What's all this about?
It's about a BMW 4 Series with four doors and coupe styling for those who want something different to a 3 Series. BMW has become quite good at the genre, which was really started in modern terms by Mercedes with its CLS. However, its Teutonic rival created the 6 Series Gran Coupe (GC), the 8 Series GC and more recently the 2 Series GC. They're all proving rather popular and now we have the second generation 4 Series GC complete with that grille. We could discuss it again, but let's face it, you either like it or you don't so let's focus on something else.
Is it really practical?
It should be even more practical than the first generation, thanks to being 143mm longer, 27mm wider, 53mm higher and with a wheelbase that's 46mm longer. Before you get out your ruler, basically that should add up to more head- and legroom, especially for those sat in the back. The tapered roof line will make things slightly more claustrophobic in the rear seats than in a regular saloon, but it should accommodate three grown people. Boot space is decent too at 470 litres, which can be expanded to 1,290 litres if you drop the back seats down. It also has all the latest tech, from a digital instrument cluster to the option of gesture control for the infotainment system. Safety is also well catered for and there are around 40 different standard and optional driver assistance functions.
How much sportier is it?
For a start, the 4 Series Gran Coupe is slightly more aerodynamic than the 3 Series. It also has wider tracks front and rear, aimed at providing a more dynamic ride. M Sport suspension is standard across all models, although the M440i gets M Sport Adaptive suspension. An M Sport rear differential is standard on the M440i and an option on the 430i as part of the M Sport Pro package. All the components have been engineered to cater for those wanting a sportier car, according to BMW, plus there are a whole load of cosmetic items that make it look the part, from 18-inch M double spoke bi-colour alloy wheels to M Sport brakes with blue callipers. Being a BMW there's an extensive options list, but a number of equipment packages will always make ticking boxes just a little easier.
When is it coming and how much will it cost?
When the new 4 Series Gran Coupe goes on sale in the UK in November 2021, the range will start at £40,465 on-the-road for the 420i. Its four-cylinder petrol engine produces 184hp and is essentially the same core engine used in the 430i that will cost £44,720 and have 245hp. There will be two 420d diesel models, both with 190hp but one will push that power to the rear wheels and one to an xDrive all-wheel-drive setup, with prices starting at £43,095 for these. Then the grand performer, the M440i xDrive, with 374hp, which will start from £54,670.
Mark Smyth - 9 Jun 2021