The Third Character Model: Gran Coupe

2 Series Active Tourer andGran Tourer, and further,the 3 Series minor changeare being reported for BMW. While it might seem like a lull after last year's new model rush, this brand continues to generate news. The number of models has also increased dramatically since the introduction of the even-numbered series, making it seem difficult to clearly define the character of each one.

Amidst this, there's a car too good to be overlooked.The 4 Series Gran Coupe. Although it's been over a year since its release, its presence has not faded at all—.

This car, as is well known, is the four-door coupe version of the 3 Series. In other words, it's the third character model, following the coupe (two-door) and convertible.


As you know, they firstintroduced this "Gran Coupe" to the 6 Series. As premium brands successively launched four-door coupes, BMW entered the market with its premium four-door coupe. And the second installment is this 4 Series Gran Coupe.

The characteristic of such a car lies in its dimensions. While creating a flowing form, it achieves practical size. The dimensions of 4,640mm (length) x 1,825mm (width) x 1,395mm (height) are almost identical to the 3 Series sedan. The length is extended by 15mm, the width by 25mm, and the height is reduced by 5mm. It might appear larger visually, but that's not the case.

BMW's Commitment to Driving

There's another point worth noting: the wheelbase. The Gran Coupe's 2,810mm is the same as the sedan, and even the two-door coupe. While the bumper design might slightly alter the overall dimensions, this crucial element is maintained.

This has a direct impact on driving dynamics. In other words, the development team calculated and maintained the optimal wheelbase length for this packaging. Of course, there are manufacturing benefits to keeping this consistent, but it's certain that production is more flexible now. It's safe to say that having it precisely the same isn't as critical as it once was.

As evidence, the track width subtly changes. The Gran Coupe has 1,545mm front / 1,595mm rear, while the sedan is optimized at 1,530mm front / 1,570mm rear, and the coupe at 1,550mm front / 1,600mm rear. This level of attention to detail is typical of BMW. Specific numerical values are assigned to each car's character.

The grades are based on the 420i/428i/435i, with configurations including Normal, Luxury, and M Sport. This means the engines are a 2-liter inline-4 twin-power turbo (184ps/245ps) with different power outputs, and a 3-liter inline-6 twin-power turbo. The "Silky Six" delivers 306ps.

It feels as though it possesses all the elements of the continuously evolving 3 Series. The driving feedback transmitted to your palms is goosebump-inducing.

A Cool Machine

Of course, the "435i" series with the inline-6 engine also boasts excellent balance. Its power, surprising for a 3-liter, seems well-suited for a wide range of needs considering the car's character. The sporty and luxurious styling aligns better with the more powerful engine.

Finally, regarding body rigidity, which I had some slight concerns about, I felt no compromise whatsoever during any driving condition. Despite this car featuring a large, hatchback-like rear door, its negative effects are virtually non-existent. Of course, if one were to take it to a circuit for time-attack racing, some differences might emerge.

However, the primary domain for the Gran Coupe is urban environments and public roads. While this large door offers superior convenience, it's unlikely to be a disadvantage.

This, then, is the character of the 4 Series Gran Coupe. While there is also the "Gran Turismo" with a similar hatchback-like body,Gran Turismo, in terms of styling, the Gran Coupe clearly has the edge. Although it doesn't quite reach the level of the 6 Series Gran Coupe due to size constraints, it is undoubtedly a very cool vehicle.

BMW 435i Gran Coupe
Body Size |
(Standard / Luxury) Length 4,640 x Width 1,825 x Height 1,395 mm
(M Sport) Length 4,670 x Width 1,825 x Height 1,395 mm
Wheelbase | 2,810 mm
Track Front/Rear |
(Standard) 1,550 / 1,600 mm
(Luxury / M Sport) 1,545 / 1,575 mm
Weight | 1,690 kg
Ground Clearance | 130 mm
Engine | 2,979 cc Inline-6 DOHC Direct Injection Turbo
Max Output | 225 kW (306 ps) / 5,800 rpm
Max Torque | 400 Nm (40.8 kgm) / 1,200-5,000 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed Automatic
Drivetrain | FR
Tires Front/Rear |
(Standard) 225/45R18
(Luxury / M Sport) 225/40R19 / 255/35R19
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 12.7 km/ℓ
Trunk Capacity | 480-1,300 liters
Price | 7.72 million yen / Luxury 7.93 million yen / M Sport 8.09 million yen