Coupe Masquerade

Confusingly badged, but there’s nothing perplexing about the style and power, by Arvind Kumar

Joining the four series coupe and convertible line-up is the all-new coupe-like-but-four-doored 428i Gran Coupe. It adopts the formula from the gorgeous 6-series Gran Coupe to combine all the theatrics of a coupe with functionality of saloon.

The Gran Coupe sets itself apart from its Coupe brethren by an elongated roofline (112mm); flanked by the expressive and muscular shoulder line which end with the distinctive L-shaped taillights. Also, you can open two doors more than the coupe; which are frameless all round. The rear doors neatly incorporate the signature Hofmeister kink. However, the Gran Coupe does share the same 2810mm wheelbase as the coupe and saloon. In totality, it’s a design that even hardcore purists will favor.

The slinky silhouette also promises enhanced aerodynamics and drag coefficients due to the employment of BMW’s Air Curtains on the front end complemented by air breathers situated aft of the front arches to stream air around the car. At the back, the Gran Coupe boasts a wide opening tailgate which includes 480 litres of stowage area.

Spec the M-Sport package for a RM29,000 premium and receive tasteful accessories in the form of wheels and tyre combos, an aero-package and exquisite badging and trim highlights all over in case you forget where your money went.

Power comes from the 1,997cc in-line four assisted by a twin-scroll turbocharger and Double VANOS to generate a healthy 245bhp @ 6,500rpm and an eager 350Nm @ 4,800rpm. Top speed is rated at 250kph while still providing thrifty fuel consumption of 6.4L/100km. The powerplant is mated an eight-speed gearbox which communicates with the navigation system to provide anticipatory gearshifts in ECO and Sport modes. Activate the Launch Control and the Gran Coupe will complete the century sprint in 6.0s.

On the inside the Gran Coupe Sport is finished in BMW’s Dakota leather, a nine speaker stereo system and sport seats for the driver and passenger. The M-Sport adds on a Harman Kardon 16 speaker system, an electric glass roof, M-leather steering wheel and BMW Individual headliner anthracite. In-car connectivity is complemented with USB, Bluetooth and an 8.8” display for 3D Navigation mapping. Owners also get a torrent of mobile connectivity via the BMW Live and Teleservices apps.

The safety net of the Gran Coupe consists of ABS, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), and Traction Control. Post impact, there are front, curtain and side airbags. Driver assistance consists of cruise control and BMW’s Park Distance Control which beeps you into the parking spot.

Also on offer recently is the new 3-series GT, which slots in between the 3-series sedan and the BMW X3.The GT sits on an elongated wheelbase of 2,920mm and a slightly larger overall length of 4,824mm. The GT is offered in two variants which are the 328i GT and the 320d GT. The 328i GT is powered a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo as in the Gran Coupe.

The 320d GT relies on an oil burning 1,995cc four-cylinder which produces 184bhp @ 4,000rpm and a chunky 380Nm of twist between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. The 328i GT will complete the 0-100kph dash in 6.1s while the 320d will take 7.9s.

The 320d GT will be offered in BMW’s Luxury Line which accents on understated opulence. This is complemented by badging, chrome elements on front and rear sections, while the 328i GT receives more aggressive styling, gloss black lashings on the exterior and sporty seats.