BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe unveiled

Petrol or electric, they all share the same fastback-styled four-door body, second-generation of the sleeker sister to the 3 Series. And they are all built on the same production line in Munich. Unlike rivals, BMW has taken a flexible one-model, multi-power approach to the 4 Series, hence the wide choice. You can even get a diesel version! 

There are of course substantial differences between the models under their skins, as you might expect of some variants that draw their motive power from batteries and others from a fuel tank. But the body shell is essentially the same, as are the dimensions. 

Not even the design details differ that much, all models being fronted by the distinctive tall and narrow kidney grille that BMW first introduced on the 4 Series. Look closely though and there are different inserts for the grille and front air inlets, along with conventional BMW styling cues in place of the blue-themed elements of the electric i4. 

There are four 4 Series Gran Coupes with combustion engines. The entry car starts from £40,465 and gets a 184PS (135kW) 2.0-litre four-cylinder for 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds. That comes down to 6.2 seconds for the 430i with the same engine but upped to 245PS (180kW) (£44,720). 

You want a diesel? With up to 58mpg, plus the option (at £1590) of xDrive all-wheel drive, why not? The £43,095 420d Gran Coupe boasts 190PS (140kW), a solid 400Nm (296lb ft) of torque and despatches 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds. Unlike the four-cylinder petrol models, its efficiency is boosted by a 48-volt starter-generator.

The only other xDrive model is the range-topper with six-pot power and also boosted by electrified mild-hybrid technology: the M440i at £54,670. A comparison of its performance with its fully electric sibling tells you pretty much all you need to know:

BMW 4-Series Gran Coupes: petrol or electric?

Whether you go petrol or combustion engine, reasons for liking this new Gran Coupe body include more rear headroom, legroom and boot space than the first-generation model. BMW says the car now offers five full-size adult seats.

So it should because the car is larger on the outside, substantially so at 143mm longer and 53mm taller than before. It remains just as load-friendly with 40-20-40 split fold-down rear backrests. The structure is also said to be stiffer and the suspension more attuned for sporty driving, with wider tracks front and rear.

The wider tracks, wide-spaced vertical front intakes, emphasis on horizontal lines at the back and a black finish for the lower side skirts and rear apron are reasons for the more low-slung look. The Gran Coupe appears more planted than before while retaining the elegance of what is overall a pleasing coupe-esque silhouette. 

Adaptive LED lights and flush door handles feature, while the M440i gets both the expected M Sport hardware – adaptive suspension, fully locking rear diff, M specific brakes, steering and seats – as well as M design touches. These sporty distinguishing marks comprise front apron, boot lid spoiler and trim elements finished in a mix of high-gloss black and Cerium Grey. Inside the M440i gets M-specific upholstery and trim. 

When you can have one of the new petrol or diesel models? From November... which is also when the i4 electric range arrives. It will be interesting to see which proves more popular…