2017 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byJason KavanaghSenior Vehicle Test Engineer

　　Jason joined zzdcar' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.

　　

What’s new

　　For 2017, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe receives new engines, new model names and minor interior trim changes on certain models.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　A variant of the 3 Series, the 2017 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is actually a four-door hatchback. BMW has sliced and diced the automotive landscape so finely that it offers subvariants such as the 4 Series Gran Coupe (and the 3 Series GT) that have no direct competitors. The 4 Series Gran Coupe is in a segment of one until Audi releases the A5 Sportback in 2018.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 430i SULEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$169/mo  for 4 Series Gran Coupe 430i SULEV

　　4 Series Gran Coupe 430i SULEV

　　430i SULEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $41,950 MSRP430i xDrive SULEV 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $43,950 MSRP440i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $48,300 MSRP440i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $50,300 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　Now in its third year of production, the 4 Series Gran Coupe remains an enviable automobile, one that delivers exhilarating acceleration, refinement and style. Its engines are new this year, although they share exactly the same displacement and cylinder count as the engines they replace. Compared to a regular 2017 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, you lose out on some rear seat space, and you'll pay more. But it's a trade-off we think is worth it.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

4.0 / 5

　　Heavier, more expensive and with less backseat headroom than the 3 Series sedan upon which it is based, the 2017 4 Series Gran Coupe appears to be a dubious proposition. Forget all that. This car is an emotional choice, with more road presence than any 3 Series short of an M3 can offer.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 BMW 428i Gran Coupe (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 8-speed automatic | RWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current 4 Series Gran Coupe has received some revisions, including an update to the model name (the 428i is now called 430i) and a new-generation engine of the same 2.0-liter displacement. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's 430i Gran Coupe.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	4.0 / 5
Driving	4.5
Comfort	4.5
Interior	3.0
Utility	4.0

　　

Driving

4.5

　　Like other 328i and 428i BMWs, the 4 Series Gran Coupe is blessed with a powerful, responsive and surprisingly efficient base engine. All other dynamic attributes are at least on par with its siblings, which is saying something. Benchmark performance.

　　

Acceleration

5.0

　　Plenty of power, eager throttle response, and the 2.0-liter 240-horsepower turbo-four sounds great. The responsive automatic transmission also has a launch mode. Its measured a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds is almost a second quicker than average for entry-level luxury cars.

　　

Braking

3.5

　　The brake pedal feels solid and reassuring in all situations, and we observed zero reduction in effectiveness and a resistance to fade despite multiple successive panic stops. Braking distance of 115 feet is about average for summer tires.

　　

Steering

4.0

　　The optional variable-ratio steering and thick steering wheel offer excellent precision and response. We would prefer more feel, though, even in the higher-effort Sport mode. Still, for an electric-assist system, this one's pretty good.

　　

Handling

5.0

　　The 4 Series turns in crisply and demonstrates impeccable poise. It remains sure and predictable when driven hard like any other 3 or 4 Series. And the M Sport and Dynamic Handling packages make it an even sharper driving instrument.

　　

Drivability

4.5

　　Adjustable drive settings allow you to set ride, steering and throttle response how you like it, but the default setting works well, too. BMW's automatic engine stop-start can feel rough at times. But when you shut it off, it stays off.

　　

Comfort

4.5

　　This sport-tuned model still manages to be comfortable thanks to its optional adaptive M Sport suspension and BMW's usual attention to detail. Accolades must also go toward the hugely adjustable front seats that can accommodate and hold in place a wide variety of body types.

　　

Seat comfort

5.0

　　It's hard to beat these front seats. A wide range of power adjustability is complemented by firm and supportive seat contours. This car is equally adept at long-distance comfort and cornering. Optional sport seats add thigh extension and power bolsters.

　　

Ride comfort

5.0

　　The adaptive sport-tuned M Sport suspension does create more jiggling and firmness at times, but this is still a masterfully damped suspension that soaks up bumps and quashes harshness. An example of how to do a sport model right.

　　

Noise & vibration

4.0

　　The 428i never sounds strained, and the engine fades into the background when cruising. There's good wind and road isolation despite frameless windows and that big, open hatchback trunk area.

　　

Interior

3.0

　　The 4 Series Gran Coupe four-door does not get top marks because entry and exit, space and visibility are compromised by its stylish roofline. It's better in these areas than a pure 4 Series coupe, but the 3 Series Gran Turismo, a similar but somewhat less graceful hatchback, is more practical.

　　

Ease of use

3.5

　　Without navigation, iDrive has a smaller screen and a simpler controller. It's still comparatively complicated, but you acclimate. Other controls are well placed, and the cruise controls are some of the best.

　　

Getting in/getting out

2.5

　　The front seats are low and the bolsters are prominent, which don't make it the easiest car to get into. The low roofline and fastback profile will cause you to duck more than usual, too. The 3 Series Gran Turismo is better in this regard.

　　

Roominess

2.5

　　There's superior room up front thanks to abundant seat movement and sufficient headroom. Those of average height or taller must slouch in the backseat, though. Get the similarly styled 3 Series GT if backseat space matters to you.

　　

Visibility

3.0

　　Thin roof pillars help the view forward. And given this car's roofline and low-slung seating position, it's not bad. Still, visibility to the rear is compromised, and the rearview camera is optional.

　　

Quality

4.5

　　Solidly built from the ground up with excellent materials and precise assembly. No gimmicks. This is clearly worth a price premium.

　　

Utility

4.0

　　The hatchback body style provides easy access to the cargo hold, which itself is amply sized. Cargo capacity-wise, it matches the 3 Series sedan by the numbers, but day-to-day access is better in the Gran Coupe.

　　

Which 4 Series Gran Coupe does zzdcar recommend?

　　If you can afford it, spring for the 440i Gran Coupe to get its refined and powerful turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. It's truly magnificent, and it's a good match for the Gran Coupe's sleek style. We also recommend the upgraded headlights of the Lighting package and the Driver Assistance package for its useful parking aids. Performance-oriented drivers are encouraged to tick the box for the attractively priced Track Handling package, which, among other goodies, supplies non-run-flat summer tires.

　　

2017 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe models

　　The 2017 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is — despite its coupe billing — a four-door hatchback. It's available in two trim levels, 430i and 440i, and both are available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (called xDrive in BMW-speak). An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission available. The 430i, the entry-level version, is equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and offers many features as optional. The 440i gets our nod for its much more powerful turbocharged inline-six. Stepping up to the 440i also nets a few other upgrades, though it too has many optional features.

　　Highlights for the 430i include 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a sunroof, a power liftgate, power front seats and a nine-speaker sound system, but you'll have to visit the options sheet if you want things such as keyless entry, satellite radio, heated seats or a backup camera. Even Apple CarPlay is extra. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (248 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque) is more adept at hustling this heavy car around than you might expect.

　　But the 440i has an engine that's too compelling to ignore. The 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six (320 hp, 330 lb-ft of torque) is smooth, refined and exceedingly robust. In the bargain you get power lumbar adjustment, keyless entry, hands-free liftgate operation and a premium audio system.

　　Many optional packages are common to both trim levels. Options to be on the lookout for include the M Sport package (summer performance tires, a performance-tuned suspension, different exterior styling), the Technology package (a navigation system with a larger display), LED headlights, some advanced driver safety aids, an adaptive suspension and adaptive cruise control.

　　

2017 4 Series Gran Coupe Highlights

Trim: 430i SULEV430i xDrive SULEV440i440i xDrive430i SULEV

　　

Base MSRP	$41,950
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$169/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	14.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles