2017 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Review

If you can afford it, spring for the 440i Gran Coupe to get its refined and powerful turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. It's truly magnificent, and it's a good match for the Gran Coupe's sleek style. We also recommend the upgraded headlights of the Lighting package and the Driver Assistance pa...

Adjustable drive settings allow you to set ride, steering and throttle response how you like it, but the default setting works well, too. BMW's automatic engine stop-start can feel rough at times. But when you shut it off, it stays off.

Plenty of power, eager throttle response, and the 2.0-liter 240-horsepower turbo-four sounds great. The responsive automatic transmission also has a launch mode. Its measured a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds is almost a second quicker than average for entry-level luxury cars.

The brake pedal feels solid and reassuring in all situations, and we observed zero reduction in effectiveness and a resistance to fade despite multiple successive panic stops. Braking distance of 115 feet is about average for summer tires.

The optional variable-ratio steering and thick steering wheel offer excellent precision and response. We would prefer more feel, though, even in the higher-effort Sport mode. Still, for an electric-assist system, this one's pretty good.

The 4 Series turns in crisply and demonstrates impeccable poise. It remains sure and predictable when driven hard like any other 3 or 4 Series. And the M Sport and Dynamic Handling packages make it an even sharper driving instrument.

Adjustable drive settings allow you to set ride, steering and throttle response how you like it, but the default setting works well, too. BMW's automatic engine stop-start can feel rough at times. But when you shut it off, it stays off.

This sport-tuned model still manages to be comfortable thanks to its optional adaptive M Sport suspension and BMW's usual attention to detail. Accolades must also go toward the hugely adjustable front seats that can accommodate and hold in place a wide variety of body types.

It's hard to beat these front seats. A wide range of power adjustability is complemented by firm and supportive seat contours. This car is equally adept at long-distance comfort and cornering. Optional sport seats add thigh extension and power bolsters.

The adaptive sport-tuned M Sport suspension does create more jiggling and firmness at times, but this is still a masterfully damped suspension that soaks up bumps and quashes harshness. An example of how to do a sport model right.

The 428i never sounds strained, and the engine fades into the background when cruising. There's good wind and road isolation despite frameless windows and that big, open hatchback trunk area.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe four-door does not get top marks because entry and exit, space and visibility are compromised by its stylish roofline. It's better in these areas than a pure 4 Series coupe, but the 3 Series Gran Turismo, a similar but somewhat less graceful hatchback, is more practical.

Without navigation, iDrive has a smaller screen and a simpler controller. It's still comparatively complicated, but you acclimate. Other controls are well placed, and the cruise controls are some of the best.

The front seats are low and the bolsters are prominent, which don't make it the easiest car to get into. The low roofline and fastback profile will cause you to duck more than usual, too. The 3 Series Gran Turismo is better in this regard.

There's superior room up front thanks to abundant seat movement and sufficient headroom. Those of average height or taller must slouch in the backseat, though. Get the similarly styled 3 Series GT if backseat space matters to you.

Thin roof pillars help the view forward. And given this car's roofline and low-slung seating position, it's not bad. Still, visibility to the rear is compromised, and the rearview camera is optional.

Solidly built from the ground up with excellent materials and precise assembly. No gimmicks. This is clearly worth a price premium.

The hatchback body style provides easy access to the cargo hold, which itself is amply sized. Cargo capacity-wise, it matches the 3 Series sedan by the numbers, but day-to-day access is better in the Gran Coupe.

Trunk space matches that of the 3 Series sedan, but the giant hatchback makes it far easier to access. After that, the seats fold to reveal 46 cubic feet. For reference, a 3 Series wagon has 53 cubic feet and the 3 Series GT claims 58 cubic feet.