- Used BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé 2014-2022 front side
- Used BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé 2014-2022 info
- Used BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé 2014-2022 dash
- Used BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé 2014-2022 side
- Used BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé 2014-2022 rear
- Used BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé 2014-2022 boot
- Used BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé 2014-2022 front
What's the used BMW 4 Series like?
If you were asked to describe the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, you’d have to say it was a four-door executive saloon, with the swoopy looks of a coupé and the practicality of a hatchback.
Basically, this 2014-2022 version of the 4 Series Gran Coupé adds two extra doors, an additional seat and a standard-fit electrically powered tailgate to create a more family-friendly version of the BMW 4 Series Coupé. In so doing, it creates a very desirable and practical car that's now excellent value bought used.
Pros
- More practical than the coupé
- Excellent handling
- Expansive engine line-up
Cons
- Dated interior
- High boot lip
- Firm M Sport suspension
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Engines and performance: As with the regular two-door coupé, there are plenty of engines to choose from. The petrol options comprise the 181bhp 420i and the 241bhp 428i, replaced in 2016 by the 248bhp 430i, and a 302bhp 435i six cylinder car that was replaced in 2016 by the later 440i version with its 321bhp turbocharged 3.0-litre six. The diesel engine range is more expansive than the petrol line-up, with the 148bhp 418d, 181bhp 420d, and 215bhp 425d that all use 2.0-litre engine, with the remaining 255bhp 430d and 309bhp 435d diesel models both sharing the same turbocharged six-cylinder engine.
Six-speed manual gearboxes are standard on the 420i and 420d; an eight-speed automatic was optional on those, and standard across the rest of the range. Four-wheel drive 'xDrive' is standard on the 435d, and was an option on other models.
Ride and handling: Where this car really shines is in the way it drives. The entry-level engine is the 420i, a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit that is strong enough around town but needs to be pushed to get the best from it on faster roads. Better for outright punch is the 430i, a more powerful version of the 420i. But if you can stretch to it, the six-cylinder 440i is wonderfully refined, yet has a real sporting edge to its note and proper, hairy-chested performance.
Diesels start with the 420d, an engine that is far more flexible and fuel efficient than the 420i. Our only complaint is that it is a little unrefined compared with the equivalent oil-burners in the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé. A better bet is the automatic-only six-cylinder 430d, because it’s far smoother, has massive mid-range surge for truly effortless pace and yet is also impressively frugal. There's also a 435d xDrive that’s certainly fast, but also rather expensive to buy.
Unlike the 3 Series Gran Turismo, the 4 Series Gran Coupé handles just as well as the car on which it’s based. The steering is responsive and allows you to accurately place the vehicle on the road. It’s more involving than the A5 Sportback, which can be a little bit heavy at times and doesn’t offer much feedback. The 4 Series Gran Coupé also benefits from rear-wheel drive, but you can find models with four-wheel drive if you live in an area that experiences snow.
Aside from the fine handling, the ride – especially when equipped with adaptive dampers – treads the fine line between passenger comfort and body control. Where the standard suspension (particularly the standard M Sport suspension) can thump over bumps and potholes, the adaptive version can be set to Comfort, which takes the edge off the very worst jolts. Avoiding anything with 19in wheels helps as well.
Interior and practicality: Inside, the dashboard is closely related to the BMW 3 Series and material quality, on the whole, is good. The majority of the controls and switches you interact with work in a precise, well-damped fashion. However, it’s not hard to spot some hard, scratchy plastic, and when you compare it with the interior of the Audi A5 Sportback, the 4 Series Gran Coupé doesn’t feel quite so luxurious. The driving position is compromised slightly because the pedals are offset to the right, but all the major controls fall easily to hand.
You have to climb over the rear wheel arch to get into the back seats but, when you do, space for the outer two seats is fine and equal to that of a 3 Series. Despite the sloping roofline, there’s enough head room for most, although the centre rear occupant won’t be quite so well off.
The boot may have a bit of a lip to negotiate, but it is a useful square shape and comes with split-folding rear seats. With all the seats down, maximum capacity is not far off that of the 3 Series Touring, meaning the 4 Series Gran Coupé can cope with the odd Ikea trip.
Trims and equipment: Entry-level SE trim comes with 17in alloy wheels, cruise control, parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone climate control, DAB radio, Bluetooth, leather seats and sat-nav.
Sport trim adds 18in alloy wheels, interior ambient lighting and sports seats. M Sport fits an aggressive bodykit, bespoke M Sport wheels, sports suspension and an upgraded sat-nav system.
There are plenty of option packs to keep an eye out for, including the M Sport Plus Pack that adds adaptive suspension. There's also the upgraded Professional Navigation system to look for if you want a larger infotainment screen, and the Advance Parking Pack for additional parking aids.
"I wouldn't be put off by a diesel 4 Series Gran Coupé, because they all meet Euro 6 emission standards, making them ULEZ compliant. They're also fast yet very frugal, especially in six-cylinder form." – George Hill, Used Cars Writer
If you're interested in buying a used BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car classifieds site here.
Ownership cost
What used BMW 4 Series will I get for my budget?
Prices for an early 420d, either in SE or M Sport trim with high mileage, start at around £7500. If you up your budget to around £10,000, you’ll find plenty of petrol or diesel 4 Series Gran Coupés with an average mileage. The 420d is by far the most popular engine option and you will find that the majority of 4 Series Gran Coupés for sale are diesel. Spend upwards of £13,000 on a good 2018 car, £14,000 on a 2019 one and above £16,000 on a 2020 model. Late 2021 and 2022 models cost upwards of £19,000, as do six-cylinder petrol 440i cars.
Our recommendations
Which used BMW 4 Series should I buy?
Engine
If you don’t do many miles or you drive only in town, then the 420i is more than up to the job of propelling the 4 Series Gran Coupé around. If you are willing to buy a diesel, the 420d is an admirable performer although it's not as smooth as its petrol equivalent. The six-cylinder 330d and 335d diesels are noticeably more refined (and they're mighty fast), but they are more expensive. We wouldn't blame you if you were tempted by either of them, though.
Specification
Entry-level SE trim comes with 17in alloy wheels, cruise control, parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone climate control, DAB radio, Bluetooth, leather seats and sat-nav. It’s the one we’d recommend because it offers the best value for money and comes with our favourite engine, the 420i.
Our favourite BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé: 420i SE
Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to a used BMW 4 Series?
The Audi A5 Sportback is similar to the 4 Series Gran Coupé in that it comes with a practical hatchback boot, yet it has coupé-inspired styling with a low roofline and sleek lines. It won’t have the same amount of space inside as the 4 Series Gran Coupé, but it will corner better with less body roll.
Alternatively, there's the Audi A7. It has a super plush interior, a generous standard kit list and a good range of engines. Used prices aren't as cheap as the 4 Series Gran Coupé, though, and its reliability record is patchy.
The Mercedes CLS is another stylish four-door coupé with sharp looks, a plush interior and capable handling. However, the ride is on the firm side and the suspension is noisy over bumps, making it less refined than rivals. We wouldn't recommend it over a 4 Series Gran Coupé.
If practicality is important, take a look at the BMW 3 Series Touring. It's one of the few cars where you can still open the glass separate to the rear hatch and it's just as good to drive as the 4 Series Gran Coupé.
If you're interested in buying a used BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car classifieds site here.
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