2020 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

Another great product from the Bavarians is the new 4 series. Placed in the most popular segment it sees stiff competition from the big two German rivals, Audi A5 and Mercedes C-Class, and the up-and-coming Kia Stinger. Can the 4 series thrive among the rush? Let’s find out.

The BMW 4 series comes in 3 different body types – coupe, convertible, and gran coupe. In this review you’d read about the 430i coupe configuration. All body types come in two different trims, 430i and 440i. Under coupe, the $44,800 430i offers a 2.0L inline-4 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission which is standard all across the trims, powering the rear wheels. The main difference between the two configurations lie in the engine, with the more powerful 440i housing a turbocharged 3.0L 6-cylinders engine

An xDrive system, Beemer’s take on all-wheel drive system, is available for $2000 more than the base price. A six-speed manual transmission is optional but exclusive to coupe body type. The 4 series hosts a bunch of technology and features inside.

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The more powerful 440i should be your preferred choice if muscle and more premium features attract you. It is a great choice for it can be a daily-driver while having more power in its reserve should you need it.

“Removing the roof has increased the 4 Series' heft and blunted its nimbleness, but not as much as you might think. Power is merely adequate. While this drop-top won't be your first choice for a twisty road, it doesn't wilt at the challenge. As a cruiser, it excels.” -edmunds

Coming standard with a 2.0L inline-4 cylinders, the engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Together, this churns out 248 hp and 250 lb.-ft. of torque that propells the rear wheels of the coupe. The Beemer's performance in inclined towards satisfying majority of the drivers out there. There's a non-existent pops of high power delivery from this coupe; it is sufficient to match the decent and smooth functioning transmission with easy shifts. The extra oomph factor is reserved for the muscular 440i trim with 6-cylinders with over 300 horses underneath it.

Its rivals boast better powertrain and output all across the competition with some similarities along Kia Stinger, Mercedes C-Class and the Audi A5.

Acceleration

Propelling the rear wheels of the Gran Coupe from naught to 60 miles per hour takes around 5.6s while racing down the quarter mile quickly in 13.9s. Its 2.0L powertrain rapid in its propulsion, matching its rivals despite being pretty underpowered in comparison. The slowest amongst the pack is the Genesis G70 while the Beemer’s archnemesis’, Audi A5 and Mercedes C300, are similar in performance.

Ride and Braking

The BMW 430i rides and handles pretty well on the tarmac. Whether it is the casual driving amongst the freeway or the zig-zags of the curvaceous regions, the Beemer steers with ease and responsively. Comfortable ride is enhanced in the Comfort mode while Sport mode turns the grip up and stiffens the coupe to drive like the intended sports machine this coupe is attuned for. Traversing in sport modes retains great body control while staying firm and solid.

The Gran Coupe’s suspension exceptionally cushions the ride over bumps and hard tarmac. Sharp turns and maneuverability leave a mark of confidence and body roll is minimal. Its multipurpose character will suit the enthusiasts or a family of 4 with poise. Its steering feels yielding and positively rigid under your control.

On the four wheels of the 430i are fitted 13” rotor on the front and 11.8” on the rear wheels. These help in stopping to a standstill from 60 mph in a decent 128 feet, not a bad feat for a 3600 pound heavy coupe.

Its brake pedals feels good whether it’s applied suddenly or gradually, staying consistent with effectively performing when needed. The Giulia takes 124 feet from 60-0 miles per hour that is also average in the segment while the C300 has a few feet advantage over the Beemer.

Thrifty under its hood, the Beemer’s Gran Coupe ceases to disappoint in its fuel efficiency delivering 24 miles per gallon in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Balancing efficiency and performance, the 430i is positively an excellent choice for daily driving. The rest of the field guzzles down similar liters of juice to keep the motors running.

“The 430i was set up with driving comfort in mind, thanks to a high level of adjustability and very good pedal placement and ergonomics. Getting into the car in a tight spot is another story, and backseat passengers will need reassurance they can get in and out in the first place.” -edmunds

The cabin of the 430i is not really what its performance or the exterior of the coupe portray. There’s not much going on either; it’s not sporty but it sure does ride like a comfortable posh sedan. Seating is comfortable but its proportions in the front will discomfort for it feels a tad too narrow. Come to the rear seats and you’d find it relatively more comfortable with decent and firm bolstering of the seating arrangement.

Synthetic leather make up the upholstery of the cabin with high quality, soft-feeling wood-trim surface around the dash. No squeaks or rattles come up forefront with the surface or otherwise. Visibility sort of takes a hit due to the sloping roofline especially for tall riders. Outside noise rarely creeps inside. Legroom and headspace is adept except for the rear seats where your head may brush against the roof if seated in the middle.

Interior Features

Interior features for the 430i are as follows –

• SensaTec upholstery
• 40/20/40 split fold-down through-load rear seats
• 10-way power front sport seats; including 2-way power side bolsters, 2-way manual headrests and thigh support; driver memory for exterior mirror and seat positions
• Ambient cabin lighting
• Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel

Infotainment System

Seated along the dash is a 8.8” BMW iDrive infotainment system that works exceptionally well in the segment. While it does take some time to get used to its controls and explore the multitude arrays of menus, the system is otherwise intuitive and fairly straightforward.

