BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe keen to prove cynics wrong

“I don’t get the point of this car” my driving partner softly spoke underneath his breath from behind the wheel of our BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe as we left uMhlanga at the launch of the all-new, second generation model last week.

Success of being different

With some substance, his murmuring carries a lot of weight as the Gran Coupe has been something of an oddity, albeit a successful one, in much the same way as the X6.

Spun-off the BMW 3 Series, the Gran Coupe boasts the sloping roofline of the 4 Series Coupe, but like its Audi A5 Sportback rival, has two more doors, improved rear legroom and a bigger boot as a way of improving practically.

Although more elegant than the 3 Series styling-wise, it still takes some head scratching as to way buyers would want, to quote an adage dreamed-up on television, a four door version of a two door car largely similar to one of BMW’s most iconic model that happens to have four doors as well.

Regardless of the naysayers’ quips, the Gran Coupe has helped the 4 Series amass a rather impressive sales tally. Since its much publicised, controversial introduction as a model separate from the 3 Series eight years ago, 800 000 units have been sold.

ALSO READ: Polarsing Gran(d) as BMW reveals all-new 4 Series Gran Coupe

Even more remarkable is the sales split. According to BMW, Gran Coupe accounts for 50% of all 4 Series sales versus the even 25% of the cabriolet and coupe.

It is worth noting that the percentages apply to European sales, though chances are South Africa is not far behind given the number of Gran Coupes present on our roads compared to the cabriolet and coupe.

Looking past the nose

The second generation BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe then has a tough act to follow and like its mentioned siblings, as well as the M3 and M4, it starts off on a polarsing note for yes, you have guessed that, that grille again.

Much has been said and even more will continue to be mumbled about the efforts of Munich’s Head Designer, Domagoj Dukec, but look past the opinion-splitting shnoz, and you will notice why the Gran Coupe has become so popular.

Like the coupe, the sloping roofline adds a touch of elegance and sportiness, while the side profile provides a svelte appearance that has become the norm with four-door coupes.

Comfortable and practical… without sun gazing

Inside, there is little to confuse the Gran Coupe from being anything but a BMW in the look and design of the interior. Unlike the cocoon-like sensation of the coupe, the Gran Coupe feels airier, bigger and, unsurprisingly, more spacious in typical grand tourer fashion.

Longer, wider and more spacious than its successor, it also has better rear head-and-legroom than the coupe, though not by much in the case of the former thanks to all our test units being equipped with the optional panoramic sunroof.

At 470-litres, or 1 290-litres with the 40/20/40 split rear seat down, the boot is bigger than on the previous Gran Coupe and also 30-litres up on the coupe.

For South Africa, all three variant will feature the BMW Live Cockpit setup, though with the fitting of the optional Professional system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster joins the 10.25-inch iDrive infotainment system that boasts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the 7.0 operating system with over-the-air updates.

The tech advances and minimalist design still failed to hide varying degrees of fit-and-finish inside though, with the iDrive itself being laggy and, in this writer’s option, a step-up from the old system.

How much power?

As mentioned, the first part of the journey out of uMhlanga and into the wilds of the stunning KwaZulu-Natal heartland, took place behind the wheel of the 420i that serves as the range’s entry-point.

Producing 135kW/300Nm from its 2.0-litre engine, the baby Gran Coupe feels underpowered and heavy in spite of the mid-range acceleration being more respectable.

Like the entire range, the engine is paired to the sports optimised eight-speed Steptronic transmission. While seamless and slick, the combination dulls the experience regardless if the mode selector is switched to Comfort or Sport modes.

Counting in the BMW Gran Coupe’s favour though is a sharp feel to the steering and composed handling, aspects that came in handy on the twistier sections.

The second leg was conducted behind the wheel of what has become the default model below the range-topping BMW M440i xDrive, the 420d.

Outputting 140kW/400Nm, the 2.0-litre oil-burner has the low-down punch advantage over the 420i, but tended to run out of puff higher-up. Its pairing to the eight-speed ‘box is better sorted out though and while not as quiet as the petrol, will prove more popular against the back of the worsening petrol price.

At the range’s sharp-end, the mentioned M440i has had its 3.0-litre straight-six upgraded from 275 kW to 285 kW with torque unchanged at 500 Nm. As indicated by the xDrive designation, drive is routed to all four wheels.

Unsurprisingly, it didn’t hold back and responded immediately with an intoxicating six-cylinder bellow that become a crescendo as the revs rose. Given its all-paw system, it never felt like breaking traction and remained planted with a weighty feel to the steering wheel.

Conclusion

The inclusion of the Gran Coupe not only completes the local BMW 4 Series line-up, but also the choice of bodystyles for all tastes.

While accomplished as a grand tourer, or a 3 Series with a more style if you like, it will still remain something of an quirk facing not only competition from its cheaper sibling, but also its more senior, albeit pricier 5 Series stablemate.

Even so, it is likely to build on the foundation laid by the original irrespective of the controversial looks, lacklustre entry-level model or substantial price hike over the BMW 3 Series.

Pricing

A five year/100 000 km maintenance plan is standard across the range.

• 420i Gran Coupe – R937 452
• 420d Gran Coupe – R984 830
• M440i xDrive Gran Coupe – R1 312 696

For more information on the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, click here.