It looks sharp, sleek and athletic - like a thoroughbred race horse ready to duel at the top level.

The new BMW 4 Series mid-sized sports coupe from the Munich-headquartered premium automaker has a low, flowing roofline and silhouette which makes it look dynamic, even when parked.

Of course, the low windows on the frameless doors lend more sporting elegance to the two-door, four-seater, rear-wheel drive car.

Our test drive unit was the 2.0L turbocharged 428i coupe which was fitted with the optional M Sport package (priced at RM30,000).

The M Sport package includes the Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, as well as 18-inch M light alloy wheels with 225/45 front tyres and 255/40 rear tyres.

Inside the cabin, features such as M door sill finishers and plush leather sport seats shape the performance ambience.

And staying true to BMW’s famous “Sheer Driving Pleasure” slogan, the 428i Coupe M Sport is not only fast (0 to 100kph acceleration in 5.8 seconds) but also has impressively agile handling characteristics.

One does not need to be a trained race car driver to charge confidently through fast corners, as the BMW engineers have concocted another magical cocktail that involves an electromechanical steering with Servotronic function, a 50:50 weight distribution, wider track for the front and rear, as well as various improvements to the chassis.

It also has a significantly lower centre of gravity, as it sits 10mm closer to the asphalt than the latest BMW 3 Series sedan.

The Air Breathers, positioned rearwards of the front wheel arches, are another new element that reduce air resistance by diverting some of the air flowing through the wheel arches.

At the same time, it has premium cabin appointments such as leather upholstery, automatic dual-zone air-conditioning with rear vents, and a nine-speaker Hi-Fi audio system mated to a 8.8-inch display screen, DVD drive, MP3 decoder and Navigation system. In the cabin, there is a pleasant lighting package including reading and footwell lights, and vanity mirror lights.

We also found a lot of rear leg room, thanks to the car’s long 2,810mm wheelbase.

Another nice touch is the hands-free boot lid opening feature which BMW calls Smart Opener.

Here, you stand one step behind the centre of the rear bumper, and a “short movement” or kick of your foot under the bumper will automatically raise the boot lid.

To sum it up, the 428i coupe fitted with the M Sport package is powerful, agile and fast, and has nice occupant comfort features, as well as an array of safety and driver assistance equipment to help protect you from accidents or injuries.

It can be quiet and refined when moving in city traffic, and also be aggressive and a joy to toss around on twisty roads, or when under hard acceleration out of a corner.

The ready-to-go power delivery from the eight-speed sport automatic transmission is marvellous, while the steering is communicative and precise.

The sound insulation is solid, and the exhaust noise is quite muffled even when we stepped hard on the accelerator pedal.

There are four driving modes namely ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT or SPORT+ that can be activated via the Driving Experience Control switch (located next to the gear lever). In SPORT mode, for example, throttle response is even faster and the steering becomes noticeably more direct.

Those interested in lower fuel consumption can use the ECO PRO mode, which can potentially cut fuel use by as much as 20%.

The ECO PRO Mode also has a coasting function where within a speed range of 50 to 160kph, the driver’s foot is moved off the accelerator and brakes are not applied - the system disconnects the engine and the car coasts - i.e. rolls without engine power.

The 2.0L turbocharged 428i coupe is rated with an average fuel consumption of 6.4L per 100km.

We think that this 428i coupe is great to drive, with its classy cabin and lowered ride height, 18-inch wheels and Adaptive M suspension.

It certainly provides an engaging drive, and is a winner in terms of sporty credentials and top-notch dynamics.

Engine: 1,997cc TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol

Maximum power: 245hp at 5,000 to 6,500rpm

Maximum torque: 350Nm at 1,250 to 4,800rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Acceleration (0 to 100kph): 5.8 seconds

Top speed: 250kph

Standard features: Dual front airbags, head and side airbags, DSC (dynamic stability control) including ABS (anti-lock brake system), ASC (automatic stability control), CBC (cornering brake control) and DTC (dynamic traction control), front and rear PDC (park distance control), cruise control with braking function, dynamic braking lights, rear child seat ISOFIX points, run flat tyres

Price: RM358,800 without insurance (and another RM30,000 for the optional M Sport package)