a promise of power. Together, these design tweaks give the car a more dynamic stance, and it appears eager to get off the starting blocks. All in all, it's a sleek, well-contoured machine and among the most athletic looking cars in the BMW stable.

The 4 Series comes in a range of packages, including Modern, Sport and Luxury lines, and an M Sport edition. A convertible version will be coming to town in the near future.

BMW supplied the top-end M Sport Edition for our test-drive, and it was an impressive sight in dazzling "Estoril blue". Immediately noticeable is the more striking, sculpted M bodywork, with more angular design elements on the front and rear than the other, more curvaceous coupés in the pack.

Enticingly, it is littered with "M" badges, denoting BMW's motorsports division, and always a welcome input. Badges appear on the fenders, wheels and brake callipers. There are more M markers in the cabin, including on the door sills - just in case you need reminding. The car comes with standard 18-inch M double-spoke alloy wheels, with 19-inchers as an option.