2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The second-generation BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe has grown up. It's also grown physically, as BMW succumbs to the seemingly irresistible industry trend of making cars bigger than they were before. The most practical member of the new 4 Series family, the Gran Coupe, has seating for five, four doors, and a liftback trunk lid, while boasting an improved, though still not perfect, cabin that's nearly identical to that of the 3 Series. The massive and controversial front grille overshadows everything else, however, and continues to divide opinion. In non-M guise, two sublime powertrains are available, with up to 382 horsepower generated by the M440i's 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, now supplemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Traditionalists will love BMW's adherence to rear-wheel drive, but for our week-long test drive, we spent time in the AWD M440i xDrive.

As before, the Audi A5 Sportback remains the BMW's primary rival, with a left-field choice also present in the Kia Stinger. The Audi offers a bigger trunk and standard all-wheel drive, but the BMW, in our experience, is more enjoyable to drive thanks to a rearward bias even on the xDrive models. Aimed at those who are tired of a traditional three-box sedan, the 4 Series Gran Coupe is a unique take on style and practicality in one consummate package.

If you're not a fan of the face on the 4 Series Coupe, then you're out of luck here. The 4 Series Gran Coupe receives the same schnoz. But we have to say that the more we look at it the more it grows on us. To each their own. We do think the styling works better overall on a liftback sedan than the regular two-door. Plus, there's another cool highlight on the Gran Coupe that's lacking on the coupe: flush-fitting door handles.

The base 430i comes with standard 18-inch wheels, Satin Aluminum exterior trim, LED headlights, programmable LED daytime running lights, a power glass moonroof, and round dual tailpipes at either side of the body. Our San Remo Green Metallic (a $550 color option) M440i xDrive has much larger dual tailpipes and a unique style for its 18-inch M bi-color wheels. We appreciated the aerodynamic body kit and the M rear spoiler. A set of optional M Sport Brakes paired with 19-inch wheels came with our tester and, if you want, 20-inch wheels are available.

At some point in the future, new vehicles will cease to grow relative to their predecessors, but the 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is not about to set this revolution in motion. It's a significant 5.9 inches longer than its predecessor, an inch wider, and 2.1 inches taller. The wheelbase is 1.8 inches longer.

The new 4 Series Gran Coupe now has a length of 188.5 inches, a width without the mirrors of 72.9 inches, and a height of 56.8 inches. The wheelbase is now 112.4 inches. These dimensions are all greater than that of the Audi A5 Sportback. Whereas the 430i weighs 3,792 pounds, the M440i xDrive now weighs in at 4,169 lbs.

The 2022 BMW 430i Gran Coupe comes in two standard colors: Alpine White and Jet Black. The metallic palette is unlocked when you spend $550 more and grants access to colors like Black Sapphire, Mineral White, Sunset Orange, San Remo Green Metallic (our tester's color), and Skyscraper Grey. Brooklyn Grey and Portimao Blue cost $550 too but both of these require the M Sport package at an additional $3,550. For $1,500, Tanzanite Blue II Metallic, Dravit Grey Metallic, and Aventurin Red Metallic are especially striking choices. If you choose the M Sport package, this eliminates Jet Black and Skyscraper Grey from the available color choices.

The M440i shares most of the same color choices, but Jet Black and Skyscraper Grey aren't available on this model. Because the M440i already gets the M Performance treatment as standard, it's less expensive to upgrade to Brooklyn Grey or Portimao Blue, with both choices adding $550 to the bill in total. The M440i can also be kitted out with more Shadowline trim for an extra $400, including darkened headlights and mirror caps.

For now, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is only available in 430i RWD and M440i xDrive AWD flavors. An AWD 430i and an RWD M440i are coming at a later date. The base 430i's 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It hits 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and has a top speed of 130 mph. With summer performance tires and a raised top speed limiter, the maximum speed goes up to 155 mph. Interestingly, the previous 430i Gran Coupe with RWD was two-tenths quicker to 60. This is perhaps not a great surprise since that model was over 100 lbs lighter and only seven hp less powerful.

