INTERNATIONAL LAUNCH

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé gets even bigger

It's family friendly, with sharper looks, improved driving dynamics and even more interior space

Combining practicality and eye-catching looks, the Gran Coupé hits the sweet spot in the 4 Series range. Picture: SUPPLIED
Combining practicality and eye-catching looks, the Gran Coupé hits the sweet spot in the 4 Series range. Picture: SUPPLIED

BMW has launched the second-generation Gran Coupé as the more practical, four-door version of the 4 Series.

The latest version offers sharper looks, improved driving dynamics, and even more interior space. With its swoopy roofline and four doors it can be thought of as the sexier cousin of the 3 Series sedan.

Like its recently launched 4 Series siblings, the third body variant in the range adopts the brand’s new design, including those contentiously large “nostrils”. Adaptive LED headlights and daytime driving lights come as standard. There is also the option of BMW Laser Light, including BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high-beam assistant.

It is the more family-friendly version of the 4 Series with five full-size seats, a large boot and a versatile luggage compartment.

At 4,783mm, the Gran Coupé is 15mm longer than the two-door 4 Series. It is also 143mm longer and 27mm wider than its predecessor, with a 46mm longer wheelbase making for a notable improvement in passenger room.

The boot has been expanded to 470l — an increase of 39l — and load space can be increased to a maximum 1,290l by folding down the rear backrests.

Specific design features give the flagship M440i xDrive model more sporting looks, including a front apron with the signature U-shaped graphic of BMW M models. The kidney grille surround and the vertical trim around the air curtains come in Cerium Grey, as do the exterior mirrors, tailpipe finishers and model badges. The air breathers, the side sill trim strips and lower rear bumper trim, including the side trim elements are high-gloss black. An M-specific spoiler on the boot lid rounds off the M440i xDrive Gran Coupé's distinctive appearance.

BMW Live Cockpit Professional system comprises a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment. Picture: SUPPLIED
BMW Live Cockpit Professional system comprises a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment. Picture: SUPPLIED

The M Sport trim for all other model variants has a sculpted front apron and the rear bumper trim and side trim elements in Dark Shadow.

The engine range starts with a 2.0l four-cylinder turbocharged petrol in the 420i, producing 135kW and 300Nm, while this same engine is tuned to 180kW and 400Nm in the 430i.

A 3.0l turbocharged in-line six-cylinder with 275kW and 500Nm powers the flagship all-wheel drive M440i xDrive, delivering a claimed 0-100km/h sprint in 4.7 seconds.

A 2.0l  four-cylinder is also on offer in the 420d and 420d xDrive, mustering 140kW and 400Nm.

All derivatives come with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, with the M440i xDrive paired with a livelier Steptronic Sport.

An optional fitment is adaptive M suspension that offers a wide range between handling prowess and comfort. Traction and cornering dynamics are optimised by the M Sport rear differential, which comes standard in the M440i and is optional in the 430i.

Inside you’ll find a BMW Live Cockpit Professional system comprising a digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment suite. The latter offers integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Remote software upgrades functionality allows additional digital services to be imported into the car wirelessly.

Front-collision warning, speed limit info, and lane-departure warning are standard safety features, as is a camera for reversing.

The new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé goes on sale in SA in the fourth quarter of 2021, with the model line-up and pricing to be announced nearer the time.


subscribe

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.