BMW 4 SERIES GRAN COUPE 420i M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

BMW's 4 Series Gran Coupe has evolved nicely in second generation form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the revised model.

Ten Second Review

The improved version of BMW's second generation 4 Series Gran Coupe offers a more flexibly stylish choice in the profitable sector for premium badged Gran Turismo-style mid-sized executive cars. For once, two rear doors don't compromise the visual appeal of a model of this kind, nor does their extra weight dilute the handling purity. Of course, there are more practical choices in this segment - and certainly cheaper ones. After trying this BMW though, you might not be quite so attracted to them. For brand enthusiasts, there's certainly plenty to like.

Background

Electric cars are the future. But, for most people, not quite yet. Which is why at present, we find ourselves in this curious hinterland where brands must build, design and market the same kind of car both in combustion form and as an EV. Take the model in question here, the second generation version of BMW's 4 Series Gran Coupe, launched in 2021 and subtly updated in Spring 2024 to create the car we look at here. It's a GT-style mid-sized premium executive challenger; just like the brand's i4, launched (and now updated) at about the same time, based on the same CLAR platform and built at the same Munich factory. To be fair, the 4 Series Gran Coupe is visually differentiated fom its EV stablemate and also has an interior that's different from the i4 because the front of cabin design borrows everything from the two other 4 Series models BMW offers, the two-door Coupe and the Convertible. As with those two cars, the Munich maker has worked hard to make both the styling and the drive experience more distinct from the closely related 3 Series model. Let's find out more.

Driving Experience

As part of this update, BMW has reduced the 4 Series Gran Coupe line-up down to just two models, both petrol-powered. There's the rear-driven entry-level 420i with 184hp and a four cylinder engine which makes 62mph in 7.9s. Or the six cylinder M440i, which uses the brand's xDrive 4WD system and develops 374hp. This makes 62mph in just 4.7s. Both the engines feature the brand's mild hybrid 48V tech and link up as standard with eight-speed Steptronic auto transmission, which on the 420i can be specified with an optional Sprint function. Even in standard form, this transmission is ultra-slick in its changes and now gets standard gearshift paddles. The mild hybrid system uses a 48V starter generator and makes output of 11hp instantly available in response to the slightest movement of the accelerator. This electric boost enhances the drive system's dynamic response when accelerating off the line and putting in mid-range bursts of speed. The electric drive unit also assists the engine when travelling at a constant speed, allowing it to operate within an efficiency-optimised load range as often as possible. Handling of both models is aided by a wide track and near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution. On standard suspension, this '4' rides 10mm lower than a BMW '3'. The chassis has been extensively tweaked over that of the 3 Series and there are firmer springs too - and anti-roll bars and clever lift-related dampers reduce body movement and sharpen corner turn in. Plus there's a clever double-jointed spring-strut front suspension and a 5-link rear axle.

Design and Build

The exterior changes made to this updated model are uber-subtle. The headlights now get a sharper look, with the low and high beams now generated from a single LED module. There's also smarter matt chrome kidney grille surround and silver mesh air intakes. Plus there are bigger exhausts which have increased in diameter from 90mm to 100mm. Otherwise, the look of this car is much as before, the front end dominated by BMW's controversial large kidney grille. It's an aerodynamically optimised design that includes a completely sealed underbody and an air flap control system in the grille. BMW has tried to reduce the weight of the CLAR mixed steel-and-alloy platform through extensive use of aluminium panels. Inside, the updates are equally subtle. There's a smaller gear selector and more minimalist reshaped cabin control air vents that utilise smaller rotary switches. Plus there's an updated flat-bottomed steering wheel which now features illuminated buttons and standard gearshift paddles. Perhaps a more significant change is the software upgrade to the 10.25-inch central monitor, which now uses BMW's 'iDrive 8.5' infotainment system. As before, the 'BMW Live Cockpit Professional' dash set-up is standard, offering a fully digital high-resolution 12.3-inch instrument cluster, which you're positioned in front of by supportive sports seats and above which you can view an optional head-up display. In the back, two adults can be accommodated reasonably comfortably as long as they're not too tall, but three would be difficult to take given the relatively high centre transmission tunnel. Boot space is rated at 470-litres, with 1,290-litres available by folding the rear bench.

