BMW is expected to add another model to its entry-level lineup … because it’s not confusing enough already.
These renderings from the Chinese car site Autohome (via f30post) purport to show the BMW4 Series Gran Coupe, a four-door version of Bimmer’s popular two-door.
While the renderings aren’t the most detailed, they show that the production 4 Series Gran Coupe’s styling probably won’t hold any surprises. It features the same sleek greenhouse as the larger 6 Series Gran Coupe, with the squinting front fascia of the rest of the 3 and 4 Series lineup.
So far, the overall look is rather ordinary for a car that is supposed to be sold primarily on style.
BMW seems determined to add a segment-stretching body style to each of its vehicle lines, filling every conceivable niche in the process.
The combined 3 and 4 Series lineup (it’s all the same car, with different names for different versions) already includes the 3 Series sedan, wagon, and Gran Turismo hatchback, plus the 4 Series coupe and convertible. Is there really room for another model?
Apparently, yes. The larger 5 and 6 Series lineup already includes all of the above, plus a four-door 6 Series Gran Coupe.
However, the 6 Series Gran Coupe appears to be better-looking than the 4, and it competes in a more well-defined segment.
Buyers looking to pay 6 Series-money for a car are apparently more likely to choose style over substance. There’s plenty of bona fide competition in the form of the Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.
In contrast, it’s not clear exactly who will buy the 4 Series Gran Coupe. The Mercedes CLA-Class has a similar mission, but it will likely turn out to be cheaper than the bigger BMW.
Still, any 4 Series Gran Coupe sales could be a boon for BMW, since it’s already amortized the development costs with the five other models that share its platform.
