2022 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe

Pros: Excellent powertrains; precise handling, especially with M Sport suspension; versatile hatchback cargo area

Cons: Compromised rearward visibility; controversial front-end styling; significant price step-up to top-end model

CG Says: The 2022 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe returns in redesigned form after a one-year hiatus. It’s a 4-door sedan with a sleek, coupe-like roofline and the added convenience of a hatchback instead of a traditional sedan trunk. Two models are available: The 430i has a 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and rear-wheel drive, and the M440i xDrive has a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder with 382 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive. The M440i xDrive comes standard with a mild-hybrid system that adds an 11-horsepower boost for quicker acceleration off the line and extra passing power. Both models use an 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW says the M440i will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, while the 430i will make the run in 5.8 seconds. The M440i comes standard with M Sport suspension, brakes and differential, which are available as options on the 430i.

Interior space has been increased over the previous generation, particularly in headroom and rear-seat legroom. A power liftgate is standard to access the cargo area. The 4-Series Gran Coupe includes BMW’s latest infotainment interface, along with cloud-based navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. Standard safety technology features include forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection and automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alert. A number of performance, safety, and convenience options and packages are available. Essentially, the 4-Series Gran Coupe offers BMW compact-sedan shoppers a racier-looking alternative to the BMW 3-Series sedan. You’ll pay a significant price premium for the sleeker styling and you’ll have to deal with slightly compromised rear-seat headroom, but you’ll gain the cargo versatility of the nicely executed hatchback cargo area in the process.