Market and Model

Prices start from around £45,500 for the base 420i version and 'M Sport' trim is standard. As an option, there's an 'M Sport Pro' package which includes a special 'Sprint' function for additional bursts of speed and a sporty engine soundtrack in the cabin when the 'SPORT' driving mode is activated. Plus you get M sport brakes, 19-inch 'M light' alloy wheels, a rear spoiler in a high-gloss black, BMW individual high-gloss 'Shadowline' trim with extended features and BMW individual lights and M seat belts. It's well over £65,000 for the alternative M440i xDrive performance variant. Even on the 420i, as you'd expect for the money being asked here, you get a full rosta of luxury segment features: full-LED headlamps, acoustic glazing, ambient lighting, 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat backs and 3-Zone climate control. There's loads of help for slotting this car into tight bays too, not only all-round sensors and a reversing camera but also a 'Parking Assistant that automatically steers you into parallel or perpendicular spaces and a 'Reversing assistant' that when you return after parking up, can automatically reverse you along whatever path you've previously taken forward. With the M440i, there's the standardisation of BMW's 'M Sport differential', plus free-form exhaust tailpipe finishers and a cooler 'Cerium Grey' finish for the Air breathers, the kidney grille, the mirror caps and the model designation badgework. You get a specific cockpit design too.

Cost of Ownership

Mild hybrid technology has been included with both engines - even with the straight-six petrol unit of the flagship BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe. Fitting a 48V starter-generator and second battery greatly increases the scope for utilising Brake Energy Regeneration and the electrical power it produces. The recuperated energy collected by the battery can be supplied to the 12V electrical system or used for generating additional drive power when fed back to the 48V starter-generator. When the car is accelerating, the generator is also able to offer the driver an electric boost effect that instantly makes an extra 11hp available. All of which should promise a competitive set of efficiency stats, though they're way down on what you'd get from an identically-engined 4 Series 2-door Coupe. We'll start with the 420i, which manages up to 41.5mpg on the combined cycle and up to 154g/km of CO2. For the M440i xDrive, the figures are up to 32.8mpg and up to 194g/km. On to the warranty package. BMW's warranty only lasts for three years but it includes an Emergency breakdown service and at least it isn't mileage limited - unlike the comparable package you'd get as standard with a rival Audi. You can of course extent the warranty with either monthly or annual payments. There's a three year paintwork warranty and the usual 12 year anti-corrosion warranty.

Summary

One great car can create many such models. Certainly, there seems to be an almost never-ending series of ways that BMW can use the underpinnings of their segment-defining 3 Series saloon to suit ever-changing customer preferences. Here perhaps, in this good looking second generation 4 Series Gran Coupe, we have the most appealing example of what this Munich maker can do in the mid-sized executive segment. Not all cars that claim to be 'coupes' are stylish enough to really deserve that title - particularly those that must also accommodate two rear passenger doors. This improved Gran Coupe though, wears its badge credibly yet still offers enough practicality to justify its existence. Overall, if you're looking at buying a conventional premium badged mid-sized executive model, you may well not already have this Gran Coupe on your wish list. If so, then perhaps it ought to be. After all, just for once, the kind of car you've dreamed about may also need to be the one you really need to choose.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Acoustic glazing

Automatic windscreen wipers

Green tinted heat protection glazing

Electric windows - front and rear, with open/close fingertip control, anti trap facility and comfort closing function all round

Windscreen washer jets concealed underneath bonnet

Brakes

Dynamic brake control

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Brake energy regeneration

Braking pre-tensioning

Front and rear ventilated brake disc

Hill start assistant

Dry braking

Electric parking brake including automatic hold function and automatic release of the parking brake when driving off

Dynamic stability control + (DSC+) - Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with brake assist and cornering brake control + Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

Electronic differential lock control (EDLC)

M Sport brakes in red painted brake calipers with M designation

Carpets/Rugs

Velour front floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Stroke dependent dampers

Low centre of gravity

Double joint spring strut front axle

Drive experience mode switch - Comfort mode, ECO PRO mode and SPORT mode

Driver Aids

Variable sport steering

Attentiveness assist

Active guard plus

Electric power steering with Servotronic steering optimised at all speed ranges

Driver Convenience

Electric bootlid

Automatic start/stop function

Start/stop button in black

Driver Information

Run flat indicator

BMW iDrive controller on centre console

BMW Teleservices

Instrument cluster with speedometer with mph readout, tachometer, fuel gauge and oil temperature gauge

