BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Review by Bimmerpost

Bimmerpost was able to drive the 428i in Bilbao, Spain. They review one that is fitted with the M Sport package, and painted in Estoril Blue. Can the vehicle live up to BMW’s claims that it can reach 60 mph in a mere 5.7 seconds and a remarkable 155 mph? Here is an excerpt of their review:

But you wouldn’t believe it from behind the wheel. The soundtrack of the N20 engine is nondescript, mid-range performance could be better. The automatic transmission is eager and quick, but it doesn’t quite match the ultra-quick shifts of Audi’s – or the M3’s – dual-clutch box. Switching between the driving modes helps things, but even “Sport Plus” can’t turn the four-banger into an inline-six.

But it can help the chassis to dance. “Sport Plus” doesn’t switch off the stability control entirely – at all. But it does allow slight drift angles, without scaring anyone. And it helps this relatively large hatchback turn into corners with surprising alacrity. This car proves there is simply no substitute for a rear-wheel drive platform, and it doesn’t take a lot of effort to get its tail to rotate into a corner. In lesser driving modes, the BMW doesn’t excite, but it is a great high-comfort, long-distance cruiser.

And that’s a good thing, as there is ample room both up front and abaft – enough so, possibly, to make buyers of the 5 Series think twice. The rear seats can be folded down, which increases trunk space from 17 to 46 cubic feet. Inside, there are few differences between the 3 Series and the 4 Series; the dashboard is shared, but the door trim is unique to the Gran Coupe.

We were not able to sample what we suspect will be our favorite 4 Series – the 435i. Its turbocharged straight-six supplies the extra bit of performance and sound that will set a BMW apart from the competition. It’ll also be the most powerful Gran Coupe; our company sources tell us that we shouldn’t hold our breath for an M4 Gran Coupe.

Read full review at Bimmerpost