With so many model variations in the 3 and 4 Series lineups, there has to be one that floats your particular boat.
The latest of which is what used to be the 3 (or, as it's now known as 4) Series Coupe. This car was made when BMW took its 3 Series Sedan, squashed it down and shed its rear doors. The car also becomes the 4 Series Convertible when liberated of its roof.
BMW has, of late, gone searching for a niche within a niche again and the result is the third body variant of the 4 Series family - the 4 Series Gran Coupe (4GC).
Up close and Personal
With the 6 Series Gran Coupe's successful formula, the smaller 4GC is just as attractive. Taking the 4 Series Coupe, the Bavarians have added back some roof height, thrown the rear doors back in and added a hatch-style tailgate to make this spanking new car.
Standing at 4,638mm x 1,825mm x 1,377mm (L x W x H), the 4GC is only 14mm longer and 14mm wider but sits 52mm lower than the 3 Series Sedan. As such, it takes more than a keen eye to spot the differences between the 4GC and the 3 Series Sedan on the outside and the rest of the 4 Series family on the inside.
Aside from a slight difference in door length, the 4GC's cabin design forward of the B-pillars are pretty much identical to that of its coupe and drop-top siblings. But more importantly, the improved access from the rear doors makes it more friendly for occupants in the back than its two-door counterparts.
Passengers riding at the back will also appreciate the legroom on offer, which is largely similar to the 3 Series Sedan given that they share the same wheelbase. They will also be surprised at the decent headroom available despite the raked roofline of the 4GC.
The Drive
The 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged engine is the star of the show here in the 435i Gran Coupe, especially when matched to the silky smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The engine's no slouch either and the broad slab of torque is most useful around town, especially given the fact it is generated through the meat of the rev range.
Prod your right foot on the accelerator and all 306 Bavarian horsemen and 400Nm of torque are sent to the rear wheels, allowing the 4GC to go from 0 to 100km/h in a respectable 5.2 seconds, accompanied by a great sounding burble from the twin exhaust.
Furthermore, the 4GC has all the ingredients necessary for being great to drive. It has a responsive and accurate steering as well as excellent weight distribution. The fact that it shares the same widened tracks as the 4 Series Coupe allows the 4GC to remain flat and confidence-inspiring in fast direction changes, too.
The 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged engine is the star of the show here in the 435i Gran Coupe, especially when matched to the silky smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The engine's no slouch either and the broad slab of torque is most useful around town, especially given the fact it is generated through the meat of the rev range.
Prod your right foot on the accelerator and all 306 Bavarian horsemen and 400Nm of torque are sent to the rear wheels, allowing the 4GC to go from 0 to 100km/h in a respectable 5.2 seconds, accompanied by a great sounding burble from the twin exhaust.
Furthermore, the 4GC has all the ingredients necessary for being great to drive. It has a responsive and accurate steering as well as excellent weight distribution. The fact that it shares the same widened tracks as the 4 Series Coupe allows the 4GC to remain flat and confidence-inspiring in fast direction changes, too.
In essence, the 4GC drives very much like a 3 Series Sedan but handles just like its coupe counterpart, which is to say very well indeed.
Drivers who wish to upsize on dynamics can do so via BMW’s 'Driving Experience Control' system, which alters the suspension as well as the engine/transmission settings, allowing things to firm up for more sporting endeavours.
Conclusion
Imitating the larger 6 Series Gran Coupe, the new 4GC uses four doors, sharp looks and excellent road manners to offer the most complete package of the 4 Series range.
So if you need a sedan, but want a coupe that has a five-door hatchback configuration for more practicality, the 4GC is a car you could consider.
But with a price tag of $319,800 (as of 24th October 2014) for the range-topping 435i Gran Coupe, maybe it'll float your yacht instead.