Oil sensor for level and grade

Check Control warning system for monitoring of lights and door/luggage compartment open warning

Brake pad wear indicator in front and rear

Condition based service

On board computer - average speed, fuel consumption, outside temp display with acoustic warning, clock/date, service interval, odometer/trip meter

BMW service history

Integrated owners handbook

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

Language version English

Shifting point display

Driving Mirrors

Interior rear view electrochromatic mirror with automatic anti dazzle function

Electric folding wing mirrors - Driver side electrochromic, auto anti dazzle function & front passenger side auto parking function without anti dazzle

Engine

Petrol Particulate Filter

Balanced 50/50 weight distribution

Entertainment

DAB tuner

Personal eSim

Exterior Body Features

Body colour fuel filler flap

Visible VIN plate

Front and rear bumper system

Model designation on right side of tailgate

M designation on front side panels, left and right

Illuminated bow type door handles in body colour drivers side with door lock

Front apron plastic in body colour

One piece front bumper cover including towing eye cover in body colour

Licence plate panel integrated into front bumper and tailgate

Widened track and increased camber values for max transverse dynamics, agility and steering precision

Body colour roof fin

Rear side wing doors

M Sport entry door sill strips

Visible exhaust tailpipe finisher

Bonnet and tailgate badge

M rear boot spoiler

BMW radiator grille with mesh grille, end face of the nuggets in aluminium matt and frame in chrome matt

Side frame trim strip black matt

Extended high gloss shadow line exterior trim - Tailpipe trim in black chrome, mirror caps and rear spoiler in high gloss black

M Sport rear boot spoiler

Exterior Lights

Reversing light

Follow me home headlights

High beam assistant

LED daytime running lights

Adaptive LED Headlights

LED front fog lights

LED front indicators

Automatic headlight beam throw control with load dependent regulating reaction, dynamic compensation of braking dive and acceleration squat

Two part LED tailights in L-shape with components in smoked glass, brake light, LED turn indicator and rear fog light

Welcome lights in interior and door handle area

LED 3rd brake light

BMW individual lights shadow line

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

3 zone automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Through load system

Anthracite headlining

Front and rear door pockets

Toolkit located in luggage compartment

Four grab handles integrated in roof lining

Illuminated glove compartment with separate small compartment

4 pieces lashing eyelets in luggage compartment

Armrest integrated in front and rear door trim + front centre console armrest

2 front cupholder in centre console with clamping elements and matt black inlay

Battery in luggage compartment

12V power socket in front centre console

BMW ID

Extended storage - Luggage compartment partition net on left side trim panel, Bag hook on both sides of the luggage compartment

3 spoke flat bottom M sport leather multifunction steering wheel

Steering column adjustment - Infinitely variable in height and length

Extended storage - Multifunction hook

Extended storage - Trailer tow hitch button in black (extendable trailer tow hitch) on the right hand side

Extended storage - 2x Dual USB Type C 3A charging function in the rear centre console for the rear

Interior Lights

Front footwell lights

Luggage compartment light

Illuminated armrest storage compartment

Interior light and front reading light

Packs

Connected professional package - 4 Series

Park assist pack - 4 Series

M sport exterior styling pack - 4 Series

Ambient lighting pack - 4 Series

M High gloss shadowline exterior trim pack - 4 Series

BMW Live Cockpit Plus pack - 4 Series

Safety

Side impact protection

3 point seatbelts on all seats

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

BMW emergency call

Front passenger manual airbag deactivation

Seat belt security check for driver and front passenger

M Sport seatbelts

Seat occupancy detection for driver and passenger side

Crash sensor activating of airbags,Unlocking doors,hazard warning lights,fuel cut off,interior lighting+activation of safety battery terminal clamp

Driver and front passenger side airbags, integrated in the door side seat backrest bolsters for all seat variants

Head airbags for all 4 outer seats

Child seat ISOFIX attachment for the two outer rear seats

Seat belt with belt stopper, pyrotechnic belt tensioners and belt force limiters

Tyre pressure sensors

Child locks

Seats

Height adjustable front headrests

3 rear headrests

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Heated driver and front passenger seats

