2023 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

　　

2023 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　, rating written byAlex NishimotoNews Editor

　　Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the News Editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.

　　If a BMW 3 Series is too commonplace for you, the Bavarian brand has a similarly sized four-door for you that's a bit more distinctive: the 2023 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. The Gran Coupe is a stretched variant of the 4 Series coupe, which itself is closely related to the 3 Series. The key differences between the venerable 3 Series and the 4 Series Gran Coupe lie in the latter's rear hatch and uniquely styled — for better or worse — front end. Beauty is, of course, in the eye of the beholder, but if you like your kidney grilles large and in charge then read on.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 430i 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

　　$163/mo  for 4 Series Gran Coupe 430i

　　4 Series Gran Coupe 430i

　　430i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $45,900 MSRP430i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $47,900 MSRPM440i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $57,450 MSRPM440i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $59,450 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The 4 Series Gran Coupe was redesigned in 2022, and as such the model receives only minor changes for 2023. It offers two engine choices, including a 255-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder in the 430i and a hardy 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six in the M440i xDrive. Though its exterior styling might not be for everyone, most would agree the 4 Series Gran Coupe's interior is handsome if not a little bland. The driver-centric cockpit features front seats that offer effective lateral support and a low driving position. The iDrive infotainment system is another high point, with fast load speeds and a responsive touchscreen.

　　The Audi A5 Sportback is the 4 Series Gran Coupe's chief rival, but the coupe-style BMW sedan also competes against more traditional luxury four-doors like its stablemate, the 3 Series, as well as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Genesis G70, Audi A4 and Lexus IS. Take a look at our test team's Expert Rating to find out where the 4 Series Gran Coupe ranks in its class.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the 4 Series Gran Coupe drive? The 430i is the base version of the 4 Series Gran Coupe, and as such it is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 255 horsepower. The engine isn't what you'd call inspiring, and its 6.2-second run from 0 to 60 mph in our testing makes it quicker than a C-Class but slower than its little sibling, the 230i Gran Coupe. The engine revs freely and the transmission swaps gears smoothly, though, so pulling away from stops and driving at low speed is comfortable and easy.

　　And while all-out acceleration was just OK, braking was impressive. Summer-rated Pirelli tires helped the 430i Gran Coupe stop from 60 mph in just 104 feet. It also pulled 0.97 g on our skidpad, besting other 430i models we've tested that were shod with less sticky Michelin rubber. On the street the brake pedal can be a touch too sensitive, but all in all the 430i is well sorted and easy to drive. It's a naturally balanced, confident machine that's easy to control in corners. It just isn't as fun as we'd like, and we're going to say that hang-up is mostly due to its breathless engine. If you want fun, you'll have to opt for the more powerful M440i model.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the 4 Series Gran Coupe? Despite looking like a low-slung sport sedan, the 430i Gran Coupe is surprisingly comfortable. Our test car's optional adaptive dampers made the 4 Series comfortable in all drive modes, especially Comfort mode. That addresses one of our main gripes with this car's sedan sibling, the 3 Series: its harsh ride. That the Gran Coupe delivers more comfort is a welcome surprise that we think elevates it over the sedan.

　　Other than the ride, the 430i is quiet and does a commendable job of insulating passengers from the outside world. Big wheels and summer tires do allow road noise to make its way into the cabin, but it's nowhere near unbearable. That said, the 430i's seats could be more comfortable. The padding was firm, suggesting the seats will require a lengthy break-in period before they become truly comfortable. Plus, these seats were manually adjustable, and we think some basic luxuries, like power seats, should be standard equipment at this price point. It's worth noting BMW's dedicated screen for climate control information means there's no digging through menus to change the temperature, and that's something we really appreciate about BMWs at the moment.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below