In 2013, BMW introduced the BMW 4 Series Coupe (F32) — the successor to the legendary BMW 3 Series Coupe. The goal was to create space for new market niches. Let’s not forget that the Bavarian brand is among the kings of this strategy — one that, personally, I do not particularly like. I do not believe every manufacturer needs to fill every possible market niche. Still, every rule has its exceptions. Alongside the coupe, BMW introduced the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (F36) — a car that initially seems like one of the most illogical vehicles on the market.
Why? Because the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is essentially a four-door version of the two-door version of the four-door version. Naturally, this raises the logical question: why would someone choose a car that is very similar to the BMW 3 Series Sedan (F30) but significantly more expensive?
There are actually quite a few reasons. In this review we will try to examine the advantages and disadvantages of the test car as thoroughly as possible. The model we tested is the 420d equipped with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The two-litre four-cylinder diesel is probably the optimal balance between performance and fuel consumption.
Depending on your needs, the 4 Series Gran Coupe can be slightly less practical than the 3 Series sedan due to its sloping roofline, which in turn gives the car a beautiful and elegant appearance. Rear passenger space is somewhat limited, especially for people taller than 180 cm, but that is a drawback that is quickly forgotten once you sit behind the wheel of the “four”.
The driving experience is engaging, the comfort of the front seats is excellent, and the boot opens together with the rear glass like a liftback.
So, does a car like the 4 Series Gran Coupe really have a place on the market? Is there logic behind producing such a model, and is the higher price justified?
We tested the F36 generation, which is no longer in production and has already made room for its successor.
This particular car is actually my new personal vehicle, so similarly to the long-term test of Tsvetan’s Renault Megane R.S., expect to see more articles about it on Roadhunter.
Design
With a length of 4638 mm, the car is slightly longer than the 3 Series sedan. The front end features the typical BMW kidney grilles, while the Luxury Line specification adds additional chrome elements.
Although the design is beginning to show its age, the exterior remains attractive and distinctly sporty, largely thanks to the flowing roofline. Many people might find it difficult to distinguish the 4 Series from the 3 Series at first glance, but the “four” features a wider track and lower height compared to the sedan.
Like most BMW models, the 4 Series has a long bonnet and classic rear proportions, where we find a real dual exhaust that makes it visually almost indistinguishable from more powerful versions such as the BMW 430d and even the BMW 435d.
The particular example tested here is equipped with 19-inch BMW Individual alloy wheels, which together with the rather rare Kalahari Beige metallic colour contribute to the car’s distinctive appearance.
Overall, the 4 Series looks elegant and stands out with its sporty yet refined design.
Interior
In the review of the BMW X2 I wrote that discussing BMW interiors can sometimes feel repetitive — and I was not joking. he interior design of the 4 Series Gran Coupe is essentially identical to that of the 3 Series and many other BMW models. That brings several advantages, including the infotainment system, which is still arguably one of the best on the market. In the test car, however, the Dakota Leather Saddle Brown upholstery stands out and matches the exterior colour perfectly. The configuration is complemented by wooden trim elements, adding an extra touch of luxury. The seats are comfortable, although personally I would prefer the sport seats.
In the front, space is more than adequate for comfortable travel. The situation is different in the rear row, where space is quite limited — both for knees and for headroom. The smoothly sloping roofline inevitably reduces interior space, and on longer journeys this may become an issue if you regularly carry passengers in the back. In this respect, the 3 Series sedan definitely has an advantage.
On the other hand, when it comes to practicality, the 4 Series Gran Coupe impresses with its large boot, offering 445 litres of capacity with the rear seats in place. For additional convenience, the boot lid opens together with the rear glass like a liftback, making loading much easier.
From the driver’s seat, rear visibility through the mirror is quite limited, although this is partially compensated by the large side mirrors and the rear-view camera, which proves particularly useful when parking.
One thing I noticed is that even with the seat positioned relatively low and the sun visor lowered, I occasionally felt like a tank driver — visibility becomes noticeably restricted.
On the road
Comfortable or sporty?
It is actually quite difficult to give a definitive answer. The car is equipped with Adaptive M suspension, which in Comfort mode feels relatively soft — as expected. The complication comes mainly from the 19-inch wheels with run-flat tyres, which significantly reduce comfort, especially on roads like those in Bulgaria.
If you are buying such a car, you should either opt for adaptive suspension or choose smaller wheels, especially if ride comfort is a priority.
In Sport mode, the suspension becomes noticeably firmer and performs exactly as intended. The 4 Series feels glued to the road and comes alive on winding mountain roads with fast corners. The car feels stable, the steering is direct and every input through the wheel is reflected almost immediately. Body roll is minimal. Despite that, the “four” does not encourage aggressive, instinctive driving.
In Comfort mode outside urban areas the car is calm, stable and pleasant at high motorway speeds. Interestingly, contrary to the impression left by the 3 Series sedan, aerodynamic noise here is very well controlled.
Of course, it cannot match luxury limousines, but for its class the result is very good.
Performance is solid, although not particularly dramatic. The 420d produces 190 hp, combined with xDrive all-wheel drive and the brilliant eight-speed automatic transmission. The 400 Nm of torque are available from just 1750 rpm, allowing the car to accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 7.5 seconds.
Fuel consumption in city driving fluctuates around 8 l/100 km with more aggressive driving and about 7.4 l/100 km when driven calmly. Outside the city, achieving under 5 l/100 km is entirely possible without driving excessively carefully.
Another element worth mentioning here is the lighting system. Although the headlights are xenon rather than LED, they are adaptive and follow the steering movement. Nothing particularly impressive so far. However, the automatic high-beam system works exceptionally well. Unlike many other cars where oncoming drivers flash their lights before the system reacts, here the headlights quickly and effectively isolate other vehicles — both approaching and travelling in the same direction. This allows for much better illumination of the roadside without disturbing other drivers. The technology itself is not new, but it is well implemented and genuinely useful.
Conclusion
I dare say that the first generation of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (F36) is captivating at first glance, despite what many consider its somewhat illogical existence. It is not the fastest sports car, nor the most luxurious, nor the most comfortable. The 420d Gran Coupe xDrive does not dominate in any of those areas individually.
What BMW’s engineers have achieved, however, is a remarkably well-balanced package.
For greater comfort, my advice would be to look for a configuration with no larger than 18-inch wheels. Bulgarian roads are simply not designed for cars like this — or perhaps cars like this are not designed for Bulgarian roads.
Outside urban areas the car feels confident and stable, offering very good comfort at high speeds.
Although it does not immediately encourage aggressive driving, the 4 Series Gran Coupe remains a true BMW, coming alive when you press the accelerator on winding mountain roads.
If rear passenger space is important to you, you should probably avoid this car and consider the 3 Series sedan or Touring instead. Even so, the “four” can still serve as a practical family car thanks to its large and easily accessible boot.
Ultimately, the 4 Series Gran Coupe is not quite as illogical as it might seem at first glance. Yes, it competes internally with the classic 3 Series. It is slightly less practical (except for the boot), but certainly more stylish and more engaging to drive. Whether that is worth the higher price is something I will leave for you to decide.
Petko Choevski
