2015 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (4GC)

[Wretched]

At BMW, there really is something for everyone these days. Just take a look at the massive 3 Series/4 Series range – you can have a sedan, coupe, convertible, wagon, or funky-backed Gran Turismo. And now, with the introduction of the 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe, you can have another seda... err, hatchback, actually. But perhaps, a better one.

Compared to the 3 Series sedan, the 4 Series Gran Coupe is both longer and wider by about half an inch, but is shorter in overall height by an inch and a half. Honestly, to our eyes, it looks a little better than the 3 Series, too, what with its longer roofline, more sculpted rear haunches and lower stance. Full interior volume specs for the 4GC aren't available as of this writing, but we expect them to be roughly the same as the 3 Series, perhaps with a small decrease in headroom and rear legroom. Trunk space, at 17 cubic feet, matches the 3 Series sedan, and because the 4GC actually uses a hatchback design, it should be easier to access.

Powertrains are completely carryover from the rest of the 3/4 Series range. The 428i uses BMW's well-liked 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, and the 435i is fitted with the company's 3.0-liter turbo-six, good for 300 hp and 300 lb-ft. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission available in the US with either model and rear-wheel drive is standard. Only the 428i can be had with BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, and interestingly, the 428i Gran Coupe is actually expected to be more fuel-efficient than its 3 Series sedan counterpart. The GC is estimated to return 23/35 miles per gallon city/highway, compared to the 23/33 mpg in the 328i sedan. The 435i Gran Coupe should achieve the same 22/32 mpg ratings as the 335i sedan.

When we drove the 435i Coupe last summer, we actually found it to be a lot more engaging than its 3 Series counterpart, mostly thanks to its lower ride height and retuned suspension. The 4 Series Gran Coupe promises similar things as it can be had with an adaptive M suspension and variable sport steering. Of course, the same Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ drive modes have carried over from the sedan, as well.

BMW's Luxury, Sport and M Sport trims are once again available here in the 4 Series Gran Coupe, with a nearly carryover interior, save a bit more in the way of rear seat space. The car will officially debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and hits US showrooms this summer. Prices in the US will start at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $41,225 (including $925 destination & handling) for the 428i Gran Coupe. The 428i xDrive Gran Coupe will have an MSRP of $43,225, including destination & handling while the top-of-the-line 435i Gran Coupe will have an MSRP of $46,725, again, including destination & handling. This means both of the 428i models command $3,000 more than their respective 328i sedans, and the 435i Gran Coupe costs $2,400 more than a 335i sedan.

The thing is, good as the 4 Series Gran Coupe should be, it hardly seems necessary. But that hasn't stopped BMW before, and the truth is, this could very well be the 3 Series sedan we wanted all along – albeit at a price.

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2015-...photo-2182992/

I was skeptical initially but I have to say I am a fan, looks better than a 3 series and has the advantage of a hatch at the back with more luggage space. Win Win
I'll have a 435i GC thanks...

[outback_ute]

Between this and the 3-series GT, surely one was a waste of time?

[Rodge]

Gotta luv zee German's, they try and fill every niche they can think of and then just for good measure create some motoring solutions for problems we didnt even know existed.

[Bossxr8]

Could be worse, it could be one of retarded X6 SUV sedans. Quite possibly one of the stupidest niche's ever created. And stupid people with more money than sense still buy them over an X5, a cheaper car that can actually put things in the back.

[Gadgetman]

Originally Posted by outback_ute

Between this and the 3-series GT, surely one was a waste of time?

Yup, the GT is. horrid looking thing.

[Polyal]

Can someone explain how the coupe reference is made? Is it even pillarless? Dont think so.

[Rodge]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Could be worse, it could be one of retarded X6 SUV sedans. Quite possibly one of the stupidest niche's ever created. And stupid people with more money than sense still buy them over an X5, a cheaper car that can actually put things in the back.

Thanks, yeah that was the vehicle I was thinking of just couldn't remember the model name...lets face it there's so many of them. X6 definitly takes the prize for the most bizarre niche exercise in my opinion.

This grand coupe thing, for goodness sake its a four door, only in Germany

[_Ben]

Honestly if I saw this, I would think its just a 3 series.

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by _Ben

Honestly if I saw this, I would think its just a 3 series.

wouldnt you notice its 1/2 inch longer and wider?