BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

BMW refreshed the 4 Series Coupe and its open-top sibling in January 2024, and three months later, it also updated its five-door coupe brother, the 4 Series Gran Coupe.

The German automaker introduced the first generation of the 4 Series Gran Coupe, the F36, at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, and customers loved it. As a result, when the car manufacturer introduced the second generation of the 4 Series in 2020, it also prepared the second iteration of the five-door lift-back version, which was launched in 2021. Despite the grueling times that followed after the world pandemic and the microchip crisis, it managed to score big numbers on sales. So, when the time came to facelift the 4 Series lineup, the Gran Coupe version was enhanced as well. It retained most of the details that made it successful and also boasted new updates that made it more desirable. Besides the exterior, the cabin was significantly improved both in terms of technology and materials. The only thing the car manufacturer couldn’t improve was the headroom for the rear-seated passengers.

When launched, the second generation of the 4 Series sported a new kidney grille design that resembled the one from the famous 1936 BMW 328 sports car. Since the fans didn’t really enjoy that, the automaker made a change and integrated it into an even broader air intake element, especially for versions fitted with the M Package. The regular versions, on the other hand, kept the original design, albeit slightly modified. The automaker also introduced new headlights that sported comma-like LEDs for the daytime running lights.

From its profile, the liftback bodywork of the 4 Series Gran Coupe had a similar design, but there were two new color options added to the palette, which were known as the Cape York Green metallic and the Vegas Red. BMW also introduced new designs for the 19-inch light alloy wheels, which were fitted as standard on the upper grades. Out back, the car had new taillights featuring laser diodes that illuminated optic fibers and created an intricate design. A new diffuser was placed under the rear bumper to further emphasize the sporty character of the four-door coupe of the 4 Series.

Inside, the automaker created a new dashboard featuring two screens placed next to each other under the same curved glass to look like a continuous panel. The one fronting the driver showed the main dials and gauges for driving, while the one sitting atop the center stack was for the new iDrive 8.5 infotainment system. BMW was known for being one of the best carmakers in the world in terms of perceived material quality, and the 2025 4 Series Gran Coupe was proof of that. The dashboard, door cards, and the center console were covered in high-quality materials. At the front, depending on the grades and options, the automaker put a pair of bucket seats or a set of sports seats, while in the back, it installed a bench seat that could accommodate up to three passengers for short jaunts, or two for long travels, as long as they were not too tall.

Under the hood, the automaker used the same engines as on the pre-facelifted version of the 4 Series Gran Coupe, but they were now helped by a mild-hybrid system. The 430i version had a redesign of the intake ports and combustion chambers and innovations in camshaft control, injection, ignition system, and exhaust gas routing. As a result, it gained a few more ponies. At the same time, the 440i gained 11 hp thanks to a 48-volt starter generator that boosted the engine’s maximum power to 386 hp (391 PS).

BMW released the 4 Series Gran Coupe in mid-2021, just a couple of days after it refreshed stablemates X3 and X4.

When the German carmaker decided to split the 3 Series into two distinct models, the customers didn't seem too happy. At first, the difference between the two twin brothers was just the door numbers. Even the former 3 Series Gran Coupe became a 4 Series Gran Coupe, but without too many changes. But that changed starting with the G26 generation.

One of the most controversial parts of the 4 Series was the front fascia, which featured an oversized and tall kidney-grille with chromed surroundings and a 3D mesh pattern, but it resembled the former BMW 327 from 1937 and 1952 501. Its LED headlights looked mean and aggressive. Like its predecessor, the 2021 4 Series GC featured frameless windows for all the doors. Thus, it stayed in the four-door coupe league, with a sloped-down, fastback-like tailgate. The streamlined taillights create the illusion of a more comprehensive vehicle at the back, thanks to their horizontal LED lines.

Inside, the upgrade in the technical department was significant. The base models featured an 8.8" screen above the center stack for the iDrive infotainment system and a 5.1" color display in the instrument cluster. At the front, the high-bolstered front bucket seats provided enough side support for their occupants during high-speed cornering maneuvers. In the back, there was a bench for three adults. Even though the transmission tunnel was present, it wasn't that tall anymore and narrower. Thus, the rear middle passenger could place his or her feet under the left and right front seats. The 60/40 rear bench' seatback increased the trunk space from 470 liters (16.6 cu-ft) up to 1,290 liters (45.5 cu-ft).

Under the hood, the carmaker provided an engine range fit for a sporty four-door coupe. The base version featured a four-banger, turbocharged gasoline unit, while the top of the range M 440i received a 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged powerplant.

After BMW decided to name its coupe vehicles with even numbers, the former 3-Series GC became a 4-Series Gran Coupe, which the German carmaker introduced in 2014.

Regardless of the body shape or the doors numbers, the 2018 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe was based on the same platform as the regular, 3-Series Sedan. It was the answer for the Audi A5 Sportback and tried to convince customers that a five-door hatchback is as good as a two-door coupe.

After Mercedes-Benz started the four-door-coupe trend with the CLS, other carmakers tried to make similar offers. BMW made the 4-Series GC but forgot a few things. It didn't hide the rear doors' handles, and the hunchback-shaped greenhouse was not the best solution they could get. On the plus side, the car featured frameless windows. Its overall, cab-rearward design resembled a coupe shape, but not at its best.

Inside, BMW managed to provide an authentic coupe experience for those seated at the front. The low-mounted seats, combined with a high center console, offered a similar 4-Series coupe driving position. Compared to the non-facelifted version, introduced in 2014, the 2018 model-year featured a digital display that replaced the older analog-dial system. The dash panel received a piano-black finishing.

Under the hood, BMW installed a range of five turbocharged engines, either gasoline or diesel. The carmaker paired them with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, with rear- or all-wheel-drive.

Following the introduction of the BMW 4 Series at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Gran Coupe version was launched in the spring of 2014, at the Geneva Motor Show.

BMW featured two different lines of cars in the same segment. Both, the 3 Series GT and the 4 Series Gran Coupe featured a 5-door hatchback bodywork, with the main difference being that the 4 Series had a sleeker, sportier look. BMW said that those two will not step on each other's shoes.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe featured the exact length of the regular, 2-door 4 Series, but it was taller by 12 mm (0.47”), offering more headroom for the rear passengers. The frame-less doors inspired the same feeling like a regular coupe. In the front, the car kept the same look as the 2-door version. The car maker tried to offer a 4-door coupe, such as the 6-Series Gran Coupe but in a smaller (and more affordable) package.

The Gran Coupe was offered as a 4+1 seater. The middle passenger from the back-seat might not stay very well there, due to the transmission tunnel. The seatback from the rear bench was split in a 40:20:40 way, increasing the trunk space up to 1300 liters (45.9 cu-ft). The liftgate featured as standard an automatic opening and closing system, with a hands-free opening system offered as an option. Inside the cabin, there was the same technological equipment as in the 4 Series, with an infotainment system installed on top of the center stack.

For the drivetrain, the 4 Series Gran Coupe featured the same lineup as the 2-door version, with diesel and gasoline engines ranged between 143 hp and 313 hp. Most of the versions were available with all-wheel-drive.