Compared to the 430i, the M440i has substantially increased power and performance. Now producing 382 hp and 368 lb-ft, the xDrive model will accelerate from 0-60 in 4.4 seconds. For the record, the Audi S5 Sportback does this in 4.5 seconds, but who's counting? Top speed is the same as the 430i with and without performance tires.

The M440i is a blast to drive. We took it to some twisty mountain roads near Boulder, Colorado where we engaged Sport Plus mode. With the suspension tightened and the exhaust note blaring a wonderful combustion-causing sound, a few local drivers immediately took notice. Thanks to the xDrive system, there's plenty of grip, and not once did the car feel like it couldn't handle what we were throwing at it. Some greater suspension feedback would be nice.

The base 430i hasn't taken a big leap forward but it's still a solid performer. Its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine makes 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The torque figure has taken a nice jump up from 258 lb-ft previously, improving mid-range pull. Paired with a slick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, this powertrain provides smooth and easy performance. As long as you aren't seeking a melodious soundtrack, there's not a lot to complain about here.

The M440i is quite a big step up, both in terms of charisma and performance. Its 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine now comes with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Behaving like an electric drive unit, this system provides an instant 11-hp boost, improves throttle response, and aids efficiency. Total outputs are 382 hp and 368 lb-ft. Once again, an 8-speed automatic is used, but the M440i also has a new Sprint function. Activated by tugging on the left shift paddle for at least a second, the car's powertrain and chassis settings briefly switch to their sportiest settings for a more potent mid-range burst of acceleration. We really don't recommend trying this in traffic. The eight-speed automatic is excellent with its lightning-fast shifts. Never once did we miss having a six-speed manual.

Perhaps if we all stop expecting modern, larger BMWs to entertain like the charismatic E46s and even E39s from years gone by, we'll be able to better focus on what they do well. The 4 Series Gran Coupe provides a stable, comfortable, and isolated driving experience. On extended trips, it's a lovely vehicle to pilot. It's a wonderful grand tourer. The ride isn't quite pillowy soft but it does a great job of filtering out minor surface imperfections.

When you're in the mood to have fun, the Gran Coupe delivers, but the steering lacks a certain old-school BMW feel. The sportier driving modes do help but everyday cruising in Standard mode is uneventful. Overall, the steering is accurate and the Gran Coupe retains good body control through the corners, but it stops short of being a thrilling experience. However, the M440i with AWD and the available adaptive M suspension (as our tester came equipped) is a rapid machine. It grips hard and impresses with quick turn-in, not to mention the cultured howl from that inline-6.

The RWD 430i is a bit more playful, but the upcoming M440i RWD is likely to be the most fun model in the lineup. The addition of the xDrive system doesn't ruin the fun, however, because it's rear-biased, sending 60 percent of the power to the rear wheels and the remaining 40 percent to the front. Drivers can alter this in just a tenth of a second with nearly 100 percent of the torque directed to the front or rear axle, depending on available grip. Combined with that adaptive M suspension, with which, at the push of a button, ride quality and handling immediately change, the M440i AWD is immensely fun. One critique we have is that we feel the brakes are slightly too sensitive.

There is a remarkably small difference in gas mileage between the RWD 430i and the heavier, far more powerful AWD M440i xDrive. Clearly, the six-cylinder's 48-volt mild-hybrid system makes a difference. The 430i returns 25/34/28 mpg city/highway/combined. By comparison, the M440i xDrive manages 22/29/25 mpg across the same cycles. The BMW is easily more efficient than the Audi S5 Sportback. With its V6 engine, the S5 can only attain 21/30/24 mpg.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe has a 15.6-gallon gas tank. Based on its EPA-rated economy figures, that works out to an approximate range of 437 miles for the 430i and 421 miles for the M440i. We experienced very similar figures for regular city and highway driving. More spirited driving in those twisty mountain roads took a hit on overall fuel economy.

