BMW has been among the first, and most prominent, automakers to capitalize on the concept of a “coupe” that’s not really a coupe. Introduced for the 2015 model year as the 428i, BMW’s Gran Coupe adds a distinctive flair to the company’s selection of compact 4 Series coupes. Body lines are gracefully curved, in familiar coupe mode. Instead of twin doors, though, the Gran Coupe has four frameless doors and a rear liftgate, furnishing the practicality of a hatchback.
Installation of a more powerful four-cylinder engine for 2017 changed the model designation from 428i Gran Coupe to 430i Gran Coupe. Looking back a couple of years, BMW’s Gran Coupe is actually based upon the highly-regarded 3 Series family of compact sedans and wagons.
What's New for 2017
A new 2-liter four-cylinder engine has transformed the model designation of BMW’s compact four-door 4 Series model from 428i Gran Coupe to 430i Gran Coupe. Basic upholstery is Venetian Beige/Black SensaTec leatherette. Black Dakota leather with blue stitching is available. Navigation (in the Technology Package) has been updated to iDrive 5.0. Wireless charging and a wi-fi hotspot with enhanced USB and Bluetooth are now optional.
Choosing Your BMW 430i Gran Coupe
Now developing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine mates with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive is optional.
For a premium car in this league, fuel economy is relatively frugal, estimated at 23 mpg in city driving and 34 mpg on the highway with rear-drive. All-wheel drive lowers the highway figure by 1 mpg.
An abundant standard-equipment list includes SensaTec simulated-leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats with driver's memory settings, a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, paddle shifters, wood or aluminum interior trim, Bluetooth phone and audio, and an audio system with HD radio. A power liftgate, moonroof, and double-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels also are standard. Automatic start/stop can shut the engine off at stoplights, to help conserve fuel.
Like most BMW models, the 440i Gran Coupe is available with a selection of options, mostly organized into groups. Leather upholstery is available as part of a Luxury Package.
- The $2,750 Technology Package includes navigation, real-time traffic information, a head-up display, remote services, BMW Online and apps, and an instrument cluster with expanded contents.
- Assorted upholstery and interior trim combinations are available with the M Sport Package, which also includes an aerodynamic body kit, M steering wheel, and 18- and 19-inch wheels in a variety of designs. An M sport suspension is standard, but an adaptive suspension is available for an additional $700.
- For even greater handling capabilities, the Track Handling Package includes the adaptive M suspension, M sport brakes, and variable sport steering.
- BMW’s Driver Assistance Package ($950) includes front/rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. For $1,700, the Driver Assistance Plus Package adds active-safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, frontal collision warning, city collision mitigation, side- and top-view cameras, and speed-limit data.
Lighting and Cold Weather packages also are offered. Individual options include automated parallel parking, wireless charging, and active cruise control.
Prices begin at $42,945 (including destination charge) for the rear-drive 430i Gran Coupe, while the xDrive edition goes for $2,000 more.
Most buyers should be more than satisfied with the four-cylinder 430i Gran Coupe, perhaps adding a couple of options, such as navigation. We recommend the Driver Assistance packages, in particular, but options can drive the total cost up in a hurry. Enthusiasts, on the other hand, might be amenable to parting with an additional $6,350 for the 430i’s more potent six-cylinder cousin, dubbed 440i Gran Coupe.