Single front passenger seat

40:20:40 split folding rear seat, folding head restraint of centre seat and rear centre armrest with two cupholders

Security

Locking wheel bolts

Electronic vehicle immobiliser

Vehicle key with M specific designation

Alarm system for monitoring doors, engine compartment,interior movement sensor,tilt sensor and siren with emergency power supply

Centre lock switch - Button in driver's side front door, complete locking of car

Closing system with centre locking for all doors, fuel filler flap&tailgate, auto lock after pulling away, incl. 2 remote controls with integrated key

Transmission

8 speed automatic steptronic transmission with gearshift paddles

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors and ticket pocket

Wheels

Reduced rolling resistance tyres

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit plus

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 70

CO: 0.255

HC: 0.17

NOx: 0.014

HC+NOx: 0

Particles: 0.0003

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 217

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 153

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 133

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 150

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 155

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 159

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 152

Emissions - Lifecycle

End-of-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 0.5

In-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 35.2

Lifetime Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 44.9

Production Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 9.2

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6

CC: 1998

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 11.0:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Engine Code: B48B20M1

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 29.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 41.5

WLTP - MPG - High: 47.9

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 42.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 41.5

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 42.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 40.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 9.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 6.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 7

General

Coin Series: M Sport [Pro pk]

Coin Description: i

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 29E

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 184

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.9

Top Speed: 146

Engine Power - BHP: 184

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 135

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 221

Engine Torque - NM: 300

Engine Torque - RPM: 1350

Engine Torque - MKG: 30.6

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 245/45 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 245/45 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: AERODYNAMIC STYLE 858 M

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4783

Width: 1852

Wheelbase: 2856

Width (including mirrors): 2073

Height: 1442

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1620

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2175

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 59

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1600

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 555

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 470

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1290

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12

Body Glass

Sun protection glass

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive M suspension

Driver Aids

Active cruise control with stop and go

Embellishment Trims

Luxury instrument panel - Instrument panel and door upper arm trim panels in sensatec, black grey contrast stitching

Light fine wood open pored interior trim - dashboard

Ash grey-blue fine wood open poured interior trim - dashboard

Carbon fibre interior trim

Galvanic embellisher for controls

Entertainment

Harman/Kardon surround sound audio system

Exterior Body Features

Electric glass sunroof

BMW Individual special request paint

BMW Individual frozen paint work

BMW Individual metallic paint work

Metallic paint

Interior Features

Extended storage - 12V Socket

Vernasca leather upholstery

BMW Individual extended Merino leather upholstery

Crafted clarity for interior elements

Sensatec perforated artificial leather upholstery

Vernasca leather upholstery II

Heated steering wheel

Packs

Driving assistant pack - 4 Series

Comfort pack - 4 Series Gran coupe

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Cape York green

Metallic - Portimao blue

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Mineral white

Metallic - Fire red

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual frozen paint - Portimao Blue

BMW Individual metallic paint - Tanzanite blue

BMW Individual paint - Special request

BMW Individual metallic paint - Dravit grey

BMW Individual frozen paint - Pure grey

Seats

M sport seat for driver and front passenger

Front seats electric adjust lumbar support

Electric memory seats - electrically adjustable seats with drivers seat memory, exterior mirrors memory and automatic parking function

Towing

Towbar

Trim - Cloth

M PerformTex cloth - Black with M piping

Trim - Leather

Vernasca leather II - Black with red stitching

Vernasca leather - Oyster with grey stitching

Vernasca leather - Mocha with night blue stitching

Vernasca leather - Black with grey stitching

Sensatec perforated artificial leather - Black

Sensatec perforated artificial leather - Tacora red

Sensatec perforated artificial leather - Cognac

BMW individual extended Merino leather - Tartufo

Vernasca leather - Black with blue stitching

BMW Individual extended Merino leather - Black

BMW Indvidual extended Merino leather - Ivory white

Wheels - Alloy

19" M aerodynamic bicolour black solid/jet black solid alloy wheels - Style 996M with mixed tyres

19" M light Y spoke bicolour black solid/jet black solid light alloy wheels - Style 859M with mixed tyres

20" BMW Individual aerodynamic bicolour midnight grey alloy wheels - Style 862I with mixed tyres