2014 BMW 435i Video Review

BMW’s next generation of coupes has a new number to distinguish them from their 4-door counterparts.  Longer, lower and wider with its own specific chassis tuning, this 2014 BMW 435i is a sports car worthy of a numeral higher than 3.

I admit BMW has lost me of me late with some of their new body designs, but this new 4-series is downright sexy with classic BMW coupe proportions and a welcome voluptuousness to its curves.  Even in the understated though extra charge Mineral Gray, this 435i M Sport garnered a lot of attention this week.

Offered in familiar BMW argot – the 428i with its 2.0-liter turbo and this 435i powered by BMW’s bread and butter 3.0-liter 6-cylinder turbo, the 4-series can be left in its organic rear-drive layout as it is here or fitted with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive for an additional $2,000.

And when you go shopping for one you’ll be facing the choice of 3 different lines – starting with the Luxury, then the Sport and this, the top of the line M Sport.  It includes aerodynamic enhancements such as larger air intakes, side skirts and a rear bumper with diffuser.  The high-gloss Shadow line trim adds to the sporty look while other M-specific enhancements such as these optional 19” wheels, door sill finishers, leather steering wheel and sport seats further the M Sport atmosphere.  On the mechanical side, my tester upgrades to the $1,000 Dynamic Handling Package adding Variable Sport Steering – a feature that goes beyond the standard speed-sensitive Servotronic system by continuously adjusting the steering ratio depending on how far the driver turns the wheel, providing even greater connectedness – and the lowered adaptive suspension which electronically controls the dampers to best suit road conditions.  With this feature, the driver can also switch into a bevy of holistic driving modes affecting both the powertrain and suspension components ranging from a gas saving ECO PRO mode all the way to the raciest and least intrusive Sport +.  Optional M Sport brakes lighten the load while shortening stopping distances.

Even this M Sport model with all of its racier bits and its adaptive suspension turned all the way to Sport + never asks you to trade in ride comfort for athleticism.  And because it possesses the lowest center of gravity of any car in the BMW lineup hustling through your favorite country roads just got easier.

The 8-speed Sport automatic transmission works hand-in hand with the high revving 300-horsepower inline-6 to accentuate rather than hinder performance aiding in the fastest 4-series acceleration, reaching 60mph in only 5-seconds while producing deep breathing sounds between shifts.  If you’d rather, a 6-speed manual is a no-cost option but this one gets the best gas mileage with an impressive return of 22mpg city/32mpg highway on premium.

The Coral Red interior makes an oh-wow statement when you get in and the rear seats are truly adult-friendly, so this is a coupe you can count on when you need to drive others around or when getting that oversized item at the store.  The trunk opens low and wide with a full pass through to the rear.  But as is the case with BMW, nothing comes cheaply and my car adds the Technology, Premium and Lighting packages leading to an as-tested MSRP of $60,625 after starting life at about $47,000.  And guess what?  There’s still no heated seats, heated steering wheel, backup cam, side blind zone alert or remote start in here.  And I understand that Bimmer loyalists love the heritage styling integration of modern electronics  but there’s a fine line between ‘classic’ and ‘outdated’ and for me, BMW crossed it years ago.

The 435i is a looker with a wide dynamic range and everyday friendliness at a not-so friendly BMW price.