If you like the BMW 4 Series but can't live with a two-door coupe and don't fancy a posh SUV, this four-door 4 Series Gran Coupe could be the answer. We've driven it in the UK.

PROS:

+ Great to drive

+ Brilliant infotainment system

+ Decent rear space and boot

CONS:

- Feels firmer than the competition...

- ...and is noisier at speed

- Some options are pricey

Verdict: The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is proof that if you're looking for premium practicality, the answer doesn't have to be an SUV. It's good to drive but feels firmer over bumps as a result.

2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe review: the five-minute read

Many readers will remember the good ol' days when car manufacturers like BMW had a simple range of cars, usually between five and ten models, each doing very distinctly different jobs.

Not today. Today, cars like this BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe contribute to (depending on how you count it) a BMW range of around 60 different models in the UK. This particular niche? Stylish, low-slung, coupe-like hatchback, which looks like a BMW 4 Series Coupe but has an extra pair of doors for easier rear access plus a larger boot. Still with us?

If not, it's best to think of this car as the answer to the question: but what if I need more practicality than a coupe offers, but I don't want an SUV? It goes up against other premium, more practical four-door coupes like the Audi A5 Sportback and Mercedes CLA.

Which of those is the best looking is subjective, but the BMW is certainly striking with its large grille, piercing LED headlights and strong creases down its flanks. This 4 Series Gran Coupe is longer and wider than the old model, but also taller despite its sloping roofline.

The main reason for those larger dimensions is extra space. Two tall adults will have no problem in the front seats, but there's now improved head and legroom for adults in the back. In reality, the legroom on offer is noticeably better, but tall adults will find their heads brushing the ceiling despite the increase. Kids are, of course, fine, and the Gran Coupe's boot is a good size for a family too.

BMW is making some lovely interiors these days and the 4 Series Gran Coupe is no exception. It's all high quality, with different dash trim inlays depending on your trim choice, but the same superb iDrive infotainment system across the range. It's easy. touse on the move and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard.

There's a decent choice of engines for the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, including petrol and diesel power, with rear or all-wheel drive depending on the model. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard no matter which engine you go for.

Most people will be fine with the entry-level 184hp 420i petrol which is smooth, decently fuel-efficient and fast enough for all roads. Those who are on the motorway for the majority of their driving will find the 190hp 420d more efficient still, or if you just want the fastest 4 Series Gran Coupe then the 374hp M440i will crack 062mph in just 4.9 seconds.

The M440i also gets stiffer suspension and clever rear differential and upgraded brakes for the sharpest drive, but in truth, the 4 Series Gran Coupe is more fun than an Audi A5 Sportback or Mercedes CLA whichever model you go for. The trade-off is that it feels firmer than those cars and is noisier on the motorway too.

Nevertheless, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is a brilliant all-rounder. It's pricier than the Audi or Mercedes, but comes with more standard kit so is similarly priced once you've specced up the competition. The fact that it's also spacious, high-quality and great to drive means it's hard to ignore if you're in the market.

For great BMW deals click here

Extended read…

2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe interior and infotainment

BMW is making some very nice interiors these days, which have all the quality of those in its German competition, but that sit somewhere between the reserved look of Audi and the showroom wow-factor of Mercedes when it comes to styling.

Everything is very well screwed together and the dash and central console inlays change depending on which model you buy – on the range-topping M440i models, it's carbon fibre for a sportier look.

The greatest thing about the interior, though, is the fact that you get one of the best infotainment systems on sale thrown in. It consists of a 10.25-inch central infotainment screen that can be operated by touch or via a handy rotary dial with menu shortcut buttons between the front seats.

It's running BMW's latest software which means you're fully connected for over the air updates, but more importantly, it's really easy to use on the move or not. And if you don't like the native menus for some reason, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard anyway.

You also get a 12.3-inch set of digital driver's dials that are a good effort, but we think Audi and Mercedes do a brighter, more configurable set.

Buy a new or used BMW

2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe practicality and boot space

The BMW 4 Series exists to be a more practical version of the BMW 4 Series coupe, and with its extra doors, greater width, height and length it does just that.

The main reason for those larger dimensions is extra space. Two tall adults will have no problem in the front seats, but there's now improved head and legroom for adults in the back. In reality, the legroom on offer is noticeably better, but tall adults will find their heads brushing the ceiling despite the increase.

Kids are, of course, fine in the back, and the fact that the rear doors open nice and wide and there are standard Isofix on the rear out seats makes family life that bit easier too.

Even better, the 4 Series Gran Coupe's boot is now 39 litres bigger than before at 470 litres and the rear seats split and fold flat in a handy 40:20:40 configuration giving you more options for dividing the space or allowing you to open it up completely for trips to the tip.

2022 BMW 4 Series Gran coupe engine

There's a decent choice of engines for the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, including petrol and diesel power, with rear or all-wheel drive depending on the model. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard no matter which engine you go for.

Most people will be fine with the entry-level 184hp 2.0-litre 420i petrol which is smooth, decently fuel-efficient and fast enough for all roads. Expect around 39mpg if you drive carefully.

Those who are on the motorway for the majority of their driving will find the 190hp 2.0-litre 420d diesel more efficient still. It comes in either two or four-wheel drive forms, but both will manage more than 50mpg if you're mostly on the motorway.

There is a 245hp 2.0-litre petrol, but it's not really worth it when the 420i exists. If you just want the fastest 4 Series Gran Coupe then the 374hp six-cylinder M440i gets standard all-wheel drive and will crack 062mph in just 4.9 seconds and sounds the best of the lot at full chat.

Thankfully, BMW's standard eight-speed automatic gearbox continues to be one of the best of its kind, proving slick in auto mode and snappy to respond when asked to change gears via the column-mounted paddles in any driving mode.

Build your dream car

2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe driving

BMW is known for how sporty its cars feel to drive and the 4 Series Gran Coupe follows that trend amongst other four-door coupes.

With its adaptive sports suspension, trick rear differential that helps apply power to the road more efficiently and upgraded brakes, the M440i goes, turns, and stops most eagerly – especially when set to its most aggressive Sport Plus driving mode.

However, every model is fun to drive on the right road. The steering is weighted nicely in any driving mode and the 4 Series Gran Coupe turns into bends sharply with or without sports suspension. It certainly feels keener than an Audi A5 Sportback or Mercedes CLA.

However, the trade-off is that those cars are comfier at low speed in town over lumps and bumps, but also quieter in terms of tyre noise up at motorway speeds too.

It's also annoying that you have to pay quite a bit extra to have BMW's adaptive cruise control and lane-keep tech added as an option. Especially when it's one of the best systems on sale and makes motorway driving genuinely more relaxing.

Interested in buying a BMW 4 Series?

Find used BMW 4 Series