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BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 3
First production year: 2014
Engines: Mild hybrid diesel, Gasoline, Mild hybrid, Diesel
Body style: Coupé (two-door)
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (G26) photo gallery

BMW released the 4 Series Gran Coupe in mid-2021, just a couple of days after it refreshed stablemates X3 and X4.

When the German carmaker decided to split the 3 Series into two distinct models, the customers didn't seem too happy. At first, the difference between the two twin brothers was just the door numbers. Even the former 3 Series Gran Coupe became a 4 Series Gran Coupe, but without too many changes. But that changed starting with the G26 generation.

One of the most controversial parts of the 4 Series was the front fascia, which featured an oversized and tall kidney-grille with chromed surroundings and a 3D mesh pattern, but it resembled the former BMW 327 from 1937 and 1952 501. Its LED headlights looked mean and aggressive. Like its predecessor, the 2021 4 Series GC featured frameless windows for all the doors. Thus, it stayed in the four-door coupe league, with a sloped-down, fastback-like tailgate. The streamlined taillights create the illusion of a more comprehensive vehicle at the back, thanks to their horizontal LED lines.

Inside, the upgrade in the technical department was significant. The base models featured an 8.8" screen above the center stack for the iDrive infotainment system and a 5.1" color display in the instrument cluster. At the front, the high-bolstered front bucket seats provided enough side support for their occupants during high-speed cornering maneuvers. In the back, there was a bench for three adults. Even though the transmission tunnel was present, it wasn't that tall anymore and narrower. Thus, the rear middle passenger could place his or her feet under the left and right front seats. The 60/40 rear bench' seatback increased the trunk space from 470 liters (16.6 cu-ft) up to 1,290 liters (45.5 cu-ft).

Under the hood, the carmaker provided an engine range fit for a sporty four-door coupe. The base version featured a four-banger, turbocharged gasoline unit, while the top of the range M 440i received a 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged powerplant.

full description and technical specifications
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (F36) photo gallery

After BMW decided to name its coupe vehicles with even numbers, the former 3-Series GC became a 4-Series Gran Coupe, which the German carmaker introduced in 2014.

Regardless of the body shape or the doors numbers, the 2018 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe was based on the same platform as the regular, 3-Series Sedan. It was the answer for the Audi A5 Sportback and tried to convince customers that a five-door hatchback is as good as a two-door coupe.

After Mercedes-Benz started the four-door-coupe trend with the CLS, other carmakers tried to make similar offers. BMW made the 4-Series GC but forgot a few things. It didn't hide the rear doors' handles, and the hunchback-shaped greenhouse was not the best solution they could get. On the plus side, the car featured frameless windows. Its overall, cab-rearward design resembled a coupe shape, but not at its best.

Inside, BMW managed to provide an authentic coupe experience for those seated at the front. The low-mounted seats, combined with a high center console, offered a similar 4-Series coupe driving position. Compared to the non-facelifted version, introduced in 2014, the 2018 model-year featured a digital display that replaced the older analog-dial system. The dash panel received a piano-black finishing.

Under the hood, BMW installed a range of five turbocharged engines, either gasoline or diesel. The carmaker paired them with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, with rear- or all-wheel-drive.

full description and technical specifications
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (F36) photo gallery

Following the introduction of the BMW 4 Series at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Gran Coupe version was launched in the spring of 2014, at the Geneva Motor Show.

BMW featured two different lines of cars in the same segment. Both, the 3 Series GT and the 4 Series Gran Coupe featured a 5-door hatchback bodywork, with the main difference being that the 4 Series had a sleeker, sportier look. BMW said that those two will not step on each other's shoes.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe featured the exact length of the regular, 2-door 4 Series, but it was taller by 12 mm (0.47”), offering more headroom for the rear passengers. The frame-less doors inspired the same feeling like a regular coupe. In the front, the car kept the same look as the 2-door version. The car maker tried to offer a 4-door coupe, such as the 6-Series Gran Coupe but in a smaller (and more affordable) package.

The Gran Coupe was offered as a 4+1 seater. The middle passenger from the back-seat might not stay very well there, due to the transmission tunnel. The seatback from the rear bench was split in a 40:20:40 way, increasing the trunk space up to 1300 liters (45.9 cu-ft). The liftgate featured as standard an automatic opening and closing system, with a hands-free opening system offered as an option. Inside the cabin, there was the same technological equipment as in the 4 Series, with an infotainment system installed on top of the center stack.

For the drivetrain, the 4 Series Gran Coupe featured the same lineup as the 2-door version, with diesel and gasoline engines ranged between 143 hp and 313 hp. Most of the versions were available with all-wheel-drive.

REVIEW: BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe   full description and technical specifications