BMW 435i Gran Coupe 2014 Review

Based on the BMW 3 Series, with the same drivelines but more curves and cost, a cynic may suggest that the 4 Series Gran Coupe is simply another way to extract cash from a niche no-one realised was missing.

What it does add is confusion. BMW introduced the 4 Series coupe (that’s with two doors) to differentiate it from the 3 Series four-door sedan, now only to introduce the elongated, ‘five-door’ 4 Series Gran Coupe. Up to speed?

It also adds a very attractive exterior design, cleaner than the 3 Series and more cohesive than the 4 Series two-door, at least in this writer’s view. That body isn’t simply for show, either, with a drag co-efficient of only 0.274cd speaking for its sleekness. There’s also more standard equipment than the equivalent 3 Series, as discussed in our launch review.

Priced from $109,000 (plus ORCs) in top-spec 435i form, purchasing a Gran Coupe is no small outlay, especially when its main competition, the Audi A5 Sportback in supercharged V6 form with all-wheel drive starts at $10,000 less.

Like the Audi, the BMW sports a six-cylinder, forced-induction petrol engine under its elongated snout, although it employs BMW’s traditional inline layout rather than the vee formation of its German rival.

The N55 is quite a familiar donk, moving on from the N54’s twin-turbocharged arrangement to a single turbocharger in 2009, but producing the same 225kW/400Nm output as the 2006 model 335i. It is, however, more efficient, with a claimed 7.6L/100km consumption on the combined cycle (for reference, the 2006 335i slurped 9.6 in sedan form).

It’s coupled to a standard eight-speed automatic, though a six-speed manual is available to order for no additional cost.

To harness the extra power of the 435i, BMW has fitted four-piston front calipers as standard, upgrading from the sliding, single-piston stoppers of the 428i.

harmon/kardon sound is among the equipment highlights, as is an 8.8-inch colour monitor with sat-nav and rear-view camera, ‘Servotronic’ power steering, Bluetooth-capable audio, auto anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, idle stop-start and park distance control.

Safety is assured via a five-star ANCAP rating.

The tested vehicle runs up a couple of options, which as ever inflates the price further; $2920 for the sunroof is just one example of the usual option price excess.

Other items include metallic paint ($1840), Driving Assistant ($900 and actually good value, as it adds approach control warning, lane departure warning, pedestrian warning and light city braking functionality), Surround View ($1300; uses bumper-mounted cameras to project a side view with a bird’s eye ‘top view’ also included), Head-Up display ($1700), and the ConnectedDrive Freedom package ($1200; brings internet-based services and concierge services for the first three years (can be renewed); remote vehicle services to control remote locking, ventilation and a vehicle finder which works within a 1.5km radius and real-time traffic information.

All up, this Estorial Blue beauty would set you back $118,860 as-tested, before on-road costs.

The 435i receives the M Sport styling package as standard (it’s a $2000 option for 428i). This includes 19-inch star-spoke alloy wheels with run-flat tyres (225/40 front; 255/35 rear), sports seats, body kit and leather steering wheel among other subtle trim changes.

If the exterior is cutting-edge modern, the interior feels decidedly plain in comparison. First introduced with the latest 3 Series sedan in 2012, it remains a nice place to be, but for the additional outlay you’d expect a more lustrous ambience. Thankfully the M leather steering wheel is nicer to the touch than the standard, plastic-feeling item, and the thicker gearshift paddles are also welcome.

It’s also packaged nicely, with conveniences such as the 40/20/40 split-fold rear seat and wide-mouthed boot opening, which can swallow 480 litres – a match for the 3 Series sedan. There’s plenty of room in the front, while back-seat occupants are only slightly impinged by the down swept roofline if they are over 180cm tall.

On a brief launch drive, I recall the biggest issue with the 435i was in the Servotronic steering which, in conjunction with the run-flat tyres, sapped confidence when tackling corners. It’s therefore interesting to report that this example had little of the off-centre vagueness and variable weighting that was experienced in the previous vehicle, or indeed in other BMWs of recent acquaintance.

Although it never feels quite as brisk as the 5.2sec claimed 0-100km/h time, the 435i makes a wonderful noise as it cleanly and calmly pulls throughout its rev range. With maximum torque available from just 1200rpm and held through to 5000rpm, it is best driven within these marks, though it will comfortably stretch beyond its 5800rpm power peak to its 7000rpm redline. Do that too much, though, and you’ll see fuel consumption edge into double figures. Over a week of mixed driving, our test average was 9.2L/100km.

The ZF-sourced transmission is a willing companion, providing everything from smooth to voracious as you cycle from ECO PRO driving mode to Sport Plus, though it can be a little slow in picking up a gear post-apex when you return your foot to the throttle.

Once the run flats are warm the initial reluctance to turn (and resultant understeer) is reduced and braking performance is more than adequate for the rigours of daily driving. The 435i Gran Coupe rides comfortably and reasonably quietly (though the run-flats can intrude into the cabin at times), yet corners without excessive roll, allowing you to enjoy its traditional BMW rear-drive balance. In short, it’s a good thing all-round.

As a candidate for potential ownership, however, perhaps the biggest threat for the 435i comes from within. From $81,000, the 428i may not quite match the 435i for standard features, aural drama or flat-strap performance, but it can be optioned similarly (careful though!) and benefits from improved efficiency, a keener front-end and similar real-world performance.

If pressed, that’s the one I’d choose – but I’d miss that sonorous six.

Also Consider:
>> Audi A5 Sportback 3.0TFSI quattro (from $99,300 plus ORCs)
>> Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG (from $86,900 plus ORCs)
>> Volkswagen CC V6 FSI (from $65,490 plus ORCs)