2018 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (F36) 420i 8AT RWD (184 HP)

Vehicle Overview

After BMW decided to name its coupe vehicles with even numbers, the former 3-Series GC became a 4-Series Gran Coupe, which the German carmaker introduced in 2014.

Regardless of the body shape or the doors numbers, the 2018 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe was based on the same platform as the regular, 3-Series Sedan. It was the answer for the Audi A5 Sportback and tried to convince customers that a five-door hatchback is as good as a two-door coupe.

After Mercedes-Benz started the four-door-coupe trend with the CLS, other carmakers tried to make similar offers. BMW made the 4-Series GC but forgot a few things. It didn’t hide the rear doors’ handles, and the hunchback-shaped greenhouse was not the best solution they could get. On the plus side, the car featured frameless windows. Its overall, cab-rearward design resembled a coupe shape, but not at its best.

Inside, BMW managed to provide an authentic coupe experience for those seated at the front. The low-mounted seats, combined with a high center console, offered a similar 4-Series coupe driving position. Compared to the non-facelifted version, introduced in 2014, the 2018 model-year featured a digital display that replaced the older analog-dial system. The dash panel received a piano-black finishing.

Under the hood, BMW installed a range of five turbocharged engines, either gasoline or diesel. The carmaker paired them with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, with rear- or all-wheel-drive.