BMW's incongruous blend of shocking exterior designs and understated cabins continues with the 4 Series Gran Coupe. Telling this interior apart from the one in the 3 Series will require the use of a measuring tape, a magnifying glass, and perhaps an overly enthusiastic BMW engineer. Design aside, there's a lot to like. The quality is high, there's a pleasing mix of physical and touch controls, and there's more space for passengers than before. BMW's Live Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster is standard, as is dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, remote start, and perforated SensaTec upholstery. The standard three-spoke leather-wrapped M sport steering wheel is lovely to grip.

There's a good spread of safety equipment as well such as active blind-spot detection, focus alert, and lane departure warning. The rear seat is somewhat cramped as taller occupants will certainly notice the lack of head and legroom. It's not a deal-breaker by any means.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe is much more practical than its 4 Series Coupe sibling. Accessing the back seat is easier thanks to the extra pair of doors. However, the rear door openings themselves are rather narrow, so ingress and egress aren't as effortless as they'd be in the 3 Series. Once seated, occupants who are six feet tall or over will also find that rear headroom isn't particularly generous at just 36.6 inches. For smaller adults, the rear bench is perfectly adequate, however, and the Gran Coupe can seat five people in total. In front, there's generally more space. Leg- and headroom are generous at 41.5 and 38.6 inches, respectively, and the driving position can be adjusted to accommodate most body shapes comfortably. The low driving position feels sporty and sophisticated.

On the 430i, perforated SensaTec upholstery, an Anthracite headliner, and open-pore Fine Wood Oak Grain trim are standard. The SensaTec comes in Canberra Beige, Tacora Red, Cognac, or Black. The default trim can be upgraded to High Gloss Fine Wood Ash Grey-Brown or aluminum with a mesh effect for no extra charge. Vernasca leather is a $1,450 option but also requires adding the Premium Package 2 for another $1,150, bringing the total to $2,600. This leather comes in Tacora Red, Black, Mocha with contrast stitching, Black with Blue contrast stitching, Oyster with contrast stitching, or Cognac with contrast stitching. If you choose Black with Blue contrast stitching, the total price increase is $6,100 as this requires other extras like the M Sport pack and a SensaTec-trimmed dashboard. Aluminum Tetragon trim is another option that requires the $3,550 M Sport package.

The M440i also comes with standard SensaTec or available Vernasca leather. However, adding the Vernasca leather to this model only requires the addition of ambient lighting too, so the total upgrade cost is $1,700. Once again, the exception is the Black Vernasca leather with Blue stitching. On the M440i, this will increase the bill by a total of $2,050 as it automatically adds ambient lighting and a SensaTec dashboard. Aluminum Tetragon trim does not cost anything extra on the M440i.

Whether you go for a basic 4 Series Gran Coupe or one with all the trimmings, the interior quality is highly regarded. Rattles and squeaks are absent, and there are no obvious signs of cost-cutting.

At 16 cubic feet, the 4 Series Gran Coupe has four more cubes than the regular 4 Series Coupe because of its hatchback-style opening. It's not massive, but neither is it so small that it won't suffice for daily needs. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat can expand cargo-carrying abilities when you aren't transporting passengers at the back. BMW has included hands-free opening of the trunk lid as standard.

Interior storage space is quite good. Along with bins in all four doors, there is a locking glovebox and a center console storage space beneath the middle armrest. Cupholders are also provided both front and rear.

Although there are one or two surprising omissions from the standard list of features, the Gran Coupe is a well-equipped luxury vehicle. Comfort and convenience items include keyless entry with a hands-free trunk lid, remote engine start, push-button ignition, and an advanced vehicle key. This memory key can store settings for the seat and dual-zone climate control system. Power-adjustable front seats are standard but you'll have to pay extra to have them heated and ventilated. A power moonroof, a garage door opener, a digital gauge cluster, adaptive cruise control and an auto-dimming function for the interior and driver's side exterior mirror are also standard.

On the safety front, the BMW gets front/rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, forward collision warning, active blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, post-crash braking, and a fatigue/focus alert function. Digging into the options list, one can add several useful features to the 4 Series Gran Coupe. Some of the main options that would interest us include a head-up display, heated front seats, and ambient interior lighting.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe comes equipped with BMW's iDrive 7 infotainment system. Controlled either through a knob located on the center console or the main touchscreen, we found the system to be very intuitive overall. However, it sometimes failed to recognize our Android smartphone even when it was plugged in via USB. It's as fast and responsive as ever, but like so many systems of its kind, you'll need some time to familiarize yourself with the many menus.

