BMW built a reputation as "The Ultimate Driving Machine". Partly through its cars, and partly through its advertising. But---how about "Savior of the hatchback"?
Very popular in the 70s and early 80s, hatchbacks became uncool. Until the word "minivan" came along, it was harder to find a less desirable description of a car. As with most things, it just needed to be re-phrased. BMW calls them "Gran Coupe".
In March, I reviewed the 2022 BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe. This is the 2022 BMW 430i Gran Coupe. Less of a mouthful and less of a handful, as well. The M440i is powered by a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline six with a 48-volt electric motor. In the 430i, that's replaced by a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 255 horsepower. Zero to 60 takes a bit longer, though mid-fives is still plenty quick, and the EPA fuel economy estimate bumps up to 25 miles per gallon city/34 highway.
Beyond that, it's the same driving dynamics you'll find in most 4-Series BMWs. Tight as a drum, solid as a bank vault.
The base price of the 2022 BMW 430i Gran Coupe is $45,200. Included as standard equipment at that price are an eight-speed sport automatic transmission, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, dynamic cruise control, remote start, multi-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers and a power moonroof.
BMW being BMW, it's the extra-cost options where things get interesting---and pricey. The Sunset Orange Metallic paint is $550. They Oyster Vernasca leather interior is $1,450. A Dynamic Handling Package (M Sport Differential and M Sport Brakes with red calipers) is $2,450. The Shadowline trim package is $400. The M Sport Package (variable sport steering, Adaptive M suspension, 19-inch wheels, aluminum tetragonal trim, an M steering wheel and a SensaTec dashboard) is $3,550. There's a Parking Assistance Package for $700 and the Premium Package (heated steering wheel, heated front seats and ambient lighting) is $2,000. The price tag gets a break from the deletion of power seats, which knocks $995 off the total---only to be replaced by exactly that for a destination charge. So the as-tested price of the 2022 BMW 430i Gran Coupe is $56,300.
No, it doesn't have the ferocity of the M440i xDrive Gran Coupe, but it's no slouch. And at more than $13,500 below the 440's price tag, the 2022 BMW 430i Gran Coupe could be the smart pick.
