BMW 420i Gran Coupe XDrive M Sport (2016) Review

Today, I’m diving into an honest and unbiased review of my latest ride: the 2016 BMW 420i Gran Coupe XDrive M Sport. No fluff here — this is going to be a genuine breakdown of what I like and what I don’t. I’m not the kind of person who blindly defends their car, so if I don’t like something, I’ll tell you. And, if you're curious, I’ll also reveal the one big regret I have about this purchase. Stick around to find out!

If you’re a driving enthusiast looking for a stylish, all-wheel-drive coupe that can also handle daily duties, the 420i Gran Coupe XDrive M Sport should definitely be on your shortlist.

First Impressions of the 2016 BMW 420i Gran Coupe

The BMW 420i Gran Coupe XDrive M Sport is a great-looking car, with its sleek lines and that signature aggressive BMW front-end. Mine came with the automatic gearbox, and as part of the M Sport trim, it included the M Sport Pro Pack, giving it an extra edge in terms of performance and aesthetics.

One of the first things that drew me to this car is the practicality. The Gran Coupe offers more rear space compared to a traditional coupe, plus a sizable hatchback boot that is both spacious and easy to access. The hatchback alone made it more appealing than alternatives like the Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series. In terms of practicality, the Gran Coupe just makes sense for my lifestyle.

Performance and Driving Experience

Under the hood, the 2016 BMW 420i delivers 181 horsepower, which is plenty for everyday driving, especially with BMW’s XDrive all-wheel-drive system. XDrive intelligently splits the power — usually 60% to the rear and 40% to the front wheels — but can adapt as needed for different driving conditions like snow or rain. While I don’t plan on off-roading anytime soon, this system will definitely come in handy in rough weather.

One of the standout features for me is the 8-speed automatic gearbox. BMW’s transmission is widely regarded as one of the best, and I couldn’t agree more. The smooth shifts and responsiveness really enhance the driving experience, and it beats other competitors like Lexus, which has a CVT gearbox I just don’t enjoy.

M Sport Suspension: A Surprising Favourite

I was hesitant about the M Sport suspension at first, fearing it might be too harsh. After driving it, though, I was pleasantly surprised. It strikes a nice balance between sporty handling and comfort. It's firmer than comfort suspension but not too jarring, which made my recent motorway drive down to Chichester for the Goodwood Members' Meeting really enjoyable.

Technology and Infotainment

For someone who spends a lot of time in the car, a good infotainment system is a must, and BMW doesn't disappoint here. The sat-nav is clear and intuitive, and the overall system is much better than some rivals. I also appreciate the added tech tweaks I’ve made using the Bimmer Code app. It’s easy to unlock extra features with an OBD2 scanner, making the car more customizable.

However, BMW’s reluctance to include certain features as standard — even on an M Sport model — can be frustrating. For instance, you’d expect a £40k car to come with folding mirrors and wireless charging, but both are optional extras. Thankfully, I’ve managed to code in some extras, like the enhanced Bluetooth that wasn’t originally standard.

Things I Don’t Like: Missing Features and Quirks

One of my biggest gripes with BMW, and many German cars, is the lack of standard features. For example, the 420i I had doesn’t have electric folding mirrors, and there’s only one USB port in the entire car — something you’d expect more of in a 2016 model.

Another irritation is the old-school analogue dials. They feel dated, especially coming from cars with digital dials, and the speedometer increments are a bit odd, skipping common limits like 30 mph. Thankfully, I was able to code a digital speedometer into the dash, which solved the problem for me.

How Does It Handle?

When it comes to handling, the 2016 BMW 420i Gran Coupe shines. The steering is extremely responsive — almost too light for my liking, but that’s more of a personal preference. Despite its lightness, the car sticks to the road like glue, making cornering a dream. The overall ride is refined, especially on long motorway stretches, and the combination of performance and comfort makes this car a joy to drive.

The Rear Seat Dilemma

Now, let’s talk space. While the Gran Coupe offers more legroom than the traditional coupe, it’s still not the most spacious in the back. The sloping roofline cuts into headroom, and while kids will be fine back there, tall adults might struggle. Also, calling this a five-seater is a stretch. Yes, there’s a middle seatbelt, but the idea of cramming three adults in the back for any length of time seems more like a form of torture than a pleasant ride.

My Biggest Regret: The Dealership Experience

And here’s where my biggest regret comes in — the dealership. I bought the car from Stratstone BMW in Hull, and frankly, the service was terrible. They missed two delivery dates, the communication was awful, and they lied about adding extras like GuardX coating, which was supposed to be a goodwill gesture after all the delays. It wasn’t applied, and no one has bothered to follow up with me.

If you’re considering buying from Stratstone Hull, my advice would be to stay on top of them. Their service left a lot to be desired, and after paying £20k for a car, I expected better.

Final Verdict

So, would I recommend the 2016 BMW 420i Gran Coupe XDrive M Sport? Absolutely — for the car itself. It’s practical, stylish, and drives beautifully. The engine, gearbox, and handling are top-notch, and the boot space is more generous than in many rivals. However, be mindful of the lack of certain features and my poor experience with the dealership.

If you’re a driving enthusiast looking for a stylish, all-wheel-drive coupe that can also handle daily duties, the 420i Gran Coupe XDrive M Sport should definitely be on your shortlist. Just be prepared to deal with the occasional frustration from BMW’s feature list — or lack thereof.

To find out the latest lease prices for a BMW 420i Gran Coupe XDrive, Click here.