The perfect proposition

BOTH are BMW coupes and both have the same powertrain, except that one costs $45,000 more. So why would anyone pick a 420i over a 220i? The 4 Series is the two-door version of the 3 Series, while the 2 Series is that of the 1 Series. In 420i and 220i guise, both get the same two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine to drive the rear wheels through a silken eight-speed automatic transmission.

With virtually identical styling cues, including a sleek profile and frameless door windows, it would seem the only difference is that the 420i is a slightly larger version of the 220i. Hence the latter's 0.3 seconds faster zero to 100 kmh time.

But there is one distinction which is not found in the car brochures - the 420i's refinement.