For buyers who can't decide between a compact luxury sedan or coupe, BMW serves up to the 428i Gran Coupe, a fastback four-door that promises not to get lost in the crowd. You also get all the balanced, confident performance of the BMW 3 Series on which the Gran Coupe is based.
What's New for 2016
Last year's optional Sport Line trim, consisting mainly of gloss black exterior pieces and sport seats, is now standard. Some carryover options have been repackaged into the new Luxury and Track Handling packages.
Choosing Your BMW 428i Gran Coupe
Although it looks like a style-conscious sedan, the 428i is actually a hatchback that can handle up to 46 cubic feet of cargo. Power comes from a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder that achieves 240 horsepower. An eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard, and all-drive is available. Unlike with other compact BMWs, you can't get a manual on the Gran Coupe.
All models start out with premium features like xenon headlamps, a sunroof, driver memory settings, Bluetooth audio, and HD radio. The Gran Coupe rolls on 18-inch wheels -- 19s are optional. Leather seating is available individually or as part of Premium package, which also gets you satellite radio and keyless ignition. Premium-equipped models are eligible for a Luxury package with chrome exterior accents, wood or aluminum interior trim, a saddle brown lower dash (instead of black), and non-sport seats if desired.
You can take the Gran Coupe in another direction with the M Sport package, which provides a sport-tuned suspension, unique wheels, aerodynamic body trim, and a sports steering wheel. The Track Handling package (available with or without the full M Sport treatment) has upgraded brakes, sport-tuned steering, and an adaptive suspension system.
A navigation system comes with the Technology package, which also adds a larger display screen and a suite of integrated smartphone apps. The Lighting package tacks on LED headlamps with automatic high-beam control. The Cold Weather package adds heated seats all around, a heated steering wheel, and headlamp washers.
Safety gets a boost from the Driver Assistance package with a rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors. A Plus version of the same adds blind spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, and speed limit data. Adaptive cruise control is a standalone option.
Additional options include a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, an automated parallel parking system, and a rear power sunshade.
The Gran Coupe's memorable styling comes at a price. Expect to pay about $3,300 more for it than a comparably equipped 3-Series sedan.