[dmmai]

2015 428i xDrive Gran Coupe M-Sport - - U.S.A.

I’ve been driving my new Gran Coupe for a month and am gradually getting to know it.
The Gran Coupe styling is Beautiful and the M-Sport option gives it an aggressive look. The features are excellent, it’s comfortable and the confidence of xDrive makes this another perfect year-round car for us.

After 10+ years with an E39 540i Sport as our highway car, I wasn’t sure how the little 4-pot would stack up in that role. To be sure the handling and feel are vastly different from the 540. The direct, connected feel of the earlier generations has bid us adieu but, the 428xi still manages to be an enjoyable car.

The performance even with the base engine is rather remarkable. The silly thing is actually quicker up to 75mph than its predecessor 290hp V8 540 (that weighed the same!) . At normal speeds, it provides nearly the same performance as our long gone 2008 335xi. ... How is that possible?? ... I don't know but, it's pretty impressive.

We considered and tested the 435xi. We liked it - A Lot. We just didn’t need it for the extra $5,000.

Now let’s talk reality. The 428 still has the same off-idle lag found in BMW turbos. We’ve owned three and driven many. They have all been the same. The 540 was a rocket from idle. In an automatic transmission turbo Bimmer, if you hope to dart from stationary, out into traffic to take advantage of an opening, you MUST plan ahead. If you stab the throttle suddenly, to the floor … virtually nothing happens for a second or two. It works better if initially applied gradually and gently, then it will pull nicely. That’s just life in the new world.

In addition to the 428 performance, the gas mileage has been pleasing. During the first 1200 break-in miles it averaged just over 29 mpg overall. On a short interstate trip at 75+ mph it delivered nearly 31 mpg. Certainly better than the 540 ever got.

The 428xi has yet to make its maiden voyage through the Ozarks and hasn’t yet been to the Rocky Mountains, so time will tell if it can truly replace the E39.
I’m at least hopeful.

 

[bird]

glad to hear youre having a good time, welcome to the boards!

 

[dmmai]

Update

We've had the 428i Gran Coupe M-Sport for four months and still enjoy it.

We recently returned from a nine day scenic tour through the Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas. The 428 G.C. proved to be a great platform for the trip with comfort, performance and versatility. Packing the car was easy with room to spare, even though my wife takes A LOT. Whether fully loaded with luggage or empty for day trips, the handling and performance were excellent.

The sporty performance of the car in the Ozark hill country was very enjoyable. Don't get me wrong, we don't drive crazy or anything. We conform to posted limits but in the hills there might be a speed limit sign every 20 miles and typically with a 55mph or 65mph limit. On these remote twisty back highways it's actually challenging to get up to the limit in many places. Think Tail Of The Dragon. We like to travel these back roads during the Fall on weekdays. Virtually no traffic. Where the fun comes in ... I do like the twisties. A LOT. The hills and endless curves call to me.

Our E39 540 Sport was amazing on these roads. The torque of the V8 was intoxicating but I have to admit, the little turbo 4-cylinder did a great job. We were pleasantly surprised. It pulls well out of corners with a broad torque curve. The M-Sport 8-speed transmission works Very well when pressed with rev-matching on down shifts and snappy quick up shifts. While it has the now typical electric techno-cr*p steering that is a little numb, it is darn accurate and quick and it's noticeably better than the steering feel/handling of current 3-series and 5-series. The brakes are strong, immediate and consistent.

The gas mileage was significantly better than the 540 ever returned averaging 30 mpg.

Another pleasant surprise ... shortly before leaving to return home she found a couple of large pieces of wall art for our home. A large framed mirror and a large painting, both at least 36" x 60" ... Okay ... The car is already packed ... will they fit? . Drop the back seats and everything fits with ease, no problem. Sweet.

Is the 428 Gran Coupe M-Sport a true replacement for the E39 540i Sport?
Well ... ... ... um-mmm ... ... ... pretty close.
It will never Feel like an E39, those days are gone but, it's a pretty darn nice car and we enjoy it. A Lot.

Yes, the 435 G.C. M-Sport would be even better but, for us the extra $5,000 to get the 6-banger just wasn't needed.
... maybe next ... ...

 

[Seriesous]

It's all about the twisty roads when you get an M-Sport. Never been to Ozark but Google map has got me covered and the roads look amazing! Granted it won't be close to what you see in real life but it's what I got.
Great to hear this update from you and I'm sure you'll have more road trips to come.
Would have been funny to see a picture of everything magically fitting into your trunk. :grin:

Do you plan to test out your coupe at the Tail Of The Dragon?

 

[dmmai]

.
Glad you're getting started early. That's what I did.

We've been over the the Skyway and T.O.T.D. a few times. The first in an RX-7 and later times in the 540i Sport or a 335xi.
It's a Long way from home for us. While the Tail is an epic road, all too often it's bogged down with traffic and just too frustrating. There are certainly many other great roads throughout that area.
But, for us the Ozarks are a lot closer so much of my "relaxation" driving time is spent on the wonderful roads of Missouri and Arkansas. We typically get over there at least once a year. There are some seriously terrific driving roads there, in some ways maybe better than the more well known eastern routes (if for no other reason than lower population density). Colorado is also relatively close so we end up there often. A trip to the far East usually requires a business meeting or conference to justify the long journey.

As to the packing, ours is the 4-door Gran Coupe with hatchback rear opening, offering greatly improved versatility for access and packing. It still has the sleek coupe roof-line but with the convenience of four doors. It's a beautiful design IMO.

Keep your eyes on the horizon and have fun along the way.
.

 

[Seriesous]

I live in the city so any fun driving trips requires at least the whole weekend for any decent curves. Right now I just get lost until dinnertime and then I drive home via GPS for some grub.
Not a bad way to spend the day.

Took a look at some pictures of a 4-door Gran Coupe and that's a lot more space than I realized especially with the rear seats down. More than enough space for 2 people's lugage.