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- Highs Efficient and capable powertrains, posh interior, practical cargo space.
- Lows Muted driving dynamics, compromised rear visibility, Android Auto not available.
- Verdict The 2018 BMW 4-series Gran Coupe provides coupe styling in a practical four-door with a rich cabin and a choice of zippy engines.
Overview
Despite its name, the BMW 4-series Gran Coupe is actually a four-door sedan. To pump up the sporty image, BMW added rear doors, a slyly integrated hatchback, and a sexy sloping roofline to the 4-series coupe and rechristened it as the 4-series Gran Coupe. Essentially a sleeker, more attractive competitor for the brand’s own 3-series model, the Gran Coupe outperforms its sibling in the practicality game, but when compared to more performance-oriented competitors, the BMW’s muted driving dynamics fail to impress. What the 4-series Gran Coupe offers in place of the hoped-for driver engagement is a handsomely appointed cabin, slick styling, efficient and powerful engines, and the prestige of the BMW name.
What’s New for 2018?
A revised suspension system offers sharper responses for 2018, while updated front and rear bumpers and four new wheel designs add a bit more panache. And two new paint colors—Snapper Rocks Blue and Sunset Orange—increase the exterior flash.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- 430i Gran Coupe: $44,295
- 430i xDrive Gran Coupe: $46,295
- 440i Gran Coupe: $50,695
- 440i xDrive Gran Coupe: $52,695
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 430i Gran Coupe comes with a 248-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine. Sprinting from zero to 60 mph in a brisk 5.8 seconds, it isn’t a standout among its rivals, but we have no reason to complain. Buyers looking for more zip can step up to the 440i with its turbocharged inline-six, which puts out 320 hp. Either of the 4-series Gran Coupe’s two turbocharged engines will deliver more than enough gumption for spirited driving. And the eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, which accompanies both engines, handles gear changes with aplomb. Buyers have the choice of rear- or all-wheel-drive setups. While not as athletic as its looks or heritage would have you believe, the 4-series Gran Coupe can still hold its own when pushed hard down a winding road. Unfortunately, rivals like the Audi A5 Sportback and Alfa Romeo Giulia manage to deliver a higher level of driver involvement and substantially more road feedback. The BMW's ride comfort is okay, but it isn’t as supple as expected from a car that offers only a mediocre amount of athleticism.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Boasting a host of luxury features, a driver-focused cockpit, and rich materials throughout, the 4-series Gran Coupe’s cabin feels more upscale than its competitors. The rich caramel-colored leather in our test vehicle brightened up what would otherwise be a dark interior, while the materials used throughout the cabin look and feel upscale. The center-stack controls angle slightly to the left, and a straightforward driving position puts all controls right where they should be. Adequate storage opportunities exist throughout the 4-series Gran Coupe’s cabin, with particularly voluminous door pockets being the primary spot for stashing snacks and sunglasses. The dinky center-console armrest storage bin is made even less useful by the addition of an optional wireless phone-charging dock. Under the rear cargo floor, the BMW offers a vast well for storing larger items out of sight. That sexy sloped roof undeniably adds flair to the 4-series Gran Coupe's exterior styling, but it cuts into rear-seat headroom and creates some blind spots for the driver. Despite this shortcoming, visibility remains on par with other similarly styled four-doors.
Infotainment and Connectivity
BMW’s iDrive infotainment system is displayed on a 6.5-inch touchscreen that sprouts monolithically from the top of the dashboard. A larger 8.8-inch display is optional and includes navigation and real-time traffic updates. No matter the screen size, the interface is controlled via touch or by using a rotary click-wheel mounted between the front seats. Apple CarPlay is optional, but Android Auto is not offered at all. Most of the iDrive infotainment system’s common features are easy to find, and a variety of controls and configurations are offered to suit every user. Response times are about as quick as the average smartphone, and the displays are crisp and readable. A nine-speaker audio system is standard on the 4-series Gran Coupe and will likely suit most casual listeners. The premium audio option is a Harman/Kardon system, which fills the cabin with 16 speakers. It does indeed sound rich, but it adds $4150 to the price of a base 430i model as it’s part of the Luxury package that also requires the Premium package. Luckily, these two packages add other niceties such as heated front seats, navigation, and a few exterior-design accents.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
For more information about the BMW 4-series Gran Coupe's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.