After the Coupé and Convertible versions, it was a matter of time before the Gran Coupé variant of the BMW 4 Series passed through Razão Automóvel's garage, here in the 420d version.
Unlike the 3 Series on sale, the new generation 4 Series Gran Coupé (the second) does not offer any plug-in hybrid version. So one of the pillars of the range continues to be the Diesel engine under test, the 420d, which is still particularly important for the business market.
The BMW 420d Gran Coupé promises to be civilized and sober, but I wanted to find out if it still suffices for all needs. Want to place bets? We accept predictions in the comment box…
Same formula… different «package»
In visual terms, the formula remains exactly the same as the first generation. We have a five-door sedan with a coupe feel, a low roofline and a very practical luggage compartment (470 liters), all wrapped up in a very elegant package.
But despite this continuity, the 4 Series Gran Coupé has grown in every way and has come closer to its "brother", the 3 Series (a traditional four-door sedan), with which it shares the base and the production line, in Munich (Germany).
In length, it grew 14.3 cm, for a total of 4,783 m. In width, the increase was less significant: just 2.7 cm (1.852 m). Finally, in height it “grew” 5.3 cm (1.442 m).
The carbon emissions from this test will be offset by BP
Find out how you can offset the carbon emissions of your diesel, gasoline or LPG car.
At the wheel of the 420d
Despite having several diesel and petrol engines, the 420d — 2.0 l and 190 hp — is the only diesel option currently available in Portugal on the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé.
In common with the other engines, it has a mild-hybrid system that momentarily guarantees a power boost of 11 hp (8 kW), in addition to helping the Start & Stop system to work faster and more discreetly.
This is the engine with more expression in the Portuguese market and it is not difficult to see why: we have a very solid performance, moderate consumption and… great autonomy. And all this without compromising the dynamics that this chassis can provide us.
During the days I spent with him, I averaged 6.3 l/100 km, a figure that could even have been lower if I had added more kilometers on the highway, where this engine is actually very efficient.
But regardless of the consumption achieved, there is one thing that this engine makes a point of clarifying: modern Diesels are almost irreproachable and continue to make sense. It all depends on the use of each one.
It is a very civilized engine, with low noise, efficient and always very available. It is still possible to feel some vibrations in the lower regimes, but the refinement of the whole ensemble is otherwise remarkable.
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And the dynamics?
Despite having "fattened" 185 kg compared to the equivalent version of the previous generation, this 420d Gran Coupé maintains an ideal mass distribution of 50-50 and has expanded lanes on both axes, which guarantee excellent stability.
This translates into high lateral grip, which lets us “overdo it” in corners, and always very predictable behavior. Agile enough and with a fast steering, this 420d Gran Coupé is supported by a chassis that we never tire of praising.
And this is always felt when we adopt a sportier drive, greatly enhanced by the very low driving position, the steering wheel in an almost vertical position and the seats with a very satisfactory fit.
And all this without ever compromising on-board comfort too much. The unit I drove was equipped with the optional 19” M wheels and the M sports suspension, and let's face it: there are no miracles.
It's firm and you can feel it on the worst roads. But it never reveals any brittleness or drier noises and we can never accuse it of being uncomfortable.
The organization of the interior is identical to the 4 Series Coupé and Cabrio. And that's good news…
Is it the right car for you?
The list of standard equipment is far from convincing — a "tradition" among German premiums — and the options are expensive, which makes the final price of this 4 Series Gran Coupé skyrocket. But the truth is that BMW managed to improve a proposal that had already left very good references in the previous generation.
Ideal for those who want the versatility of a saloon and the elegance of a coupé without having to give up the dynamic experience behind the wheel, this model from the house of Munich remains a very attractive package.
And for those who like to add kilometers, especially on the highway, the Diesel engine of this 420d is undoubtedly the engine that makes the most sense.
With a full tank we managed to reach (and even exceed…) the 1000 km of autonomy, a number that the electric “brother” of this model, the i4, can only dream of.
In addition, we have relatively low consumption, good performance (7.3s from 0 to 100 km/h and 235 km/h top speed) and an immersive driving experience that goes against the followers of the “coffee” theory that gives at least name of “Diesels are boring”.