5 minute read
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
FORECOURT BMW 4 SERIES GRAN COUPE
Under the bonnet
The 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers 187bhp and 400Nm of torque.
THE KNOWLEDGE
BMW 420d M Sport Gran Coupe
Price (as tested): £48,940 Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel
Power (combined):
187bhp
Torque (combined):
400Nm
Max speed:
146mph
O-60mph: 7.1 seconds
MPG (combined):
56.5mpg
Emissions:
132g/km CO2
We’ve already tried the top M440i version, but can a 420d prove a better real-world choice? Ted Welford finds out.
WHAT IS IT?
You mean you don’t recognise it from that grille? If you’ve been paying any attention to BMWs in recent months, you’ll know its cars’ faces have been attracting quite some stick – first with the 4 Series Coupe and more recently with the bold iX. But we’re already adjusting to these bold grilles, and next up to get this treatment is the 4 Series Gran Coupe. First conceived as a niche idea to bridge the gap between a regular coupe and BMW’s more sensible 3 Series, it’s now the best-selling 4 Series derivative, with its greater roominess.
WHAT’S NEW?
Its interior is far more modern than its predecessor, thanks to a large touchscreen centred in the dash, along with fancy digital dials. It’s also roomier than its Gran Coupe predecessor, while it gains all of BMW’s latest technology – not least safety kit, with 40 automated systems available, including one that can do the reverse of your last manoeuvres to back you out of tight streets or spaces, for example.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
At launch, the Gran Coupe is offered predominantly with petrol engines – the 420i, 430i and M440i – but here we’re trying what is currently the only diesel, the 420d. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox in the case of our car, although you can choose it with all-wheel drive if you’re worried about getting stuck in winter. There’s also a light electrification element, with a 48-volt starter-generator able to assist the engine with a light power boost, while also taking some of the strain from it too.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The thick-rimmed steering wheel takes a bit of time to get used to, but once you’ve wrapped your hands around it, it handles especially well, along with minimal body roll. We’d also strongly advise choosing the £2,500 M Sport Pro Pack, predominantly for the adaptive suspension setup that lets you have sportier damping when needed, although for the most part, it’s best leaving it in Comfort mode, where the ride is impressively supple.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
The way the 4 Series looks is always going to be a sore subject because of that grille, but we reckon it doesn’t look too bad, especially on a car painted in a darker colour. All versions in the UK are M Sport cars too, meaning a sportier design on the exterior, along with a range of gloss black elements. The only thing we don’t like is the contrasting trim
TARGET BUYERS:
Those looking for a sleeker alternative to a traditional saloon.
Behind the wheel
The Gran Coupe handles exceedingly well and has minimal body roll.
THE RIVALS:
Audi A5 Sportback BMW 3 Series Peugeot 508 Fastback
Looks
The grille is a sore subject for some but we think it doesn’t look too bad – especially against the dark body colour.
that runs along the bottom of the sills – it’d just look far better if it were painted.
But there’s a lot to like about the Gran Coupe’s profile, which lives up to its name with its raking roofline and subtle rear ducktail-like spoiler.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
The cabin takes a big step up compared with its predecessor, with the 4 Series getting a smart 10.25-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital dial system as standard, both of which offer crystal-clear graphics. It’s worth noting that BMW’s iDrive media system remains one of the best in the business, while there’s still a useful rotary controller for the touchscreen. Where ergonomics and quality are concerned, it’s quite hard to fault. Those two extra doors make it far more useful than the standard 4 Series Coupe and the 470-litre boot is a great size, but rear space remains quite compromised because of that sloped roofline.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
The M Sport kicks off the range, yet still coming with 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, three-zone climate control and a parking assistant as standard. For something a bit racier, there’s the M Sport Pro Edition, which brings upgraded brakes with red callipers, an enhanced sound system and extended gloss black styling. In terms of pricing, the 4 Series Gran Coupe range starts from £41,650 for a 420i – which works out around £1,200 more than the standard Coupe. The 420d is also that bit more expensive, with a £44,000 starting price, but is worth the extra expense as it’s generally far more pleasant than the 420i, which can feel a bit underpowered and will be more expensive to run.
WHAT DOES THE PRESS THINK?
What Car? said: ‘The Gran Coupe’s extra space will be alluring to those who want a coupe but don’t want the accompanying sacrifices.’ Meanwhile, Top Gear said: ‘Nothing in the BMW range stretches a band across the three legs of drivability, style and practicality like the 4 Series Gran Coupe.’
WHAT DO WE THINK?
Any car in the ‘four-door coupe’ category is easy to criticise, as all you’re doing is paying a little more for something slightly less practical than a conventional saloon. Of course, the 4 Series Gran Coupe is no different, and its price increase over a 3 Series is rather steep. That said, with its mix of style, quality and driving dynamics, it’s a hugely impressive choice, and while it might be more tempting to splash the cash on a model further up the 4 Series line-up, this 420d is a superb option and would be near-perfect to live with on a daily basis.
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. Superb to drive. 2.High-quality interior. 3.Low running costs for a car of this type.
DEAL CLINCHER:
A stylish, well-built executive car that delivers in all the right areas.
