Short test: BMW 428i Gran Coupe xDrive
I wonder how car manufacturers decide to name or classify their models when it comes to premium. We know the stories when independent brands such as Lexus, Infinity, DS are created ... But what happens if the brand itself offers cars that belong to the class of high quality, but we would still like to choose these special models? To this end, BMW has created the 4 and 6 series, which are dedicated to these special body versions of the sister series 3 and 5. Thus, they have elegantly styled the convertible, coupe and four-door (or five-door) coupe. while the classic models have remained in their original class.
As for the Gran Coupe version, BMW notes that their goal was to combine the attractive styling of the 4 Series with the practicality of the 3 Series. As for the design itself, it is difficult to say that Series 4, as well as Series 3, is completely different from the fifth. The rear of the sedan completely distorts the coupé line of the four, so in the case of the test model, the M sports package (at an additional cost of € 6) is highly welcomed, which nicely underlines the design features of the car.
However, in the case of the Gran Coupe, use of the available space and its usability prevails. A pair of rear doors have been added, obviously, but they are frameless for a nicer look. The tailgate opens fully along with the rear window, as we are used to in station wagons, and the trunk volume of 480 liters is 35 liters more than in the coupe. However, if you remove the shelf and fold down the rear bench, you get a perfectly flat boot floor and a very luxurious 1.200 liters of luggage space, just 200 liters less than the versatile 3 Series. equipment.
Otherwise, such a four has the same external dimensions as the coupe, only the internal dimensions differ. First of all, there is a noticeable increase in headroom as the roof at the rear of the car ends less steeply at the rear and thus allows the rear passengers more headroom. Even for the knees of the rear passengers, this will be enough, as long as there is no one in front who could not sit down, except with the seat completely shifted back. Otherwise, it is difficult to find details inside that, at first glance, would distinguish the Gran Coupe from other sister models. A tech candy worth mentioning is the iDrive Touch system, a finger-sensitive rotating wheel dial on the center console that makes entering letters and numbers (for navigation or phonebook) challenging and therefore safer while driving. ...
If earlier we quickly determined the engine size by the designation of a particular model, today everything is a little different. For example, the second and third numbers on the label only indicate the power level of a particular engine. With the 428i, it's hard to see the connection to the actual numbers BMW provided us for this engine, but we can tell you that this is a 1.997 cc turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 180 kilowatts.
In other words: the engine, together with the eight-speed automatic, perfectly underlines the character of such a machine. Basically, it drives beautifully, efficiently, almost inaudibly at 4.000 engine rpm, but when we press the pedal all the way, it instantly responds with a decisive jerk. Above 6.000 rpm, that's nice to hear, but don't expect the harmony of sound we're used to from BMW six-cylinder engines. Another notch on the rear reveals that the test model was equipped with all-wheel drive, which is marketed by BMW under the xDrive brand. In all honesty, to get the full experience of this type of driving, you should get the car in about a month, but for now just note that the car behaves very predictably and neutral in absolutely every element of driving.
The Gran Coupe is on average 3 euros more expensive than the Series 7.000 with the same engine. We can say that the price is quite high, given the not too obvious difference between the two cars. On the other hand, the 7.000 euro surcharge at BMW is a small expense when we get a list of possible accessories. To make things easier: the price of the test Gran Coupe jumped from €51.450 to €68.000 with additional fees from the list of accessories.
Text and photo: Sasha Kapetanovich.
BMW 428i Grand Coupe xDrive
Basic data
| Sales: | BMW GROUP Slovenia |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 41.200 € |
| Test model cost: | 68.057 € |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 6,7 with |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 6,9l / 100km |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, in-line, turbocharged, displacement 1.997 cm3, maximum power 180 kW (245 hp) at 5.000–6.500 rpm – maximum torque 350 Nm at 1.250–4.800 rpm. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | engine drives all four wheels - 8-speed automatic transmission - front tires 225/40 R 19 Y, rear tires 255/35 R 19 Y (Bridgestone Potenza S001). |
| Capacity: | 250 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5,8 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 9,2/5,6/6,9 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 162 g/km. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.385 kg - permissible gross weight 1.910 kg. |
| External dimensions: | length 4.638 mm – width 1.825 mm – height 1.404 mm – wheelbase 2.810 mm – trunk 480–1.300 60 l – fuel tank XNUMX l. |
Our measurements
| T = 18 ° C / p = 1.023 mbar / rel. vl. = 85% / odometer status: 3.418 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 6,7s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 14,8 years ( 155 km / h) |
| Maximum speed: | 250km / h (VIII.) |
| test consumption: | 9,8 l / 100km |
| Fuel consumption according to the standard scheme: | 8,1 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 38,8m |
| AM table: | 40m |
evaluation
It will be the right choice for those looking for practicality in a premium car without compromising on original design. Determining the price does not make sense, because (with the same equipment and motorization) the difference between similar models inside the house is too great.
We praise and reproach
ease of use
motor (responsiveness, quiet operation, inaudibility)
iDrive Touch system
