2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
Will the Gran Coupe best the Audi A5 Sportback?
The second-generation 4 Series hatchback four-door sedan is here in an enticing Gran Coupe package. Imagine a bigger, bolder, four-door version of the current 4 Series, or a 3 Series BMW with a longer body for more passenger room and additional cargo space. Did I mention that it has four doors? The Gran Coupe shares its powertrains and platform with the more modest two-door version of the 4 Series, and BMW's luxury liner arrives with both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive versions. It is a bit bigger than the first 4 Series gen sedan, offering 5.9 inches more length, is one inch wider and 2.1 inches taller than its predecessor. Changes in the aerodynamics boost efficiency in the new Gran Coupe and excellent 3 Series dampers make sure you know you are piloting the ultimate driving machine.
More Power
Speaking of the engine, you have your choice of two magnificent turbocharged motors in the Gran Coupe. There's the 2.0-liter four cylinder 430i model that delivers 255 horsepower managing 295 pound-feet of torque and comes with rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed transmission. Or you can opt for the more powerful M440i x-Drive model with its 382-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 369 pound-feet of torque and is further enhanced with a 48-volt hybrid system and standard all-wheel drive. The hybrid system delivers an additional 11 horses of assistance and better fuel economy. Both the 430i and the M440i utilize and excellent eight-speed tranny. While the 430i can handle zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, the beefier M440i will take you to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. That's seriously fast for a big saloon car. Watch out, A5 Sportback, there's a new sheriff in town and it wears a classic blue and white BMW roundel.
Despite it's bigger dimensions, the Gran Coupe has actually shed a bit of weight by using aluminum components along with the hood and front fenders. Traction and directional stability as well as cornering dynamics are improved by the M Sport differential. The M440i xDrive comes with a fully variable locking function in the rear differential, which is also available as part of the Dynamic Handling Package on the 430i.Â
[BMW's Adaptive M Suspension is available as an option on both versions of the Gran Coupe while load leveling on the rear suspension comes as standard to limit body roll. The EPA estimates that the new 4 Series hatchback will deliver 25 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway.]
Quality Craftsmanship
As with all BMW cars, the dashboard is extremely driver-focused with all the switches and dials angled toward the pilot. The infotainment touchscreen and climate controls all turn toward the driver for easy access. Interior styling is similar to the two-door 4 Series coupe and all the materials are top-of-the-line. Exquisite details abound everywhere you look, with rich leather and quality craftsmanship. Sport seats and a Sport multifunction steering wheel are standard. The comfort and quality in this car are top notch, just as you deserve from BMW.
Interior
As you might expect from a four-door sedan, the three-passenger back seat is plenty roomy though the headroom is a bit low in the back thanks to the Gran Coupe's fastback styling. The folding three-passenger rear seat adds to the cargo room. Both models include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.3-inch infotainment screen offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. In-dash navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 10-speaker audio system comes as standard.
Safety
When it comes to safety and driver assist features, the Gran Coupe offers automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a forward-collision warning system all as standard. BMW's Driving Assistance Professional package adds adaptive cruise control, front cross-traffic alert, automatic parking assist, surround-view camera, and lane-centering assist.
The Bottom Line
So, is this new second-gen 4 Series four door the Audi annihilator that the Bavarian brand hopes it will be? Only time and about 60K will tell. Test drive the Gran Coupe at your local Lithia BMW dealer. And as for that big, toothy front grille? You get used to it.
