320d v 420d Grand Coupe

[Clay116]

Help please!

I’ve just put a deposit down on a 2017 5 door 320d M Sport for a new family car (2 adults and 2 kids - 8 and 2 years old. However, upon returning to the dealership the 420d grand coupe caught my eye.

I’m now torn between both cars for looks and practicality. Both boot spaces seem generous considering we are upgrading from a 1 Series.
However, the rear seats in the 4 series look slight smaller and could be a tighter squeeze on the odd occasion we are driving with 2 kids and an adult in the back.

I also understand that the 4 series has just undergone a facelift and there will be a new shape/facelift on the 3 series in 2018. - date TBC.
Even though the dealer told me there would not be a new 3 series for a while.

In summary, I would be really grateful for any views about which car to go with. Should I stick with the 2017 320 M sport or change it for the 420d m Sport grand coupe. Is the 4 series worth the extra money?

Help....

[vsonix]

According to a quick Google check Carfolio gives the kerb weights of a 2017 320d and 420dGC to be 1435kg and 1595kg for the 4 series. The 320 GT is a lardy 1695 kg. With that in mind I would probably stick with the regular 3 series sedan unless I was going for an engine with more shove - and even then I'd be wondering about the extra weight, I drive an older 7 series, and the reason I put up with the extra weight and running expense over my other daily (3er) is that there's plenty of space in the back and the comfort is much better - I wouldn't pay more money for a car that will be slower because of the extra weight but also have less leg room - it doesn't really compute as far as I am concerned.

If anything I'd be more likely to consider the 3GT - I know some don't like the looks but having grown up with bigger hatchbacks like Cavalier/Vectra B etc I quite like the concept, and at least that extra hundred kilos is translating into more legroom in the back, extra glass moonroof for rear passengers and a more configurable load area - the rear seats can be folded and slid forwards to create extra space.
That to me would make a lot more sense than paying another 10 grand for a load of extra weight and a compromised rear passenger area just for badge cachet and a slightly prettier silhouette.

Edited by vsonix on Sunday 31st December 20:40

[Clay116]

Thank you so much for your prompt response and setting out such a succinct rationale, very much appreciated. I think I’ll stick with the 320d and you are right it’s not worth the extra £££.

[cerb4.5lee]

What I like about the 420d Gran Coupe is the fact that it's a hatchback, and with the rear seats folded down it makes it very practical in terms of carrying stuff. Whereas with 320d saloon the rear seats don't even fold as standard, so it's lacking in the practicality stakes for me.

[vsonix]

cerb4.5lee said:

What I like about the 420d Gran Coupe is the fact that it's a hatchback, and with the rear seats folded down it makes it very practical in terms of carrying stuff. Whereas with 320d saloon the rear seats don't even fold as standard, so it's lacking in the practicality stakes for me.

I didn't realise the GC had a hatch back, I rather assumed it was similar to the sedan...
In which case maybe it makes a little more sense, although idk about £10k more.

[Clay116]

I’ll request the folding seats on the 3 series. The 4 series looks good no doubt about that but with the extra cost for the car and insurance I think I’ll stick with the 3 series

[smashy]

Re cost I do know the 4 comes with more equipment /options as standard...plus (dont shoot the messenger) 2 different BMW salesman have said to me the 4 rides better ,why I cant remember they did say its wheels are set further apart or something like that a larger base if you will...sorry I cant give more info but may be worth more investigation

Edited by smashy on Monday 1st January 19:58

[cerb4.5lee]

I was told similar by a salesman, and he said it has a wider track for improved handling over the 3 series. Not sure that you'd really notice it though in fairness.

[Clay116]

It’s been tough mulling over the two cars but I think with the two kids and the occasional trip with a 3rd adult the extra space with the 3 series is the way to go. I will be going to see the dealer tomorrow about those folding seats.

[Smuler]

It’s a disgrace that folding seats are not standard if as it seems the 3 Series with a boot is being sold by BMW as family car !

Personally i would go for a touring or as I have , a X1 , if you want practicality.

But agree on 3 Series over 4 GC for tear headroom.