The BMW 4-Series Gran Coupé was launched this week. BMW says the latest generation aims to build on its success while enhancing its inherent attributes and product substance. It makes for a fantastic car to drive that quivers under your fingertips to perform.
There are three derivatives from which to choose but each comes with an extensive range of spec under the M Pack spec included as standard. Thus, every car is fully loaded with all the spec and tech that a driver would want. It is most definitely a car designed for ‘sheer driving pleasure.’
The drive
I spent most of the launch in the 440i which was a thrilling vehicle to drive. Responsive, precise handling, powerful and just a pleasure to drive. The body struts at the front end and in the rear axle area is what takes credit for the car’s superb handling agility and precision.
The BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupé is powered by a 285 kW six-cylinder in-line petrol engine. The four-cylinder
petrol engine in the BMW 420i Gran Coupé produces maximum output of 135 kW. And a 140 kW four-cylinder diesel engine can be found under the bonnet of the BMW 420d Gran Coupé.
All the engines team up with an eight-speed Sports Steptronic transmission with gearshift paddles as standard.
Driving over a few uneven road surfaces and on a short stretch of gravel, I was impressed that you could barely feel a difference between a smooth road and the uneven or gravel roads.
According to BMW, standard-fitted lift-related dampers enhance both sports performance and ride comfort. Depending on the spring travel, these provide extra damping to control body movement when driving over large bumps, as well as preventing excessive dive. The system reacts to minor imperfections in the road surface with low damping forces that produce high levels of comfort.
The design
It is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor. The wheelbase is also longer and slightly more than the 3-series sedan as well. Interior space has been increased as well and can comfortably fit four adults. The boot in particular has increased by 39 litres.
Bold lines and surfaces with a three-dimensional structure are the defining elements of the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé’s expressive front end. Some changes include the large and vertically prominent BMW kidney grille and the slim full-LED headlights with U-shaped fibre-optic light guides for the daytime driving lights.
Precise lines, doors with frameless windows and flush-fitting handles, and powerful shoulders shape the sporty silhouette of the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé. Other changes include the roofline that culminates in a pronounced spoiler lip on the tailgate, a focus on the horizontal lines and a low-slung, muscular stature. The 4 Series is accentuated by a rear apron with vertical aero lips at its outer edges and a black finish for its lower edge. The darkened full-LED rear lights extend into the flanks for additional style.
The inside
The design of the new 4 Series Gran Coupé is meant to resemble a cocoon effect. Sport seats and a Sport leather
steering wheel come as standard. The interior is further accentuated in the 440i xDrive Gran Coupé and M Sports cars. Additionally, there is a wide range of spec to add on to your selected derivative for unique personalisation.
Digital world
Connectivity is a big focus in the latest BMW vehicles. This goes for the 4 Series as well. The new Gran Coupé is considerably more digitised. Just like a smartphone, updates can be done online without having to visit a dealership.
In particular, the My BMW app has been upgraded as well with new functionality and exciting features. Another aspect of the digitisation is the ability to check things such as tyre pressure on the app. Software can be updated at any time and it has also become much easier to navigate.
Additionally, in the future drivers can still add additional tech. The best part of this is that you can choose to add a feature either for the lifetime that you drive the car or for a limited period. For example, the cars come with steering wheel heaters built in and you can elect to only make use of this feature for three months of the year during winter as opposed to having it as a permanent feature. This functionality extends to second and third owners of the car as well.
I am not sure what the cost implications of this would be as opposed to just having a car that either has it or does not have it but this is unlikely to be a concern to its potential.
Ultimately, an incredibly enjoyable car to drive. anyone in the market for a slightly larger vehicle than the 3 Series will find the 4 Series a great option.
Good to know
The specs
Engine: six-cylinder in-line petrol engine
Transmission: eight-speed Sports Steptronic transmission
Power: 285 kW
Price: starting from R980 000
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