BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe driven

Is it possible to successfully combine a four-door saloon with coupe looks, hatchback practicality and sports car handling? BMW thinks it is, and the 4 Series Gran Coupe is the result.

The 3 Series-based model mirrors its 4 Series stablemates’ line-up of petrol and diesel four and six-cylinder engines. XDrive four-wheel drive is optional on most variants, while auto boxes are standard with the higher-spec motors and available at extra cost elsewhere.

The entry-level 420i four-cylinder petrol turbo sometimes feels a little weak, so we prefer the slightly more powerful 430i version. Top unleaded choice is the refined yet sporting 440i six-cylinder. Better still are the 4 Series Gran Coupe diesels starting with the 420d, which is flexible and fuel efficient if a little unrefined compared with Audi rivals. The auto-only six-pot 430d is much smoother, quicker and still pretty economical, while the range-topping 435d xDrive is fast but costly to buy.

Optional adaptive dampers are worth speccing, as in Comfort mode they give a much better ride than standard yet they can still provide agile handling in Sport. It’s a great balance of comfort and control for those on board. Regardless of the suspension system, the smaller wheels feel better than the 19in rims. The steering is accurate and responsive, with good feedback, and the rear-wheel-drive set-up enables great delicacy in bends.

Inside the 4 Series Gran Coupe, you sit behind a 3 Series-inspired dash, which is well laid-out even if the centre console is a little cluttered. The driving position is low and sporty, although the height adjustment is a bit fiddly and the pedals are heavily offset to the right. Wide rear pillars can impinge on visibility, so parking sensors come fitted as standard.

The iDrive infotainment system is controlled by the usual intuitive rotary dial between the seats, and material and build quality are generally good even though the occasional use of cheaper materials means the cabin is starting to look a little dated compared with the Audi A5 Sportback.

Sat-nav, DAB, USB connector port and hands-free Bluetooth are standard fit across the board in the 4 Series Gran Coupe. Entry-level models get a high-mounted 6.5in colour screen, while higher-spec cars have a bigger screen, better online connectivity and improved sat-nav.

Stowage provision is good throughout, while the rear passenger space is surprisingly roomy. A split-folding bench cost extra, but the boot is already more practical than any comparable BMW except the 3 Series Touring. The tailgate has standard electric operation, plus there are a range of useful hooks and luggage tie-downs. The load area is let down only by the relatively high load lip

Price wise, you’ll pay more for the 4 Series Gran Coupe than the 3 Series saloon. That’s justified by the car’s extra style as well as its additional kit; even the SE has all-round parking sensors, heated leather seats, DAB, xenons and a multifunction steering wheel. Sport adds styling tweaks and 18in rims among other things, while plushness and variety of cabin trims and materials improve as you move up through the ranks. Luxury and M Sport bring the superb BMW Professional Media pack and metallic paint. The top M Sport has stiffer suspension (which can be removed at no cost), plus an aerodynamic bodykit.