In the previous decade a new automotive styling trend emerged – the four-door coupe. It’s a term long-time gear heads don’t particularly care for as a coupe in North America has always referred to a two-door automobile with a fixed roof. In our modern times Volkswagen pioneered the four-door coupe with its CC model sedan. Like the CC, four-door coupes from other manufacturers have also used the low, curved roof. While very stylish, it makes getting into the front seats annoying and hazardous to your noggin if you’re taller than five-foot, seven-inches. Ditto for trying to put yourself into the rear seat.
Not sure why BMW added the 2015 435i xDrive Gran Coupe when it already has a full range of compact cars and sport-utilities, perhaps to bridge the gap between those who have to carry stuff but don’t want an SUV. It is practical and beautiful, giving you features found in an SUV or CUV.
The all-wheel-drive 435i xDrive Gran Coupe is a 300-horsepower four-door sedan, powered by a turbo 3.0L six. The turbo six provides ample power and really pulls you when the turbocharger spools up. If you take it easy, expect between 6.0 and 7.2L/100km when travelling around town. My driving experience in the car saw bare pavement and snow during the latter part of winter. I purposely drove in a low-key manner most of the time to see what kind of fuel consumption I could achieve. You have to fill with premium for optimal performance. The engine of course was just as you would expect a BMW powerplant to be, smooth and linear.
My tester also had the optional – $1,900 – M Performance package. This includes the Adaptive M suspension, which of course is focused on handling and includes electronically controlled shock absorbers. The system adjusts the dampers to the road surface and driving conditions while on the go. On the road, using Driving Experience Control, the 435i’s character can be altered from either a sporty or comfortable setting. Accelerator progression, engine response, power steering feel and response thresholds of the dynamic stability control system are all altered. The system also interacts with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission and the optional Dynamic Damper Control. You can select from; Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ at the push of a button. I used Comfort most of the time because of potholes and snow ruts. Whatever the setting, the car rides very well and as good as other cars in its class. On the highway, the 435i xDrive feels like any other 3 or 4 Series BMW. Stable, sure footed, but lacking in steering feel, which I experienced before in a 328i I drove a couple of years ago. The electric power steering is the reason and I'm sure BMW engineers are working to improve this issue.
On the inside, the 435i is going to feel a little snug for tall people. Take your big winter coat off if you want to be comfortable for a long drive. It is very cocoon-like, if you like that sort of environment. Visibility is not bad except for shoulder checking which is hampered somewhat by the thick B pillar and smallish windows. The view is good out the back window.
Adults won't be comfortable in the back seat if they are taller than five-feet, five-inches and the person in front has their seat all the way back. The downward curve of the roof takes away headroom. This is more of a two-person car. Perhaps if you packed the cargo area just right, it could be capable for a camping trip complete with tent (a pup tent?) and all the other gear you would need. The all-wheel-drive means you can track in almost any kind of terrain.
This car is certainly perfect for a two-person skiing weekend in the mountains. You can put a lot under the hatch, 480 litres of space with the 40/20/40-split rear seats upright. With the seat backs down flat, load capacity increases to 1,300 L. I like the power hatch, this makes it so much easier for loading and unloading. Simply press the symbol on the fob and when you're done, there is a switch on the bottom edge of the lift gate you press so the lift gate closes itself. I was going to complain about the lack of a heated steering wheel until I accidentally located the switch way down under the steering column. What's with that? No I don't often read the owner's manual in test vehicles. I expect important controls to be within easy reach and clearly labelled. The instrument panel will be familiar to anyone who has owned a 3-Series BMW before. It is functional but not Spartan. The optional M- package gives you a few fancy trim bits including doorsill trim, a leather steering wheel and an upgraded footrest. The driver and front passenger leather seats are very comfy and supportive. I have no gripes with the quality finish of the interior, I just wish there was more elbow room in the cabin.
Those large intakes on the front of the car look very bold. They are functional but look out if you ever get a rock thrown from a gravel truck into one of those gaping orifices. Enough thrust and either the radiator or one of the other coolers down low is going to endure a direct hit with damage to be sure. Some type of mesh screening should have been installed behind the grill intakes.
Overall, the 435i xDrive Gran Coupe is a fine ride, as you would expect a BMW to be. Certainly not a real driver’s car as the emphasis is on luxury. But, it is good for all seasons. The 428i xDrive starts at $55,600 with the 3.0L turbo six. Other safety and comfort option packages pushed the sticker price to $65,645. BMW charges $2,095 for shipping the car to the dealership.
Garry Melnyk is a St. Albert resident and lifelong car buff who has written about new cars and trucks for radio and print publications since the ’70s.
