BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe review (2014-2020)
The sleek BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe combines the good looks of a coupe with the space of a family saloon. It’s great to drive and has engines that are both powerful and cost effective to run.
Pros
- Sleek looks
- Fun to drive
- Well-equipped interior
Cons
- Expensive compared with rivals
- Firm ride on sportier versions
- Central rear seat isn’t very comfortable
Summary
“A five-door hatchback body makes the 4 Series Gran Coupe versatile, while its interior is beautifully made and packed with high-tech features.”
Stylish, spacious and great to drive, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is a fine executive car choice. Its five-door hatchback body makes it versatile, while its roomy interior is beautifully made and packed with high-tech features.
If you’re torn between the sportier BMW 3 Series saloon, the practical 3 Series Touring estate and the two-door 4 Series Coupe, the 4 Series Gran Coupe could be exactly what you’re looking for.
What’s the interior like?
“The interior has premium feel and intuitive tech, while the large boot and hatchback opening are very practical.”
BMW interiors are famed for their comfort and premium appeal and the 4 Series Gran Coupe is no exception. The dashboard is well laid out, and everything is easy to get the hang of. A real highlight is the excellent iDrive infotainment system, which you control using a wheel between the front seats. It sounds odd, but it’s as intuitive as using a mouse and laptop.
Supportive front seats hold you tightly in place, while the wide range of seat adjustment means getting comfortable takes no time at all. Two adults will be comfortable in the back, although legroom and headroom aren’t overly generous. The central seat is rather hard, high and narrow so it’s best suited to children or occasional use only. If you regularly carry three adults – or kids – in the back it might be worth taking a look at BMW’s X3 SUV or 3 Series Touring estate instead.
The 4 Series Gran Coupe is practical nonetheless, with a large hatchback that gives you a long, wide boot opening. This really takes the strain out of loading luggage, while the 480-litre boot is large by any standards and will easily hold three medium-sized suitcases.
What’s it like to drive?
“A blend of responsive acceleration, great balance through corners and everyday comfort make for a great all-rounder.”
The 4 Series Gran Coupe is a great all-rounder, blending driving fun with everyday comfort. All of the engines give you responsive acceleration, while the rear-wheel drive layout helps to make it feel balanced through corners. Four-wheel drive (xDrive) models give you extra reassurance on slippery roads and are a great choice for towing.
M Sport models have slightly stiffer suspension, which brings a firmer ride but even more poise through corners, yet all 4 Series Gran Coupe models are comfortable. Good visibility and rear parking sensors help when parking, while low noise levels and standard cruise control make the Gran Coupe a fine choice for high-mileage drivers. It's definitely the driver's choice when it comes to enjoyment – goo as the Audi A5 Sportback is, it's not as engaging and agile as the BMW.
Is it cost-efficient to buy and run?
“Given its strong performance figures, the 4 Series Gran Coupe has impressively low running costs”
There’s no getting around the fact that the 4 Series Gran Coupe is on the pricey side. You get a lot of car for your money though, in terms of quality, space and equipment. It's comparable to the Audi A5 Sportback, which is its closest rival.
You also have a very efficient range of engines to choose from. Some of the diesel versions have an official average of over 70mpg, with correspondingly low CO2 emissions that help to keep tax costs low. The petrol models are thirstier but impressively efficient, even if you go for one of the high-performance models.
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Which one is best for you?
For most drivers, the 420i petrol will give them the ideal blend of performance and fuel economy, while the 420d fills the same role for those doing lots of longer journeys. There are more powerful engines available though, if you feel the need for extra oomph. They're brilliant bits of engineering, but will cost more to buy and run.
All versions of the 4 Series Gran Coupe are generously equipped, with features such as climate control and rear parking sensors across the range. Sport models have larger alloy wheels and front parking sensors, while the M Sport gets a subtle body kit and lowered suspension. Luxury models feature leather trim and heated seats.
