BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe first drive

The third of BMW’s new 4 Series badged models – the 4 Series Gran Coupé.

Following the recently introduced 4 Series coupé and convertible, it has been conceived as part of efforts by BMW to cover each and every conceivable market niche in the premium car class.

All three models sit on the same platform and share the same mechanical package but receive differing body configurations and are aimed at different buyers.

In terms of style, this new BMW leans heavily on its well received 4 Series stablemates. This is particularly prominent up front, where the Gran Coupé shares the same bodywork and detailing as coupé and convertible. From its not inconsiderable B-pillars rearwards, though, it boasts its own look.

Like the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé introduced to the UK last year, the 4 Series Gran Coupé receives four frameless doors. This makes it unique in the 4 Series line-up. But unlike its larger and more expensive sibling, it does not receive a conventional boot. Instead, BMW has provided it with a large liftback style tailgate with the aim of providing it with the sort of practicality offered by its prime rival, the Audi A5 Sportback.

In doing so, it has created an in-house rival to its most popular model, the BMW 3 Series saloon. It also occupies similar ground to the 3 Series GT – BMW’s other mid-size liftback model.

As well as offering greater rear seat accommodation than the 4 Series coupé, the 4 Series Gran Coupé also boasts nominal boot capacity on par with the 3 Series saloon at 480 litres. This increases to 1300 litres when the standard 60:40 split rear seats are folded down.

When it reaches UK showrooms the 4 Series Gran Coupé will offer the choice of seven petrol and diesel engines together with either a standard six-speed manual or optional eight-speed automatic gearbox with most powerplants – the same combination that BMW has made available on the 4 Series coupé.

First of all, this is a great-looking car with a suitably racy profile and superb proportions for a four door. However, the styling itself is only part of what makes it so aesthetically pleasing.

It is the stance that makes the appearance of the 4 Series Gran Coupé such a stand-out in a class where style is often a deciding factor. With suitably wide tracks and a relatively long wheelbase, it sits confidently on the road with a wonderful athletic demeanour and just the right amount of attitude.

Still, the promise built up by the sleek exterior is not successfully carried over to the interior. Despite offering an excellent driving position and good all-round vision, the dashboard incorporates a lot of cheap-looking black plastic and rather cheap-looking switchgear. It does, however, offer a surprising amount of room and the five-door layout makes it inherently more practical than the 4 Series coupé.

Equipment levels mirror those of the 4 Series coupé. The base SE spec includes Xenon headlamps, front and rear parking sensors, two zone air conditioning, heated seats, speed sensitive Servotronic steering and a 6.5-inch monitor.