The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is set to go on sale in SA at the end of 2021. What’s new on the 4-door 4 Series?

We’ve come to live with the fact that BMW makes a 4-door version of the 4 Series that isn’t a 3 Series but is built on the same platform. Yes, it’s confusing but BMW is committed to it and states that the 4 Series Gran Coupe is aimed at a consumer looking for something a little more distinctive and stylish. This new version is a further departure from the 3 Series in that it has the love it or hate it front grille.

For those interested in the size of the new 4 Gran Coupe compared to the outgoing model, it’s 143 mm longer, 27 mm wider, 53 mm taller and a wheelbase that’s 46 mm longer. The wheelbase is actually 5 mm longer than the 3 Series as well. The expanded dimensions have resulted in a 470-litre boot, which is 39 litres bigger than before and an overall luggage space of 1 290 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Coupe roof line gives the 4 Series Gran Coupe a slightly more evocative silhouette than the 3 Series.

Due to it being considered a coupe, the 4 Series GC has frameless windows while the rear is dominated by the darkened LED taillights that extend towards the centre of the boot and along the rear flanks. An M Carbon exterior package can be specified as an option, and model-specific M Performance Parts are available as part of the Genuine BMW Accessory range.

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe engines

Just 3 engines are available in the 4 Series GC initially. The very nearly M car worthy M440i xDrive Gran Coupe is powered by a six-cylinder turbopetrol engine good for 285 kW. The petrol 4-cylinder in the 420i makes use of 135 kW while the 420d GC has 140 kW on tap. An 8-speed steptronic gearbox is employed on the 420i and 420d while the M440i uses a sports steptronic version, complete with paddle shifters, that allows it to shift faster and maximises performance from the powertrain.

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The 4 Series GC uses bespoke body struts at the front and rear to provide a unique handling experience that delivers 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity.

The two-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle have likewise been engineered to reduce weight while increasing rigidity. Standard-fitted lift-related dampers enhance both sports performance and ride comfort. Depending on the spring travel, these provide extra damping to control body movement when driving over large bumps, as well as preventing excessive dive.

Over the air updates

The in-car entertainment system is made up of 2 massive screens – a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25 inch infotainment screen. The infotainment screen can be controlled via touch, voice, BMW central controller or if you have to, gesture control.

Smartphone integration is fitted as standard now so Apple Carplay and Android Auto are available and can even be used wirelessly now.

Remote software updates can now be sent to the car making sure that any bugs or software updates can be quickly installed to the vehicle without having to send the vehicle to a dealer.

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is penned in for local arrival sometime during the 4th quarter of 2021. Pricing and exact specification will be available closer to then.