News, Reviews

The new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

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BMW proudly presents the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé (combined fuel consumption: 8.1–4.5 l/100 km; combined CO2 emission: 189–119 g/km), the first four-door coupé in the premium midsize class that represents a consistent extension of the model range. Following the launch of the BMW 4 Series Coupé and Convertible, the Gran Coupé is the third model to join the new BMW 4 Series, which is longer, wider and more dynamic than any of the previous midsize series due to the balanced proportions of the vehicles. The new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé combines the sleek look of a two-door coupé with the functionality provided by four-doors and expansive spaciousness, including a wide-access luggage compartment.

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It may seem a little weird to me mainly because the whole reason why BMW started the 4 Series line up, it was to differentiate the sedan (3 Series) and the coupe (4 Series). Now the 4 Series has 4-doors and it is called a Gran Coupe? Weirdly enough, this bit of news did spark a little debate between me and a few other BMW enthusiasts, some have their points, others said that its for a target market segment. Some even say that it dilutes the brand. But what I do know is that it looks absolutely gorgeous.

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New standard of elegance and extravagance in the midsize class.
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé has exactly the same dimensions as the two-door coupé: a length of 4,638 millimeters, a width of 1,825 millimeters and a wheelbase of 2,810 millimeters. Up front, both models are identical and share the typical BMW design features like the double-kidney grille, dual round headlights and the large air intake in the front apron. However, the roof of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé is twelve millimeters higher, 112 mm longer and gently stretched allowing it to flow smoothly into the rear quarter panels and boot lid. The typical BMW short overhangs, the long bonnet and the set-back passenger compartment complement the design of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé to express perfect balance combined with a bold presence.

This extended roofline highlights the elegance and sophistication of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, while setting new standards for aesthetics in the midsize class that also have decisive practical advantages. For example, there is more headroom in the interior, not to mention added comfort. The boot volume of 480 liters is 35 liters larger than that of the two-door version for more convenience in meeting the challenges of everyday driving situations with the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé.

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Dynamic and elegant concept with functional elements.
When compared with a two-door coupé, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé offers passengers easier access when entering or leaving the vehicle thanks to the four-door configuration. The doors are frameless, having the characteristic design features of BMW midsize coupés that emphasize the elegance of the vehicle concept. The functional elegance of the 4+1 seater is highlighted by prominent round instruments with a black panel look and the free-standing flat-screen iDrive monitor. The wide-access boot opening and spacious luggage area makes loading and unloading much easier. The 40:20:40 split folding backrest of the rear seat ensures added flexibility. The maximum volume of the boot is 1,300 liters and is best-in-class when it comes to the premium four-door coupés currently offered. The boot lid is equipped as standard with an automatic opening and closing mechanism for maximum convenience, and the Smart Opener feature can be ordered to open and close the lid with a movement of the foot.

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Wide-ranging customizing options offered by three special equipment packages, the M Sport package and the BMW Individual program.
The interior of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé represents elegance and sophistication combined with outstanding ergonomics. All controls are configured to give the driver optimal access to them. An approach known as layering – the intelligent utilization of space through the structuring of lines and surfaces into layers – expresses the hallmark BMW driver focus. Lines from the cockpit stretch along the front doors and the B column into the rear passenger compartment. They create a sense of unity encompassing the front and back seats, as do the seamless transitions formed by the interior door panels. The shape of the rear bench seat resembles the look of two individual seats, but the upholstered “console surface” between them can also accommodate a third passenger in the middle (4+1 seater). Extraordinary material combinations and unrivalled quality of workmanship define the premium ambience on board the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé. The standard model variant, plus three optional equipment packages and the M Sport package, leave no wishes unfulfilled for drivers wanting a special look and feel. The BMW Individual program offered at market launch includes options for creating an exclusive vehicle with special leather interior packages, exterior colors and 19-inch light-alloy wheels.

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Four and six-cylinder petrol engines, plus two four-cylinder diesel engines available at model launch.
The new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé offers a choice of five powerful, cultivated and efficient engines. The high-end is represented by the 435i’s six-cylinder in-line 3.0-liter petrol engine delivering 225 kW/306 hp (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 11.4/6.2/8.1 l/100 km; combined CO2 emission: 189 g/km). The BMW 428i Gran Coupé (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 8.9/5.3/6.6 l/100 km; combined CO2 emission: 154 g/km)and the BMW 420i Gran Coupé (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 8.7/5.1/6.4 l/100 km; combined CO2 emission: 149 g/km) are equipped with light and powerful four-cylinder engines that deliver 180 kW/245 hp and 135 kW/184 hp, respectively. Like all BMW diesel variants, the two four-cylinder engines offered for the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé are known for their smoothness, torque and outstanding efficiency. The BMW 420d Gran Coupé (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 5.8/4.1/4.7 l/100 km; combined CO2 emission: 124 g/km) delivers 135 kW/184 hp with an average fuel consumption, depending on tires, of only 4.7 to 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers (4.6 to 4.7 liters with sport automatic transmission) and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in only 7.7 seconds (7.5 seconds with sport automatic transmission). The engine in the BMW 418d Gran Coupé (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 5.4/4.0/4.5 l/100 km; combined CO2 emission: 119 g/km) has an output of 105 kW/143 hp and consumes 4.5 to 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers.

All diesel and petrol engines feature the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and comply with the EU6 emissions standard. The ultramodern engines combine impressive elasticity and dynamics with very low fuel consumption and emissions.

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xDrive and two Steptronic transmissions are available.
At model launch, the BMW 428i Gran Coupé and 420d Gran Coupé can be optionally equipped with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive technology. (428i xDrive: fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 9.0/5.5/6.8 l/100 km; combined CO2 emission: 159 g/km; 420d xDrive: fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 6.1/4.2/4.9 l/100 km; combined CO2 emission: 129 g/km) The standard variant of the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé features a six-speed manual transmission, but all engines can be combined with the optional eight-speed Steptronic or eight-speed sport Steptronic transmissions, which also feature manual shifting using paddles on the steering wheel.

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BMW EfficientDynamics – sporty performance, low consumption.
The elegant and dynamic character of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé is accompanied by excellent economy and efficiency. The source of this low fuel consumption can be traced to the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, with wide-ranging innovations for intelligent mobility. These innovations include the optimized fuel economy of the petrol and diesel engines, the lightweight construction concept and honed aerodynamics with features such as a smooth covered underbody and the use of Air Curtains and Air Breathers. Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start Stop function, the gear shift indicator and ancillary components that are activated on-demand also contribute to fuel savings and reduced emissions. Automatic transmissions (Steptronic) can also reduce consumption with coasting mode, and even more is possible with ECO PRO mode.

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BMW ConnectedDrive – 100 percent connectivity.
The entire range of BMW ConnectedDrive options can be ordered for the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé. Among the highlights are the Navigation System Professional, the full-color BMW Head-Up Display, Driving Assistant, the glare-free High Beam Assistant, Active Protection and the latest development stage of the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. Innovative interface technology also permits easy integration of smartphones in the vehicles. This supports the use of the dynamically growing selection of apps available, for example, from Audible or Deezer, for various purposes in the vehicles.