2018 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Review

2018 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Review car German luxury automakers are currently the masters of creating new vehicle types outside the typical coupe, sedan, SUV body styles. Case in point: the 2018 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. Rather than the traditionally styled 3 Series sedan or its 4 Series coupe variant, the 4 Series Gran Coupe offers an unusual combination of coupelike styling, four-door versatility and the inherent utility of hatchback. Fresh from a batch of revised engines last year, the 2018 Gran Coupe sports slight changes to its head- and taillight clusters, an updated iDrive system and additional standard features. Best of all, the updates did little to affect the Gran Coupes price tag. BMWs typically fantastic balance of a comfortable ride and stable handling is on display here as well. Downsides are limited to the cramped rear seat, aging interior design and the premium youll pay over the similar 330i. However, buyers looking for something a little different might find what theyre looking for in the unusual but very capable 2018 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe has been lightly refreshed for 2018. Highlights include restyled LED headlights and taillights, a stiffer suspension, and an infotainment system upgrade to iDrive 60. A rearview camera, keyless entry and ignition, satellite radio, and front and rear parking sensors are now standard on the base 430i. The Executive package is new, bundling elements of last years Driver Assistance Plus and Lighting packages. Though we appreciate the four-cylinders fuel economy and surprising amount of pep, we think youll find paying for the sweet turbocharged six-cylinder of the 440i Gran Coupe to be worth it. The hit to fuel economy is fairly minor, but the extra performance it adds transforms the car. To round out the speed-and-luxury motif, wed add the Premium package (for its heated seats and navigation system) and the M Sport package, which adds a sport-tuned suspension, body kit and meaty M-branded steering wheel. Driving enthusiasts should consider the Track Handling package to get the non-run-flat tires and upgraded brakes. trim levels & features. Despite its coupe billing, the 2018 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is a four-door hatchback with a traditional sedan profile. Two trim levels are available, 430i and 440i, with the main distinction between the two being whats underneath the hood. The 430is turbocharged four-cylinder offers a compelling blend of performance and fuel economy.

The 440i has a more powerful and nearly as efficient turbocharged six-cylinder engine. Both models are available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (called xDrive in BMW speak). An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission available. The 430i is motivated by a turbocharged 20-liter four-cylinder engine (248 horsepower, 258 pound-feet). Standard features include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and foglights, automatic wipers, a sunroof, a power liftgate, power-folding and heated outside mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, power front seats, driver-seat memory settings, a 40/20/40-split rear seat, simulated leather upholstery, adjustable driving modes, steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, BMWs ConnectedDrive Services, a 6.5-inch central display screen, and a nine-speaker sound system with a CD player, a USB port, and HD and satellite radio.

Youll primarily upgrade to the 440i for its turbocharged 30-liter six-cylinder engine (320 hp, 330 lb-ft). You also get power lumbar adjustment for the front seats, hands-free liftgate operation and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. Many optional packages are common to both trim levels. These include the Premium (navigation, an 8.8-inch display screen, heated front seats and lumbar support for 430i models), Luxury (chrome exterior trim, leather upholstery and the Harman Kardon audio system for 430i models) and Executive (adaptive headlights with automatic high-beam control, a 360-degree camera system, automated vehicle parking and a head-up display) packages. You can also up the Gran Coupes sporting capability with the M Sport (performance tires, a sport suspension, a sport steering wheel and more aggressive-looking front and rear styling) and Track Handling (non-run-flat performance tires, upgraded brakes, an adaptive suspension and variable-ratio sport steering) packages.

Notable stand-alone options include 19-inch wheels, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a digital instrument panel, blind-spot monitoring, a forward collision warning system, adaptive cruise control, wireless device charging and Apple CarPlay functionality. Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 BMW 428i Gran Coupe (turbo 20L inline-4 | 8-speed automatic | RWD). NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current 4 Series Gran Coupe has received some revisions, including a name change from 428i to 430i (to reflect a new-generation four-cylinder engine with the same displacement) and an updated infotainment system. Certain sections might not have an applicable star rating, but our overall findings remain applicable to this years 4 Series Gran Coupe. driving. Like other 3 Series and 4 Series BMWs, the Gran Coupe is blessed with a powerful, responsive and surprisingly efficient base engine. All other dynamic attributes are at least on par with its siblings, which is saying something.

