2016 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Review

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe shuffles some equipment for 2016, loses the previous Sport package and essentially renames the Dynamic Handling package the Track Handling package.

A combination coupe, sedan and hatchback, the four-door 2016 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe blends stylish fastback looks with refined performance and utility.

Figuring out BMW's latest scheme initially seems simple enough. A 3 Series has four doors and a 4 Series has two doors. Case closed, right? But then there's the 2016 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, which, despite its number and name, is really a four-door car. And, to top it all off, it even has a hatchback trunk. BMW might be a master of mechanical precision, but logic seldom plays a big role in trunk lid badges these days.

So let's just put naming logic aside and focus on what the car is, rather than what it's called. Essentially, the 4 Series Gran Coupe is a 3 Series sedan with sleeker styling, a more practical hatchback trunk and a steeper price tag. Its basic dimensions -- wheelbase, length and width -- are roughly on par with BMW's venerable sport sedan, the interior design is identical and most of the same features are available. It also delivers the same superior driver engagement we've come to expect from BMW sport sedans. Or coupes... or hatchback coupe... whatevers.

There aren't as many engine choices available (there is no equivalent to the 320i's base engine or diesel-powered 328d), but the core gasoline engines are shared. The 428i Gran Coupe model gets the remarkably gutsy 240-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Step up to the 435i (the 3 Series equivalent is now the 340i) and you'll get a turbocharged inline-6 that puts out a healthy 300 hp. Both engines come mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available as an option.

So if it's so similar, why pay extra for the Gran Coupe? You do get a more versatile cargo area than the sedan, as the hatchback design makes it easier to load items. However, you also don't get as much rear headroom, and the price is steeper. Styling could be the ultimate factor here, as the 4 GC just looks sleeker and cooler than the regular 3 Series sedan, and that can make it easier to justify the price.

Given the unique position BMW has carved out with this distinctive design, the 4 Series Gran Coupe has no direct competitors, per se. However, you can easily compare it to the same impressive lineup of 3 Series competitors, including the Audi A4, Lexus IS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. All are fine cars, though the 4 Series Gran Coupe does deliver slightly more driver engagement and cargo versatility. In the final measure, we really like the 2016 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 's combination of style, sporty attitude and usefulness, and that earns it a resounding Edmunds "A" rating.

The 2016 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe offers two engine choices, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission (a manual transmission is not offered). Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive (denoted as "xDrive") is optional.

The 428i uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 240 hp and 255 pound-feet of torque. Its EPA fuel economy ratings are 27 mpg combined (23 city/34 highway) with rear-wheel drive and 26 mpg combined (22/34) with all-wheel drive. In Edmunds performance testing, a rear-drive 428i went from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, which is very quick for a turbocharged four-cylinder in this segment.

Going with the 435i gets you a turbocharged inline six-cylinder that generates 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, and returns an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined (21 city/31 highway) with rear-drive and 23 mpg combined (20 city/30 highway) with all-wheel drive. BMW estimates that it will hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

The 2016 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and front knee airbags.

The stability control system integrates several features designed to improve braking performance, such as periodically wiping the brake rotors dry when the windshield wipers are in use and automatically snugging the pads to the rotors when the driver abruptly lifts off the gas pedal. BMW Assist emergency communications is standard and includes automatic crash notification and roadside assistance. The optional Remote Services adds stolen vehicle recovery, remote door unlocking and use of the BMW Remote smartphone app.

Other safety options (many of which come bundled in packages) include front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, side- and top-view cameras, blind-spot monitoring, a lane-departure warning, and a frontal collision warning and mitigation system.

In Edmunds brake testing, a 428i M Sport came to a stop from 60 mph 115 feet, which is actually a bit long for a car with summer tires.

To get an idea of what it's like to drive the 2016 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, think of all the good qualities you've come to expect from the 3 Series. These include things like strong brakes, precise steering and a suspension that makes the car nimble around turns, while still delivering a decent ride quality. The optional sport suspension firms things up noticeably, though it retains enough suppleness so as not to feel harsh (this is especially true with the optional and highly recommended adaptive suspension).

There's no doubt the 435i's smooth turbocharged six-cylinder engine will make your heart beat quicker. But the 428i's turbo-4 still provides surprisingly strong acceleration and relatively excellent fuel economy. Really, you can't go wrong.

There's no manual transmission available, which is curious, as it's offered in other models built off these same underpinnings. Nonetheless, the eight-speed automatic is quick shifting and highly responsive, whether in fully automatic mode or in Manual, with the driver running through the gears via the steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.

While the outside of the 2016 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is somewhat unconventional, the cabin design is virtually indistinguishable from the 3 Series. From its classic analog gauges and center stack controls angled toward the driver, to the long list of design, comfort and convenience options, there's not much here that will surprise long-time BMW fans. The look is luxury and the quality of the materials is also first-rate.

The standard 6.5-inch display screen is fine, but we think most buyers would be happier with the Technology package's larger 8.8-inch screen and touchpad atop the iDrive controller that lets you hand write inputs using your finger. Apart from those elements, though, BMW's iDrive functionality is the same. Both systems feature crisp graphics and quick processing times, but it typically requires a few more clicks and twirls to get what you want compared to rival systems.

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe's claim to fame is the design's blend of coupelike proportions and hatchback versatility. There are 14 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats, which is 1 cubic foot more than the 3 Series sedan's trunk. Also, the Gran Coupe's hatchback makes it easier to load and carry bulkier items. With the 40/20/40-split rear seats folded down, the Gran Coupe can easily swallow 45.9 cubic feet of cargo through the wide-opening rear hatch.

Unfortunately, that sloping rear roof line results in a lack of rear headroom even for normal-sized adults.