It’s official: the huge kidney grid of BMW found on the M3 and M4 as well as the next-gen 4 Series coupes and convertibles is here to stay. The manufacturer even installed it on its future electric models, the i4 sedan and the iX SUV, a sign that this is the future of its design. Unsurprisingly, the 4 Series Gran Coupe 2022 follows the peloton.
What is interesting about the design of the Gran Coupe 2022is that it does not derogate much from the electric i4 M50i. Consumers will therefore be free to choose the type of engine that will make their sedan look like a coupe.
Remember that the German luxury brands all offer a vehicle of its kind. The idea is to merge the versatility of a sedan with the sportier look of a coupe, while incorporating a hatchback to increase the degree of versatility. In its Gran Coupé version, the 4 Series directly attacks the Audi A5 Sportback and the Mercedes-Benz CLS. We could even add the Kia Stinger in the batch.
This version wins over its predecessor. BMW took the opportunity to lengthen the wheelbase by some 46 millimeters, resulting in a vehicle that is 150 millimeters longer in total and 53 millimeters wider. The objective is to improve the space in the rear seats and the comfort provided by the interior. These new proportions are also expected to have an effect on cargo space, but official figures have yet to be released.
In technical terms, everything remains essentially the same as the 4 Series Coupe. The 430i is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the M440i offers a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that spits out 382 horsepower and produces 369 pound-feet of torque. Each engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission as well as xDrive all-wheel drive.
Although this is roughly the same vehicle as a regular 4-Series or even a 3-Series, the offer of trim levels and accessory packages is unique to the Gran Coupé.
For example, a new M Sport package will be offered on the 430i, adding most of the performance elements of an M440i, such as adaptive dampers, 19-inch rims and a sport steering wheel. A Dynamic package will allow the 430i to be equipped with an active locking rear differential and more efficient brakes, despite the presence of the small engine under the hood.
At the time of this writing, BMW Canada has yet to announce pricing for its new 4 Series Gran Coupé, but it still confirmed its arrival in dealerships towards the end of the summer, when the convertible will also be introduced to the range. In the United States, BMW has starting prices of US $ 45,795 for a 430i and US $ 58,995 for an M440i. However, nothing has yet been said about a potential M4 version.
