Weekend roadtest: BMW 435i M Sport manual

If you ever doubted that a crisis creates opportunities, you only have to look at the BMW 3 Series.

After the Middle- East oil shortages in the early 1970s, BMW introduced the 3 Series as an economical and affordable small executive car and it became their best seller by far.

Now it has been replaced by the 4 Series, but in fewer body-styles for now, and while it does not set have the same raison d’être there is no reason to suppose it will not continue to be a best seller. It certainly deserves to do very well.

Building on the strength of the forerunner, the BMW 4 Series introduced in the German motor show in 2013 is a larger car with greater passenger space, much better equipped as standard and offering the possibilities of greater economy and performance hand in hand.

The range of two and all-wheel-drive BMW 4 Series models is extensive, and growing, with petrol or diesel engines and five trim levels.

Our rear-wheel-drive sporty 435i M model comes towards the upper end of the price range and looked the part with its attractive interior trim, big wheels and tyres and body trim.

The name is a little misleading as its not a 3.5 litre engine or develops 350bhp, but it’s a very muscular 3.0 litre straight six using the most modern turbo-technology at BMW’s disposal to deliver extremely strong acceleration combined with remarkable economy.

The power delivery is virtually instantaneous and very strong even from low revs so it covers ground rapidly and safely. The six-speed box has excellently spaced ratios to maximize the power while also contributing to good economy, helped by a seamless stop & start system. Actual consumption recorded was very close to the combined figure achieved in near perfect test-cell conditions.

The long travel but fairly light clutch and precise selection of the six-speed box made easy work of town driving and was rewarding on rural roads as well.

Very feelsome steering precisely informed the driver of the wheel’s direction and the turning circle was tight for town use, while the massive brakes hauled down speed in an undramatic but effective manner with excellent progression and without drama.

Secondary controls are close to hand but need familiarisation and some switches are not in direct line of sight, unlike the big clear instruments immediately ahead of the wheel.

Heating and ventilation was very good with the climate control system filling the car and maintaining any set level and output through multiple vents.

Oddments space was good, not great, and the boot had a small opening to access its reasonable 445 litres capacity.

Front access was good, the two-door design immediately making it less convenient to use the back pair of seats, but the rear legroom was better than many coupes.

Seats were well shaped and supportive with good adjustment on the front pair.

Visibility was good to front and sides, slightly restricted over the shoulder and when reversing and good to see and hear standard fit rear parking sensors.

Very big wipers and long range, wide headlights were also appreciated.

The BMW 435i M Sport had variable settings for handling and ride so it could be tailored to suit loads and roads. It gripped well with no real vices to upset composure or cause concern.

You could hear it working to smooth out road bumps and potholes but otherwise it was quiet and composed, very refined in fact.

With more room for occupants and greater refinement throughout, the new BMW 435i M Sport is a truly excellent blend of performance and practicality.  The only crisis facing it is how their rivals respond to what is a very good medium sized executive car and this time it’s a crisis of BMW’s making for competitors.