BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Review 2023 | heycar

Much like its direct rivals, the Audi A5 Sportback and Volkswagen Arteon, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is a spin-off model that no one really asked for. But it’s more useable day-to-day than a 4 Series Coupe, while it also spawned one of the best electric cars currently on sale: the BMW i4.

So far we’ve sampled both bookends of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe range: the BMW 420i Gran Coupe and the BMW M440i Gran Coupe. The entry-level car is far from the poor relation – a punchy 2.0-litre petrol engine combined with a slick eight-speed automatic gearbox and nimble handling proves that you don’t need mega horsepower figures to enjoy the process of travelling from A to B.

At the opposite end of the scale, the BMW M440i feels a BMW M3 or M4 without the theatrics (and, until the BMW M3 Touring arrives, a greater dose of practicality). It has a lovely six-cylinder petrol engine, all-wheel drive and enough power to beat an Audi S5 away from the line, while mild-hybrid assistance means it won’t be woefully inefficient.

Also in the range is the BMW 430i Gran Coupe which, despite its name, uses a 2.0-litre petrol with a welcome but not strictly necessary power boost over the 420i – and the 420d Gran Coupe, an efficient diesel model which’ll appeal to drivers who spend most of their time on the motorway. 

No matter which engine you choose, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe has a simply superb interior. You sit low down – which adds to the sporty vibe – while the infotainment, with its rotary controller, is impressively slick and easy to operate.

All models are well kitted out, while buyers get the choice of M Sport or M Sport Pro trim levels – the latter with sportier styling, bigger alloy wheels and adaptive suspension. With an extra pair of doors over the BMW 4 Series Coupe, the Gran Coupe is practical enough for family life, while the boot also gets a useful increase in capacity compared to the standard car.

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is available with prices starting from a smidgen over £40,000, while the top-end models are nearly £55,000. It’s certainly not a budget option but that’s the price you pay for a car that looks this good, is excellent to drive and has an interior that’s hard to beat.

Looking for the older version? You’ll need our BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (2013) review.