2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

也许如果我们都停止期待现代,大的BMWs to entertain like the charismatic E46s and even E39s from years gone by, we'll be able to better focus on what they do well. The 4 Series Gran Coupe provides a stable, comfortable, and isolated driving experience. On extended trips, it's a lovely vehicle to pilot. It's a wonderful grand tourer. The ride isn't quite pillowy soft but it does a great job of filtering out minor surface imperfections.

When you're in the mood to have fun, the Gran Coupe delivers, but the steering lacks a certain old-school BMW feel. The sportier driving modes do help but everyday cruising in Standard mode is uneventful. Overall, the steering is accurate and the Gran Coupe retains good body control through the corners, but it stops short of being a thrilling experience. However, the M440i with AWD and the available adaptive M suspension (as our tester came equipped) is a rapid machine. It grips hard and impresses with quick turn-in, not to mention the cultured howl from that inline-6.

The RWD 430i is a bit more playful, but the upcoming M440i RWD is likely to be the most fun model in the lineup. The addition of the xDrive system doesn't ruin the fun, however, because it's rear-biased, sending 60 percent of the power to the rear wheels and the remaining 40 percent to the front. Drivers can alter this in just a tenth of a second with nearly 100 percent of the torque directed to the front or rear axle, depending on available grip. Combined with that adaptive M suspension, with which, at the push of a button, ride quality and handling immediately change, the M440i AWD is immensely fun. One critique we have is that we feel the brakes are slightly too sensitive.

The 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is a palpable improvement over its predecessor. It does almost everything better than before. The silky powertrains are a highlight, combining power and efficiency better than most. There's also a well-sorted chassis, although the Gran Coupe's driving experience is a little more muted than we'd like. The cabin is beautifully assembled and we appreciate that one no longer has to spend thousands on options to make a BMW feel properly luxurious. It's subjective, but we do think that the Gran Coupe is easier on the eye than the 4 Series Coupe. On the downside, the cabin is somewhat blandly styled (especially when compared to new Audi and Mercedes models), and rear-seat space and access aren't as good as in a 3 Series. Those aren't dealbreakers, though, so we're happy to recommend the new Gran Coupe.

If you need four doors but consider the familiar 3 Series a bit too ordinary, the flashier 4 Series Gran Coupe is a worthy alternative. Mechanically, both cars are similar so each handles well but can do long-distance comfort too, although the ride on larger wheels is rather firm. Right now, the 3 Series has a broader lineup that includes a hybrid, as well as RWD/AWD versions of both the 330i and M340i. At $41,450, the base 3 Series is $3,750 cheaper than the equivalent 4 Series Gran Coupe, money that could be spent on some of the many options. The 3 Series remains more practical and is a more handsome sedan to most eyes due to its traditional kidney grilles. For its substance and more appealing price tag, we'll choose the well-rounded 3 Series.

The Audi is perhaps the closest rival to the 4 Series Gran Coupe. Like the Gran Coupe, the A5 Sportback has four doors but looks a lot sportier than its traditional sedan sibling, the A4. The base A5 Sportback starts at $43,500, making it almost $2,000 cheaper than the 430i. The Audi also gets AWD as standard. However, the A5 isn't as fun to drive and it isn't as rapid as the 4 Series. The base A5 is over half a second slower to 60 mph. The BMW is also much more efficient. Then again, for around the same price as the 430i, you can get the more powerful A5 Sportback 45 TFSI that is quicker than the equivalent BMW. The Audi also has a larger trunk as well as more leg- and headroom for rear-seat passengers. But if practicality was a big priority, you'd simply get an A4 or 3 Series. These four-door coupes are still practical but are more emotionally-charged purchases. On that basis, the BMW wins.