The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé was conceived as a niche model, but there has been nothing niche about its sales performance since its arrival in 2015. With more than 860,000 examples delivered to date, the low-slung liftback has exceeded expectations in almost every market, including the UK.
Predictably, then, the new Mk2 model sticks with the same design formula. It shares its front end with the new 4 Series Coupé and Cabriolet, including its enormous grille, but farther back there are frameless doors and an angled tailgate that opens high to reveal a large boot.
It also shares much of its interior architecture with its two namesakes, including the dashboard, which as standard features a 10.25in digital dial display and an 8.8in (optional 12.3in) infotainment screen. It’s all pleasingly upmarket and BMW’s iDrive system remains class-leading.
The 4 Series Gran Coupé isn’t as accommodating as the 3 Series, though, especially in the rear, where its more heavily sloping roof restricts head room, despite the low-set seats.
Four variants will be offered from the outset of UK sales this month: the 420i, 430i and M440i xDrive petrols and the 420d diesel. Whereas the others all have four cylinders, the M440i has a straight six – the latest incarnation of BMW’s 3.0-litre turbo unit. Power climbs by 47bhp over the powerplant used by the old 440i to 369bhp. Torque is also up by 37lb ft to 369lb ft, developed on a band between 1900 and 5000rpm.
