Verdict: Attractive, practical, good to drive and cheap to run.
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 420d M Sport xDrive
What is it?
BMW’s answer to Audi’s A5 Sportback and Merc CLS. In other words, a four door saloon with the styling and looks of a swoopy coupe. Launched on June 21, it rounds out the Four Series, which is the sexier cousin to BMW’s Three Series. Already out as a two-door coupe and convertible, the four-door Gran Coupe is the last Four Series version to be added to the range.
What’s Hot?
> Exceedingly good looking from any angle, with no deductions: it really is pretty and muscular in equal measures.
> Ride quality much better than the sporty wheels and tyres would permit you to believe.
> Punchy four-cylinder diesel engine is more than enough for real world roads…with 0-62mph in 7.5seconds.
> Boasts emissions figures of just 133 grams of CO2 per kilometre driven, and VED of Band E (£130), despite the added weight of a very efficient four-wheel drive system called xDrive.
> Practical insofar as it offers a auto-open/auto-close hatch as standard equipment, and matches the 3 Series saloon with a boot of 480 litres and offers 40-20-40 split and fold back seats, opening up a real load bed and 1300 litres
> Predicted to account for just 7,000 UK sales over a seven year life span – so will remain comparatively rare, which may boost residual values
> Seamless 8-speed auto beats manual gear box, and improves emissions.