We really couldn’t blame anybody for getting confused by BMW’s presence in the premium compact segment. The good old 3 Series Sedan and Sports Tourer (Wagon) are joined by the rebranded 4 Series Coupe and Cabriolet, as well as by the coziness-orientated 3 Series GT. Wait, we haven’t added the 4 Series Gran Coupe, which can be described as a 4 Series Coupe with two extra doors.
Allow us to make all this simpler. With the exception of a few aspects that can be overlooked, the Gran Coupe makes an excellent replacement for the 3 Series Sedan. Before you rush to point out the USD/EUR 3,000 price premium demanded by the GC, remember that people easily pay 40 grand for such cars, so that seems of little importance.
If you’re not all that keen on the shape of the two-door coupe, the Grand Coupe could very well take the place of the 4 Series. In spite of what your eyes might tell you, the two are identical in terms of length and width, but the first’s roof sits 0.5 inches higher and stretches 4.4 inches (112 mm) towards its sculpted back end.
Once you’re on the move, you’ll notice the nice soundproofing - this feels like a larger car in terms of comfort. In the back, two adults of up to 6'2'' (185 cm) enjoy plenty of room. The only limitation is brought by the firm backrest (compared to the sedan). The problem originates with the 4 Series Coupe and has only been partially addressed. As for what concerns the driver, the dynamics are close to what the 4 Series Coupe has to offer.
Among others, this means you get excellent high-speed stability. Mind you, it’s important that you tick the xDrive all-wheel drive when visiting the list of optional extras. The rear-wheel drive models simply don’t seem composed enough in situations such as emergencies or hooning. Don’t worry though, the superb rear bias of the xDrive means you can enjoy yourself through the twisties.
Regardless of that, the 4 Series Gran coupe is best served with long trips - the car displays that kind of character that makes you want to jump back inside and go for another ride once you complete your ride. As for the rest of its driving aspects, such as the city behaviour, you can check these out in our BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe review.
If you’re not all that keen on the shape of the two-door coupe, the Grand Coupe could very well take the place of the 4 Series. In spite of what your eyes might tell you, the two are identical in terms of length and width, but the first’s roof sits 0.5 inches higher and stretches 4.4 inches (112 mm) towards its sculpted back end.
Once you’re on the move, you’ll notice the nice soundproofing - this feels like a larger car in terms of comfort. In the back, two adults of up to 6'2'' (185 cm) enjoy plenty of room. The only limitation is brought by the firm backrest (compared to the sedan). The problem originates with the 4 Series Coupe and has only been partially addressed. As for what concerns the driver, the dynamics are close to what the 4 Series Coupe has to offer.
Among others, this means you get excellent high-speed stability. Mind you, it’s important that you tick the xDrive all-wheel drive when visiting the list of optional extras. The rear-wheel drive models simply don’t seem composed enough in situations such as emergencies or hooning. Don’t worry though, the superb rear bias of the xDrive means you can enjoy yourself through the twisties.
Regardless of that, the 4 Series Gran coupe is best served with long trips - the car displays that kind of character that makes you want to jump back inside and go for another ride once you complete your ride. As for the rest of its driving aspects, such as the city behaviour, you can check these out in our BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe review.