The 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional digital gauge cluster is paired with a 10.25-inch central touchscreen, but the physical iDrive controller thankfully remains in place. As standard, the system gets navigation with over-the-air updates for map updates, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and SiriusXM satellite radio with a one-year all-access subscription. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and audio is channeled via a 10-speaker Hi-Fi sound system with a 205-watt digital amplifier. Gesture control and a more powerful 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with 464 watts are available as options, but the latter is only on the M440i.

Although the latest Gran Coupe hasn't been specifically rated, the 2022 BMW 4 Series has an excellent J.D. Power rating of 85 out of 100, including an 87/100 score for quality and reliability. This ranks it above other luxury vehicles like the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. So far, there have been zero recalls for the new 4 Series Gran Coupe.

If anything goes wrong, BMW includes a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and roadside assistance for the first four years. A three-year/36,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance package is generous, and a 12-year rust perforation warranty is included as well.

No BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe safety review from the NHTSA or IIHS has yet been published. On a positive note, the 4 Series shares its platform with the 3 Series, and that legendary sedan attained a full five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. We have little reason to doubt that the 4 Series Gran Coupe will be just as safe.

BMW hasn't skimped on safety gear for the new 4 Series Gran Coupe. There is a full suite of eight airbags that includes dual-stage frontal airbags. Both front occupants have knee airbags and seat side airbags and side curtain airbags are provided for both rows. Dynamic stability control, dynamic traction control, and ABS brakes with cornering brake control should help to keep things neat and tidy when the car is manhandled or conditions are slippery.

The brand's Active Protection System can detect and prepare the car for an imminent crash. It will also activate post-crash braking, and includes a fatigue/focus alert function. The Active Driving Assistant will come into play more frequently. This suite includes frontal collision warning, active blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, and speed limit information. Automatic high beams, a rearview camera, front/rear parking sensors, and automatic city collision mitigation and braking round out a comprehensive safety specification.

On the options list, BMW includes a head-up display and an extended traffic jam assistant with partially automated steering at speeds of up to 40 mph. An evasion aid, lane control assistant, a 360-degree camera system, and automated parking are all also on offer.

The 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is a palpable improvement over its predecessor. It does almost everything better than before. The silky powertrains are a highlight, combining power and efficiency better than most. There's also a well-sorted chassis, although the Gran Coupe's driving experience is a little more muted than we'd like. The cabin is beautifully assembled and we appreciate that one no longer has to spend thousands on options to make a BMW feel properly luxurious. It's subjective, but we do think that the Gran Coupe is easier on the eye than the 4 Series Coupe. On the downside, the cabin is somewhat blandly styled (especially when compared to new Audi and Mercedes models), and rear-seat space and access aren't as good as in a 3 Series. Those aren't dealbreakers, though, so we're happy to recommend the new Gran Coupe.

The price of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe begins at an MSRP of $45,200 for 430i. The only other model currently for sale is the M440i xDrive at $58,200. These prices exclude tax, licensing, registration, and a destination/handling charge of $995. The M440i xDrive will exceed $70,000 if you load it up with enough options. Our fully-loaded M440 tester, complete with the Cooling & HP Tire Package ($2,400), Premium Package ($1,750), Driver's Assist Package ($1,700), and Parking Assist Package ($700) came to a grand total of $67,520.

Although the lineup will grow in the near future, the 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is currently limited to just two models, the 430i and M440i xDrive. The 430i uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft, whereas the M440i gets a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The range-topper produces 382 hp and 368 lb-ft, but it feeds all that power to all four corners. The 430i is RWD only but both use an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The 430i is similarly specified to the M440i. It comes with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, and a power moonroof. Inside, the driver faces a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen interface. Power-adjustable seats in front can be optionally heated, but dual-zone climate control, a 10-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and rain-sensing windshield wipers are all standard.

