2023 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Review: Practical Athleticism

BMW has never been good at math, and when the 3 Series lost two doors and became the 4 Series, then added two doors and became the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, we were all a little perplexed. Isn't it just a 3 Series sedan with a sloping roofline? Well, yes, only now it has an offense grille, too, so you'll never mistake the 4 Series GC for its standard brethren.

With a choice of two capable powertrains with four and six cylinders, the 2023 4 Series Gran Coupe can deliver either a balance of power and efficiency or just blistering performance courtesy of the brand's famous 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder engine. The latter sends 382 horsepower to either the rear or all four wheels, which masterful German engineering easily wrangles to deliver a thrilling driving experience. It is in this M-Performance guise that the BMW really pulls ahead of more comfort-focused compact rivals like the Kia Stinger GT and Audi A5 Sportback. But in a segment where style seemingly matters more than sportiness, can the 4 Series Gran Coupe stand out in a review, or is it just another option to pick from random with little that sets it apart?

What's the Price of the 2023 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe?

The price of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe begins at an MSRP of $45,900 for 430i, while the M440i costs $57,450. Adding $2,000 to either turns them into their respective xDrive derivatives. These prices exclude tax, licensing, registration, and a destination/handling charge of $995. The M440i xDrive will exceed $70,000 if you load it up with enough options.

2023 4 Series Gran Coupe Exterior

Dimensions

2023 4 Series Gran Coupe Performance

2023 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Handling And Driving Impressions

There's a reason BMW owners love to drive fast, and that's because speed comes easy behind the wheel of even the brand's more affordable models. The 4 Series Gran Coupe has just the right balance of power, size, and dynamism to deliver an engaging driving experience, even if it lacks steering feel compared to BMWs of yesteryear. The engagement factor is particularly true of the M440i. The M Sport suspension isn't quite as soft as the standard setup and the steering is far more responsive, giving drivers the kind of confidence they need to push the car closer to its limits. That's not to say the 4 Series Gran Coupe is a track star, but it does make the daily commute more exciting and is rewarding on a back-road blast.

If you don't need quite so many thrills, the standard turbo four-pot ensures an effortless drive around town or even on the highway. The suspension soaks up most bumps with ease, and the light steering makes it easy to drive at low speeds or park. Overall, the cabin is well-built and muffles outside noises, though the six-cylinder's cultured soundtrack can be heard when pushing on.

2023 4 Series Gran Coupe Interior

2023 4 Series Gran Coupe Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is The 2023 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe A Good Car?

Now that we have come to terms with BMW's new aesthetic philosophy, we can enjoy its finer specimens for the well-designed and highly tuned sports sedans - we prefer that term to 'four-door coupe' - they are. Of course, the 4 Series Gran Coupe isn't the most athletic example, but then again, its competitors are also more comfort-biased daily drivers. This helps the BMW stand out, though, and win the hearts of consumers who want a bit of fun without completely sacrificing practicality and livability.

You could easily settle for the base model with its four-cylinder and be happy to have a powerful and smooth coupe. However, it's the turbo-six that makes the 4 Series Gran Coupe so irresistible, especially when paired with M Sport enhancements like stronger brakes and more decisive suspension. In either guise, the interior is solid and comes well-equipped. There is a decent amount of cargo space thanks to the liftgate-style trunk, and the rear seats are genuinely spacious. This is a sporty four-door coupe that really can't seem to do anything wrong except look ungainly.

What 2023 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Model Should I Buy?

The 430i's lower-output engine blends well with its RWD drivetrain, it's quite a bit cheaper than the M440i, and it'll be fast enough for most. If you live in an area that gets snow, you can add the security of xDrive for just $2,000. But if you can stretch to the M440i, it's easily our choice. Despite its much greater power, it's not horrifically thirsty. It also gets a host of sporty M touches and access to the Cooling and High-Performance Tire package. The added fun and aural delight it provides are worth the additional cost. The M440i is not a fully-fledged M model (an M4 Gran Coupe doesn't exist) but it's packaged in such a way that it's a darling to drive around town, a wonderful grand tourer and highway cruiser, and an absolute thrill when pushed to its limits in Sport mode.