2015 BMW 435i Gran Coupé – Sleek, powerful and refined Sporty sedan rocks!

2015-bmw-435i-gran-coupeThe 2015 BMW 435i xDrive Gran Coupé – is not exactly a two-door coupe. Instead it is a sleek four -door coupe based on the BMW 3- Series sedan. The sloping Gran Coupé roofline is the key, gracefully melding the four door profile into low slung coupe. Combined with a rich inviting interior and lusty six cylinder engines, the Gran Coupé offers full four passenger versatility and luxury with a capacious 480 litres of cargo space. BMW have certainly pulled off the styling very well with good execution. Our BMW 435i Gran Coupé was the bigger engined tester and came with an inline-six cylinder engine that develops 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and all-wheel drive. Also fitted was the optional premium pack ($4,900) comprising: Comfort access feature, Rear View camera, park distance control, Lumbar support, Adaptive headlights. On board navigation, Sirius XM Satellite tuner, Harmon Kardon sound system, universal remote and alarm system.

BMW also kindly outfitted the Gran Coupé with BMW’s ConnectedDrive Services Prof with ARTTI Package ($500) with such features as BMW Online access. Concierge serves, internet, remote services and advanced real time traffic info. Stand-alone options included a head up display$1500, metallic paint and speed limit info.

Our version of the 435i Gran Coupé as tested was also equipped with the M Performance Package; ($1,900) an optional offering with upgraded M sport brakes, adaptive M suspension, variable sport steering and light 19 inch alloy double spoke wheels.

Interior wise, the Gran Coupé has the no- nonsense, slightly stark, fastidious neatness of the other BMW 3 and 4 Series cars. On the road, the BMW 435i Gran Coupé is as entertaining and quick as you would think it would be. The automatic transmission is smooth fast and well matched to the refined thoroughbred six cylinder engines. The all-wheel drive system is flexible and well integrated distributing 60 per cent of engine torque to the rear wheels in high-traction conditions, and automatically apportioning torque forward when the road and driving conditions change. With the M Performance parts fitted, the BMW certainly has an increase in performance with big, string brakes and a well-damped suspension. The Gran Coupé certainly handles good with imperceptible body roll and a firm, planted surefootedness through corners. The transmissions Eight-speed automatic/all-wheel drive format delivers a fuel economy figure of (litres/100 km): 11.8 cities; 7.8 highway; 10.0 combined.

There is not a lot to complain about. The Gran Coupé is different in looks and character than the normal 3 Series and so you pay a somewhat painful premium for that, at a starting price of $55,600. Of course, the pricy “must have” option will make your eyes water, but this car just begs to have all the bits and pieces; particularly the “M” shiny stuff to make buyers feel good. It really does the car justice in the performance stakes. A beautiful-looking performance car that will look good on the driveway for years to come. Superb in every way.

2015 BMW 435 Gran Coupé Base price: $55,600; as tested: $65,645