This is benchmark performance for other entry-level luxury cars. acceleration. The Gran Coupe offers plenty of power and eager throttle response, and its 20-liter turbo-four sounds great. The responsive automatic transmission also has a launch mode. The 430is zero-to-60-mph time should prove competitive with rivals. braking. The brake pedal feels solid and reassuring in all situations, and we observed a resistance to fade and zero reduction in the effectiveness of these M Sport brakes despite multiple successive panic stops. A hard stop from 60 mph took 115 feet, a longer distance than rivals with summer tires manage. steering. The optional variable-ratio steering and thick M Sport steering wheel offer excellent precision and response. We would prefer more feel, though, even in the higher-effort Sport mode.

Still, for an electric-assist system, this ones pretty good. handling. The Gran Coupe turns in crisply and demonstrates impeccable poise. It remains sure and predictable when driven hard like any other 3 or 4 Series. And the M Sport and Track Handling packages make it an even sharper driving instrument. drivability. Adjustable drive settings allow you to set ride, steering and throttle response how you like them, but the default setting works well, too. BMWs automatic engine stop-start can feel rough at times. But when you shut it off, it doesnt reset the next time you start the car. comfort. This sport-tuned model still manages to be comfortable thanks to its optional adaptive M Sport suspension and BMWs usual attention to detail. Accolades must also go toward the hugely adjustable front seats that can accommodate and hold in place a wide variety of body types. Its hard to beat these front seats. A wide range of power adjustability is complemented by firm and supportive seat contours. Even thigh extension and power bolsters are on the table. This car is equally adept at long-distance comfort and cornering. The adaptive sport-tuned M Sport suspension has a stiffer and less comfortable ride than the regular suspension, but this is still a masterfully damped sedan that soaks up bumps with ease. The Gran Coupe is an example of how to do a sport model right. This 20-liter engine never sounds strained, and the note fades into the background when cruising. Theres good wind and road isolation despite frameless windows and that big, open hatchback trunk area. interior. The 4 Series Gran Coupes stylish roofline compromises entry and exit, space and visibility. Its better in these areas than a pure 4 Series coupe, but the 3 Series Gran Turismo, a similar but somewhat less graceful-looking hatchback, is more practical.

If you dont order navigation, iDrive has a smaller screen and a simpler controller. Its still complicated compared to other systems, but you will acclimate. Other controls are well placed, and the cruise controls are some of the best with adjustments in 1- or 5-mile-per-hour increments. The front seats are low and the bolsters are prominent, which dont make it the easiest car to get into. The low roofline and fastback profile will cause you to duck more than usual, too. The 3 Series Gran Turismo is better in this regard. roominess. Theres superior room up front thanks to abundant seat movement and sufficient headroom. Those of average height or taller must slouch in the backseat, though. Get the similarly styled 3 Series GT if backseat space matters to you. visibility. Thin roof pillars help the view forward. And given this cars roofline and low-slung seating position, its not bad. Still, visibility to the rear is compromised. quality. Solidly built from the ground up with excellent materials and precise assembly.

The Gran Coupe is clearly worth a price premium. utility. The hatchback body style provides easy access to the cargo hold, which itself is amply sized. When it comes to cargo capacity, it matches the 3 Series sedan by the numbers, but day-to-day access is better in the Gran Coupe. Trunk space matches that of the 3 Series sedan, but the giant hatchback makes it far easier to access. You can also fold down the rear seats for longer or bulkier items. BMW says theres a maximum 46 cubic feet of space available. For reference, a 3 Series wagon is said to have 61 cubic feet.