GRAN DESIGNS

BMW’S latest four-door coupe applies new looks to a classic motor

BM THE BMW RANGE IS CONFUSING

Remember when BMW decided four-door versions of the 3 Series would keep its identity, but two-door versions got 4 Series badges? And followed up with baffling four-door “Gran Coupe” versions of the latter?

What we have here is the 4 Series Gran Coupe, the four-door version of the two-door version of the four-door 3 Series.

Our test car is the M440i, a 285kw “M Performance” model straddling the space between the unassuming BMW 420i with its 135kw 2.0-litre engine, and the fire-breathing 375kw BMW M4 Competition coupe.

Priced from $115,900 plus on-road costs (or about $125,000 drive-away), the M440i effectively splits the difference between the base car and halo model, bearing in mind that you can’t have the M4 as a “Gran Coupe”.

THIS ONE IS LOADED WITH THE GOOD STUFF

Though it looks like a 2.0-litre model, the

M440i is stuffed with equipment including BMW’S superlative 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.

You also get all-wheel-drive, lightweight 20inch wheels and sports suspension. Owners of lesser models are stung for optional extras that are standard here, like a 16-speaker stereo, leather trim in seven colours, and BMW’S full compliment of driver aids.

Tech includes a digital dash, widescreen central display and wireless smartphone mirroring with inductive charging so you don’t have to carry a phone cable in the car.

WE’RE NOT CONVINCED BY ITS STYLE

BMW broke the internet - and the hearts of loyal followers - with huge buck-toothed grilles for the 4 Series and M4.

We’ve driven a few now, and it’s safe to say the look loses its shock value without really growing on you. There are other shortcomings, such as fiddly doorhandles placed low on the bodywork, generic window lines without BMW’S traditional “Hoffmeister kink”, and $2961 “aventurine red” paint that looks sharp in marketing photos, but a dull brownish Burgundy in the metal.

There’s less head room in the back of the Gran Coupe compared to its 3 Series cousin, but a powered high-lifting hatch-style tailgate makes it easier to put big stuff in the boot.

THIS IS GOLDILOCKS’ OWN BMW

Not too hot and not too cold, the BMW M440i is a brilliant package for people who love driving.

It’s a performance car with proper hardware such as a limited-slip rear differential, big brakes, sticky tyres and a truly fabulous engine. Mature drivers will appreciate suspension delivering impressive poise (and comfort) without the race car harshness of the far more focused M4.

While not as thrilling as the halo model, the M440i is more relaxed on longer drives, and less in-your-face both visually and aurally to neighbours.

SHOULD IT BE YOUR LAST PETROL PURCHASE?

Electric cars are increasingly popular, and BMW is boosting heir appeal with new models such as the battery-powered 4 Series-based i4 M50. Priced from $135,000 drive-away, the electric coupe (and Gran Coupe) has a whopping 400kw delivering a 3.9 second dash to 100km/h.

That’s much faster than the 4.7 seconds of our test car, for a relatively small price premium. But right now, I’d prefer to drive one of the last six-cylinder BMWS, with a burbling motor, soaring exhaust note and magnificently sorted gearbox.

Electric cars are here to stay, but big sixes won’t be around forever.