BMW 428i Gran Coupe First Test - A Good Driver But Not Differentiated Enough From The Other 3/4 Series Variants

So how does it drive? Just as well as the other 4 Series variants. Any loss in total body rigidity did not make itself apparent while jinking through the many curves tracing the Rio Ebro in northeast Spain. Naturally BMW took the precaution of equipping every press vehicle at the launch as a 428i with the $3500 M Sport package (aero-tuned front and rear fascias, 19-inch wheels shod in Bridgestone Potenza S001 tires, sport suspension, sport seats, and other trim), dynamic handling package (Adaptive M Suspension, sport steering, $1000), and four-piston front/two-piston rear fixed-caliper M Sport brakes ($650). So equipped, the latest Gran Coupe inspires the exact same level of confidence that has made this chassis such a formidable competitor in our comparison tests. And don't feel compelled to spring for the six; the four makes terrific noises and acquits itself admirably in the dash from corner to corner. Just make sure you secure whatever you're carrying in all that newfound luggage space. We're inclined to recommend the 4 Gran Coupe over its myriad platform siblings if for no other reason than the success of this (for now) peerless offering may lure Audi's similarly fetching A5 Sportback hatch to our shores.

So to summarize your BMW entry-level luxury decision tree, decide first on your preferred cargo access method: hinged above or below the rear window? If below, then 3 Series sedan, 4 series coupe/convertible. Top hinged options include the X3 sports activity vehicle, the X4 sports activity "coupe," the 3 Series Gran Tourismo (based on China's longer wheelbase, this one is slightly longer and lower but similar in shape to the X4), the 3 Series Touring wagon, and now the 4 Series Gran Coupe. Color us skeptical of BMW product specialists' assurances that these vehicles all behave so differently that buyers won't be conflicted or confused. We suggest you save time in the dealership by first employing a dart board at home.


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BMWm4 - 5/23/2014 3:52:10 PM

+1 Boost

Nuttie you definitely are consistent with your anti-BMW articles. I have seen the Gran Coupe in person and it looks very sharp.

JRobUSC - 5/23/2014 4:58:27 PM

+2 Boost

compared to the 3-Series sedan, the 4GC is lower, longer, wider, better handling, more practical, better looking outside, and nicer inside. Basically, it's what the 3-Series sedan should have been in the first place.

gkearns56 - 5/23/2014 8:37:12 PM

+1 Boost

Nuttie: You know I own an Audi 6er and love it. But you need to let this one go!!. If our bloggers look very close at ANY auto manufacturer, you will see the styling cues in every car of their lineup. Cadillac has those angular headlights, BMW now has the lights upfront that all look alike; Audi has the similar lights they claim to use on all of them; every Buick looks practically alike; MB has their unique rear ends and headlight look; Lexus especially.

It's how the auto makers do there cues to recognize their brand in their cars. Let it go Nuttie. BMW, Audi and MB make some fine cars. Just wish people would give kudos to the "competitors", even if they don't own one. Bashing the competition doesn't do anything (and I've owned all three makes). Only Nuttie would come up with this one.

GermanNut - 5/24/2014 6:12:59 PM

+1 Boost

Gkearn, you misunderstood my point. The styling cues are obviously the same. The point of the 4-Series Gran Coupe existing is tough to see given how similar it is in form and function to the other 3 and 4-Series variants.

JRobUSC - 5/24/2014 7:04:11 PM

+1 Boost

So why does the A5 Sportback exist? Unless you're a hypocrite, if the 4GC shouldn't then neither should the A5 Sportback, right? And we all know you're not a hypocrite.

GermanNut - 5/24/2014 7:42:37 PM

+1 Boost

JRob, Audi doesn't have a BMW 3-Series GT variant, which is the closest thing to a 4-Series Gran Coupe. BMW clearly has more overlap than Audi in this segment, you just fail to mention it because it shows how poor BMW's product planning strategy really is.

We have 3-Series Sedan, 4-Series Coupe, 4-Series Gran Coupe, 3-Series Wagon and 3-Series GT.

C'mon it's obvious BMW has misread the market. Every publication will tell you so.

cidflekken - 5/26/2014 5:25:07 PM

+1 Boost

Yes, many though BMW misread the market with the X6. 250k+ models later, no one seems to be saying that.

Where BMW *may* be failing is creating too many redundant models in their lineup But, time will tell to see how each models may affect the sales of other models.

That being said, as a buyer, I'd shop a 4-door coupe primarily for design purposes over the sedan counterparts and maybe, in this case, for utility. Based on pictures, the 2-door coupe, and comments from those who have seen it in person, the styling doesn't stand out the same way a 6GC distinguishes itself from the 5 Series, the A7 from the A6, or the CLS from the E. IMO, even the CLA is a better stylistic endeavor. Regarding the 2-door coupe, it evokes virtually zero on the excitement scale in real life, so I can't imagine that adding 2 doors will change that.

SSP350 - 5/25/2014 1:01:41 AM

+1 Boost

definitely overlapping models. Every model differs in a matter of inches. So close so that they all relatively look the same. With the direction they're heading...I'm currently waiting to see a 5er coupe. Anyone?