2015 BMW Gran Coupe 428i xDrive: The Brand’s Stylish Reinterpretation of a Hatchback Sedan

Highlight:  The Gran Coupe is a hatchback version of the iconic 3-Series sedan.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $55,075 (base model $41,250)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; Xenon headlights with LED accents; an automatic dimming rearview mirror; a tire pressure monitoring system; rain sensing wipers; stability control system ABS brakes; and BMW’s SOS assist system

Standard Equipment: 17-inch wheels; a rear wheel drive configuration; an 8-speed transmission; iDrive system; power moonroof; automatic temperature control; a keyless ignition starter system; a manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel; four driving modes (sport plus, sport, comfort or economy); pseudo leather seats; power front seats; power adjustable mirrors with a dimming feature; a power liftgate; and a rear seat center armrest

Options On Review Model: 18-inch star spoke wheels; Summer tires; sport seats; aluminum Hexagon interior trim; M sport suspension system; M sport steering wheel; aerodynamic kit; an Anthracite headliner; heated steering wheel; heated front seats; heated rear seats; retractable headlight washers; Dakota leather; a rearview camera; a park assist aid system; keyless entry system; a 1-year subscription to satellite radio; a navigation system; heads up display; side and top view cameras;  and an upgraded surround system
  
Trim Levels:

428i
435i
435i xDrive

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 9-speaker AM/FM/HD/CD stereo

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 mile warranty

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 mile warranty

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, twin turbo/240-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 21-city/32-hwy

What’s New: One of the newest additions to the BMW family arrived last summer. It’s a little larger than the 3-Series, but not as roomy and luxurious as the 5-Series.

Pros:  This fuel-efficient turbo combines the best elements of a coupe, a sedan and a hatchback with its German styling. Because of the sleek and wider dimensions, the Gran Coupe can be easily mistaken for the larger and pricier 5-Series.

The new Gran Coupe is available with either a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder turbo or a 6-cylinder engine in either a rear wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration, which BMW refers to as xDrive.

The Gran Coupe offer the same handling characteristics, steering and driving abilities one expects of any BMW. The aforementioned features are enhanced when adding the optional M-Sport package, which added larger 18-inch alloy styled wheels and a firmer suspension. Depending upon the mood of the driver, they can opt to rotate between four standard driving modes: economy, comfort, sport and sport plus, which can alter the vehicle’s overall driving dynamics.

Moreover, the Gran Coupe can be accessorized with a host of optional safety driving aids, while the driver is behind the wheel. Those features include a heads-up display system, real-time traffic information, a pre-collision braking system, a full range radar-activated cruise control system, a blind spot detection system, full LED headlights with an automatic high beam system and apps to connect one with the vehicle and their smartphone. Yes, the 4-Series is pushing the envelope as it relates to becoming a self-autonomous vehicle.

Cons: The 4-series, with its extremely firm seats, can be quite pricey, when compared against its indirect competitors, especially when adding on options. Furthermore, while the rear seat head room is still somewhat sparse, it is still larger than that of the iconic 3-series. Moreover, the rear back up camera almost seems static, when the optional distracting side and top view cameras are thrown in the mix. In our opinion, it really doesn’t assist the driver in backing up. We would recommend the traditional rear back up system without the distracting side and top view cameras.

Verdict: The 4-series Gran Coupe reminds us of a roomier hatchback version of the iconic 3-series sedan. It’s a stylish reinterpretation of a hatchback sedan, which still offers the sporty driving dynamics and performance capabilities one would expect in a BMW. Unlike the iconic 3-Series, which is available with four powertrain choices, the 4-Series is only available with two powertrains, lacking the 1.8-liter and the diesel option. While we admit this new model is a little pricey, we know that BMW aficionados will still be smitten by this German engineered machine.

Indirect Competition:  Audi A4; Infiniti Q50; Lexus IS; and Mercedes-Benz C-Class