Bmw 430d xdrive gran coupe review 2016

Gone are the days when BMW simply made a range of different sized saloon cars. Now the BMW range consists of a saloons, estates and hatchbacks. Not to mention off-roaders and sports cars. 

One of the harder cars to pigeonhole, is the 4 Series Gran Coupe. This model may be named 'coupe', but it has four passenger doors like the company's upmarket saloons, along with a hatchback and a reasonably sized boot.

What is it?

The 4 Series Gran Coupe is a five-door hatchback that is similar in size to BMW's immensely popular 3 Series saloon, but offers a dose of the 4 Series Coupe's style, plus two extra doors. This premium machine offers space for four adults in the sporty, low-slung interior, with a useful boot and sleek lines that should make it stand out in the company car park – especially against the ubiquitous 3 Series, which has been a victim of its own success in the exclusivity stakes.

Getting the pick of the 3 Series' more powerful engines, the 4 Series Gran Coupe sits a rung or two above its saloon sibling in BMW's line up, with prices starting from just over £30,000.

What's under the bonnet?

The BMW 430d xDrive packs a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine, mated to an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. This punchy motor produces a substantial 255bhp, which is enough to launch the 4 Series to 62mph in a rapid 5.3 seconds and powers the Gran Coupe on to a top speed of 155mph.

Despite its performance, the 430d xDrive is also capable of 53.3mpg official fuel economy, meaning that trips to the petrol station should be few and far between. An even more powerful 435d is also available, which can sprint to 62mph in a Porsche-rivalling 4.8 seconds and still returns claimed economy of just over 50mpg.

What's the spec like?

All 4 Series Gran Coupe models feature a longer list of standard kit than the 3 Series, including front and rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, leather upholstery and heated front seats. All models also include a media system with a digital radio, Bluetooth and sat nav, plus powerful xenon headlights.

M Sport models like the car we tested add sports seats along with a sharp body kit and 18-inch alloy wheels and selectable driving modes, which let drivers choose between comfort and sharp handling. 430d versions also gain metallic paint as standard.

Any rivals?

As a sleek hatchback version of the BMW 3 Series, the Gran Coupe competes against the Audi A5 Sportback and more conventional saloons like the Mercedes C-Class, Volvo S60, Lexus IS and Jaguar XF. With its low-slung driving position, the Gran Coupe is a little more sporty than these options, however.

What's it like to drive?

Living up the BMW name, the Gran Coupe offers sharp handling, meaty steering and reasonable comfort levels, making it a fun-to-drive long distance cruiser. Helping it feel more engaging to drive is the driver's seat, which can be lowered to the floor for a sports car-style feel – especially with the striking red leather interior of our test car.

We drove the 3.0-litre 30d diesel, in four-wheel drive form. The four-wheel drive successfully contains the engine's substantial muscle, meaning that the Gran Coupe rockets down the road when you flatten the throttle, with the six-cylinder motor producing a sporty sound for a diesel motor.

The standard eight-speed automatic gearbox is also impressive, changing gears quickly and smoothly, while the brakes slow the car effectively. Roadholding is good, with plenty of grip, while refinement levels are high too, with little wind or engine noise making its way through the cabin. The tyres do kick up a racket on rough Tarmac, however.

AOL Cars Verdict

Drivers who are happy to dig a little deeper into their wallets for the 4 Series Gran Coupe than the standard 3 Series, are repaid with a stylish, comfortable and sharp handling machine for their money.

Though it shares much of its DNA with the 3 Series, the Gran Coupe feels much more special and is both enjoyable to drive, fast and economical in 430d form. Throw into the mix four-wheel drive and the Gran Coupe also avoids the typical BMW failing of being useless in snow, with the usable rear seats only adding to the practicality.

As a result, the Gran Coupe is a very appealing option for those who want added style over the 3 Series, but want to retain doors. At more than £42,460 for the model we tested, however, buyers will need quite deep pockets to put the Gran Coupe on their drive.

The knowledge

Model: BMW 430d xDrive Gran Coupe M Sport

Price: £42,460

Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder diesel

Power: 255bhp, 560Nm

Max speed: 155mph

0-62mph: 5.3 seconds

MPG: 53.3

Emissions: 140g/km