The 2014 BMW 428i xDrive Coupe looks every bit the performance coupe with a long, low, wide presence, and it backs up those looks with plenty of performance.
| STATS | Starting Retail Price | As Tested Price | HP / Lb-Ft |
| 2014 BMW 428i xDrive Coupe | $42,500 | $50,225 | 240/255 |
| EPA Rating MPG | As Tested MPG | ||
| Rating: BUY IT! | 22/33/26 | 31.8 |
The 2014 BMW 428i xDrive Coupe replaces the 3-Series coupe but don’t make the mistake of thinking this was just a name change. This is not the same car and it is, in fact, a better performing and more stylish version of its former self.
The exterior design not only makes it look good, with a wide, low performance profile, but it shows off some of the design choices that make it drive so well. The track width of this car is 2″ greater than what you’ll find on the old M3 and that long, low design gives it both a 53.4/46.6 weight distribution and a center of gravity that’s the lowest of any BMW ever produced. This is one book that you can read by its cover.
The interior has also been improved with a cockpit that wraps around the driver without separating them from the passenger. Controls are all right at your finger tips including the large iDrive control knob that, frankly, takes a little getting used to but will eventually become second nature. Though this is a sports coupe, it’s also a luxury vehicle so it’s comfortable, quiet and relaxing without undue harshness or road and wind noise.
The seating position is very low, in keeping with its performance nature, which can make it tricky entering and exiting the car for those who are getting up in years. Once you take a seat, those seats are adjustable and supportive with bolstering that you won’t notice until you take that tight corner, and then it’ll hug you and keep you firmly in place. Handling is smooth and effortless, so you’ll want to be taking those corners as often as possible.
An interesting feature that deserves mention is the seat belt presenter. This little arm slides out and grabs the seatbelt to move it forward so the driver and front passenger can easily reach it rather than having to dislocate a shoulder to search behind the seat. Once you’re buckled, it retracts back and stays hidden until it’s needed again. This is a small detail, but one that makes life in the 2014 BMW 428i just that much sweeter.
What isn’t sweet is the ride in the backseat. Yes, this car has room for four adults, but this is only technically speaking because in the real world, it’s a tight squeeze. Access to those seats is narrow and legroom is at a premium no matter how the front seats are adjusted. Think of this as a two-seater and you won’t turn your friends into enemies by making them squeeze in back.
Despite the cramped back, you’re not buying this car because you’re looking for a roomy family sedan. That’s the turf of vehicles like the 5-Series or the X3 if you’re all about the sport-utility thing. You’re buying this because you want a performance coupe and in that regard, you will not be at all disappointed.
The 2014 BMW 428i xDrive Coupe has a 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder with direct injection. It puts out 240 horsepower with 255 lb-ft of torque paired to either an optional 6-speed manual or the standard 8-speed automatic transmission. The automatic tested moved smoothly through the gears with paddle shifters and a Sport mode that make it even more responsive.
The Dynamic Handling Package ($1,000) adds in Adaptive M Suspension and Variable Sport Steering that, especially for such a nominal price, is worth it for the driver who wants to, you know, drive the car. Combine this with the M Sport package to give a lower ride height along with firmer springs and dampers and you’ve got a very worthy sports coupe at your service.
On the TFLcar scale of:
- Buy it!
- Lease it!
- Rent it!
- … or Forget it!
I give the 2014 BMW 428i xDrive Coupe a Buy It!
Check out this video to find out everything you ever wanted to know about the 2014 BMW 428i and 435i…
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.