The M440i gets an aerodynamic kit, unique 18-inch wheels, and Shadowline trim to set it apart. M sport brakes and an M sport suspension complement the more powerful engine. Inside, it also gets Aluminum Tetragon trim and an M sport steering wheel. This model can be equipped with the Cooling and High-Performance Tire package that adds, among other things, an adaptive M suspension.

Both models are loaded with safety gear like active blind-spot detection, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning.

Both models are quite customizable, although some options are exclusive to each. The 430i's Convenience package adds ambient lighting and four-way power lumbar support for the driver's seat. This costs $400. For $1,150, the Premium 2 pack includes gesture control, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, ambient lighting, and lumbar support. Another 430i-only package is the Dynamic Handling pack at $2,450. It adds 19-inch black wheels with high-performance non-run-flat tires, an adaptive M suspension, an M sport differential, and M sport brakes with blue or red calipers. The $400 Shadowline package darkens the headlights and other exterior trim. For an M440i-aping look, the 430i can be fitted with the M sport package for $3,550. This adds 19-inch wheels, an M steering wheel, Shadowline exterior trim, an aerodynamic kit, and more. Standalone options include heated front seats for $500 and ambient interior lighting for $250.

For the M440i, there is a $700 Parking Assistance Package, which takes the pain out of parking, but it requires the Premium package too. Adaptive cruise control and other driver-assist technologies can be accessed via the $1,700 Driving Assistance Professional package. A 464-watt, 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system costs $875 and is exclusive to this trim. The Premium package at $1,750, adds gesture control, a head-up display, and more.

For $2,400, the Cooling and High-Performance Tire package on the M440i consists of 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires, an adaptive M suspension, and the M Technology package with superior drivetrain/braking cooling.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe lineup isn't quite complete yet as a 430i AWD and M440i RWD are set to join the family. As things stand now, the 430i RWD and M440i AWD are positioned at opposite ends of the price spectrum, with a price difference of $13,000 between them. Both models make a strong case for themselves. The 430i's lower-output engine blends well with its RWD drivetrain, it's quite a bit cheaper, and it'll be fast enough for most. But if you can stretch to the M440i xDrive, it's easily our choice. Despite its much greater power, it's not horrifically thirsty. It also gets a host of sporty M touches and access to the Cooling and High-Performance Tire package. The added fun and aural delight it provides are worth the additional cost. The M440i is not a fully-fledged M model (an M4 Gran Coupe doesn't exist) but it's packaged in such a way that it's a darling to drive around town, a wonderful grand tourer and highway cruiser, and an absolute thrill when pushed to its limits in Sport mode.

If you need four doors but consider the familiar 3 Series a bit too ordinary, the flashier 4 Series Gran Coupe is a worthy alternative. Mechanically, both cars are similar so each handles well but can do long-distance comfort too, although the ride on larger wheels is rather firm. Right now, the 3 Series has a broader lineup that includes a hybrid, as well as RWD/AWD versions of both the 330i and M340i. At $41,450, the base 3 Series is $3,750 cheaper than the equivalent 4 Series Gran Coupe, money that could be spent on some of the many options. The 3 Series remains more practical and is a more handsome sedan to most eyes due to its traditional kidney grilles. For its substance and more appealing price tag, we'll choose the well-rounded 3 Series.

The Audi is perhaps the closest rival to the 4 Series Gran Coupe. Like the Gran Coupe, the A5 Sportback has four doors but looks a lot sportier than its traditional sedan sibling, the A4. The base A5 Sportback starts at $43,500, making it almost $2,000 cheaper than the 430i. The Audi also gets AWD as standard. However, the A5 isn't as fun to drive and it isn't as rapid as the 4 Series. The base A5 is over half a second slower to 60 mph. The BMW is also much more efficient. Then again, for around the same price as the 430i, you can get the more powerful A5 Sportback 45 TFSI that is quicker than the equivalent BMW. The Audi also has a larger trunk as well as more leg- and headroom for rear-seat passengers. But if practicality was a big priority, you'd simply get an A4 or 3 Series. These four-door coupes are still practical but are more emotionally-charged purchases. On that basis, the BMW wins.