Some features include –

• Apple CarPlay Compatibility with 1-year trial
• HD and Satellite Radio
• Hands-free Bluetooth including Audio Streaming
• Instrument cluster with extended contents
• 9-speaker surround system
• CD Player, USB port
• Advanced Real Time Traffic Information

Cargo Volume

Inside the BMW’s boot, the coupe can accommodate 14 cubic feet of luggage which is a feet smaller than its 3 series counterpart. The Stinger is the most copious in its trunk followed by the Audi while the IS 300 shares the worst-of-the-lot award with Genesis G70. Struggling to keep up with the field also includes the Mercedes C-Class.

“The BMW 4 Series was updated last year with a restyled nose, larger central air intake, and elongated design of the rear light clusters...
...It's the 2020 4 Series Gran Coupe that stands out. Though the same length as its siblings, the Gran Coupe can appear longer with its four doors and elongated roof.” -kbb

Rolling over 18” double-spoke alloy wheels, the Bavarian model continues with the design alongside new lights on both fronts introduced last year. The design of the gran coupe looks stylishly sporty and elegant – something BMW beautifully blends. Its beautifully sloped roofline enhances the smooth flowing of the design – giving a nice aesthetic feast.

The front fascia incorporates the famous kidney-grille with LED headlights flanked on either side followed by mesh-grilles fitted with fog lights. Long nose with subtle slits and the Beemer insignia make up the hood of the 430i. Detailed parallel character line run across the side profile, and deeply routed air intake sit near the fenders.

The 182” long sleek profile moves all the way towards the back. Clear, no-nonsense elements make up the entirety of the coupe. On the back is dominated by a plain and simple fascia with LED brake lights and dual-tailpipes on the rear left. The coupe sits 5 inches from the ground, clearly not suited for rough tracks.

Exterior Features

Some features fitted on the body of the 430i are as follows –

• LED headlights
• 18” double spoke light alloy wheels
• Non-metallic paint
• Matte Chrome exterior trim
• LED fog lights

The 430i was set up with driving comfort in mind, thanks to a high level of adjustability and very good pedal placement and ergonomics. Getting into the car in a tight spot is another story, and backseat passengers will need reassurance they can get in and out in the first place.” -edmunds

With the crash test records absent by the NHTSA and IIHS, we can’t judge the Beemer how safe and reliable the coupe is. But the abundance of safety equipment featured in the 430i Gran Coupe make a difference in how reliable it is in preventing and providing comfort to you knowing you’re in safe hands. Some standard features included are –

• Knee airbags for driver and front passenger
• Front and rear Head Protection System (HPS)
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Front safety belts with automatic pretensioners
• LATCH attachments for child-restraint safety installation
• Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) on all passenger safety belts for installation of child-restraint seat
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• BMW Assist eCall includes Emergency Request (SOS button) and Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification

Famed German rivals, the Audi A5 and BMW 430i are both really great coupes. Except of the ride quality where the A5 is more brisk and feels eager, the Beemer is more poised and polished. While characterizing its sporty spirit, the 430i is lesser of a sport coupe in contrast to its German rival which however cuts ride comfort to achieve that. Both rivals suffer cramped rear seats.

Tech and features alongside quality are remarkable as European manufacturers generally are. Nonetheless the A5 bests the 430i if you’d give in proper detailed comparison in the most important ways and we think the same when it comes to owning one of these German rivals.

BMW 4 Series vs Mercedes C-Class

An infamous rivalry, the BMW 430i and Mercedes C300 quite similar than you’d think. The silver arrows is the epitome of luxury, comfort and opulence while the Beemer takes the sport side of it. While both deliver on excellent host of tech and safety features, the Mercedes this year is more engaging to drive than before, closing the gap to becoming an all-round package. It all depends which manufacturer would you prefer on your nose, the Bavarian or the 3-star.

BMW 4 Series vs Kia Stinger

The new kid in the block, Kia Stinger goes up against the majestic brand of BMW with the Bavarians 4 series Gran coupe the stinger here. The Korean coupe surprisingly challenges the Beemer’s driving dynamics with equally solid performance and an upscale interior adding to its list better storage capacity.

While it still doesn’t match up to the German quality and refinement, it does a fine job alluring to the fact it’s more or less a match to the Bavarian. You want the tried and tested formula? The Beemer is the king here. But something fresh and upcoming? Pick the Stinger. Either cars are great buy.

Trying to blend sport with comfort? Let the 430i do the talking. The Gran Coupe can cater to the family of four while also to the enthusiast who’d want to take it for a good spin. With plenty of features to keep it afresh and technological equipments, the 430i is a rather good deal for a BMW.

Its main competitors do however give it a tough rivalry but the 430i still manages to keep up its head and keep them on their toes. Like the C300 of Silver Arrow or the A5 of that of Audi who’re main German rivals to the Bavarian coupe, the Beemer is a mix of both the coupes put in one and is still a great buy regardless.