BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe hatchback: the style of a standard coupe with added practicality

Price: £29,425 - £41,665

Pros: Comfortable to drive, high-quality interior, practical boot

Cons: Not as much fun as a 3 series, middle seat isn’t much use, expensive to buy

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3.8/5 Car buyer “The BMW line-up is getting bigger all the time and part of its expansion includes the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe – a more practical version of the standard 4 Series Coupe. BMW has added this model to the range for customers who like the sporty, desirable image of the standard 4 Series but also want the practicality of rear doors and a hatchback boot. There is a choice of diesel or petrol engines, all of which have plenty of power, and certain models come wth BMW’s xDrive four-wheel drive system. But although the car is quick – and handles very well – it never feels that sporty, it’s more of a comfortable cruiser.”

4.0/5.0 The Telegraph “The Gran Coupe is possibly the best BMW of the lot: a handsome beast that’s different enough to seem exclusive. You’ll want a diesel engine, but otherwise this is a surprisingly desirable if utterly confusing edition to the 4 Series line-up. Being based on the same wheelbase as the 4-Series Coupe the only real difference is that the roofline has been extended and two frameless doors have been added at the back. It steers and handles beautifully, with a fine balance and playful nature, and few other cars can go quite so convincingly from refined motorway cruiser to grab-it-by-the-scruff-of-the-neck sports car. Of course you’re likely to spend a fortune on options, but hey, you’re buying a BMW, what did you expect?”

4.0/5.0 What Car? “BMW has succeeded in making anoher niche model that has real appeal – and a feel that’s quite distinctive from its closest relatives. If you value style over out-and-out practicality, but want easier access to the rear seats, look no further – this is the car that fits your brief. It’s also great fun to drive, with a smooth power delivery and surprisingly effective engine noise. However, you’d be lucky to crack 40mpg with it in everyday use and it certainly isn’t the cheapest company car out there either. Still there’s more than enough promise here to whet the appetite for a long journey.”