BMW has lobbed another model into its
expanding local line-up, the 4 Series Gran Coupe bringing the total of 3 Series
based offerings to six. Catching more sales requires many hooks, and BMW is
casting out the long line. And there are more models to come, including the X4,
the new front-drive 2 Series and the i3, along with facelifts for the 1 Series
and X3, a new X6 and the i8 show-stopper all due in the next six months or so.
While the 1, 3 and XS ranges make up the bulk of BMW sales here, niche
derivatives like the 4 Series GC help increase retails and BMW NZ says it's on
target to crack 2,000 registrations for the first time ever this year. Not that
the GC will add significantly to the total, but it's expected to bring
incremental business rather than rob sales from the 3 Series line-up, as it's
likely to appeal to a different buyer, willing to pay the extra asked.
This
BMW 435i Gran Coupe is one confident-looking car
But enough of the spiel, the GC is the
practical 4 Series, a coupe with four doors. It fills the same car park space
as a 4 Coupe and is slightly longer and wider than the 3 sedan, but sports a
lower roofline. All 3 and 4 Series derivatives ride on the same wheelbase so
it's practical enough to satisfy a sedan buyer, sexy enough for a Coupe
purchaser. Rear seat space isn't too compromised, just the access. The rear
door aperture isn't as generous as a 3 sedan's, the opening narrow in
comparison and you do have to mind your noggin on the way in. It's a four plus
one sort of seating arrangement with a small perch for the occasional fifth
passenger. The seat squab is pretty hard, like they skimped on the foam padding
to liberate more head space, which is predictably limit ed. Boot space isn't a
Coupe forte, but under the Gran Coupe's hatch is a well shaped hold, rated to
tote as many litres as the sedan, and while the height of the load space is
restricted, it can at least be extended by flopping the rear seat forward.
Step
inside and the spacious, high quality interior of the 435i still impresses
So as practical as it is pretty and the 4
GC is perhaps the best looking BMW at present. The proportions are nigh on
perfect with the shape presenting well from any angle. The inspiration and the
primary competition is the Audi AS, another good looking machine. Both are cars
that will have you slowing in front of shop windows to admire their lines, but
the BMW is the car you make time to drive, seeking out those back roads rather
than just plying the high streets.
There are two GC models, and no diesels as
BMW's free-revving, torque-laden turbo-petrols better match the GC's character.
The 2.0-litre 180kW/350Nm 428i sneaks in just under $100k while the 435i gets
the M Sport treatment along with the familiar 225kW/400Nm 3.0-litre turbo six
and costs $127,900, both prices including all on-road costs and a servicing plan.
Rear
access and spaciousness are both pretty good for a 2+2
The inline six teams with the ultra
competent eight-speed auto to drive the rear wheels (no xDrive option here) and
there are various drive modes to set the mood. This engine used to feel mighty
powerful but with the rise and rise of turbo-petrol technology, it's lost some
of its wow factor. Still it helps the 435i crack 100km/h comfortably in 5.3sec,
which isn't exactly slow and overall, this is a satisfying drive experience.
It's fitted with M variable suspension giving some pliancy to the ride; it's
not super plush round town, but not bone jarring either. Bumps only really
become an issue as speeds start to rise, which is a good trigger for you to
slow down. The chassis balance is best savoured in Sport Plus mode where the
ESP is tempered, allowing a wee shuffle from the rear or a moment of frontend
scrub, the setting giving the driver a moment to correct the situation, rather
than instantly snuffing the fun as it does otherwise. The steering is a
highlight with road feel tingling through the rim, and with the variable ratio
steering as standard, it's quick and super precise too. Again the even weight
balance, the sorted rear end and the fine roll control all contribute to the
precision of the helm.
L-shaped
rear lights are designed as a seamless rearward continuation of the swage line
along the side of the car
The 435i is well kitted out, as you'd hope
for the cost, with nothing of note left off the list. But the styling comes
with a premium to pay, the 435i GC being over $10k more than an equally
specified 335i sedan. But if you're happy to pay the extra, you'll have a
better looking car without having to compromise on practicality.
