BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe. What Will Happen To The 3 GT?
The new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe sits right between the 3 Series GT and the 5 Series GT. Even if it not tagged as a GT it is a GT. It combines the sleek look and sporty character of the 4 Series Coupe with the functionality provided by four-doors and a spacious, flexible luggage compartment. The 2015 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe arrives in the US in early summer of 2014 with two engine choices. The 428i Gran Coupe will feature BMW’s award-winning 240hp TwinPower Turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder while the 435i Gran Coupe will be powered by the much-lauded 300hp TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline six. The 428i xDrive Gran Coupe will also be available at launch with BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system. All versions will be offered in the US with an 8-speed sport automatic transmission. The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014 and makes its US debut at the New York International Auto Show in April 2014.
While this model shares the same length, width, wheelbase and track with the extremely dynamic two-door version, the roofline of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is 4.4 inches (112 mm) longer and slopes gently to the rear of the vehicle. What’s more, the silhouette is half an inch (12 mm) higher to offer more headroom and comfort for rear-seat passengers. This contributes to increased headroom at all seats and the overall feeling of interior spaciousness. At the same time, the short front and rear overhangs, the long wheelbase relative to the vehicle length, and the set-back passenger compartment are typical BMW touches that add to the perfect balance of the body design and the sleek appearance of this car, which is derived conceptually from the elegant BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.
Elegant Coupe with the convenience of a Sedan
Like the two-door version, the sporty dimensions of the 4 Series Gran Coupe are a reflection of its dynamic handling characteristics. The stretched roofline, four frameless doors and a wide, electrically operated tailgate provide the functionality of a sedan within the silhouette of a coupe. The volume of the trunk is 17 cu-ft (480 liters), based on EU measurements. The back of the rear seat can be folded down in a 40:20:40 configuration as desired to increase the load capacity to 45.9 cu-ft (1,300 liters). The flat floor and a two-part loading strip made of stainless steel are practical convenience elements, combined with premium materials. The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe can easily transport a baby stroller, two golf bags or weekend luggage for four without using the folding function.
In contrast to a two-door coupe, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe offers passengers easier access when entering or leaving the vehicle thanks to the four-door configuration. The doors are frameless, having the characteristic design features of BMW midsize coupes. The wide-access tailgate blends perfectly with the overall silhouette. When closed, the precise flow of the lid seams simulates the look of a typical coupe trunk. The standard electric drives that help move the tailgate are installed vertically and require very little space. Thus the area of the rear window is much larger and provides a very good visibility, without limiting available space.
At first glance, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is an expression of dynamics and refined elegance. With a length of 182.6” (4,638 mm), a width of 71.9” (1,825mm) and a wheelbase of 110.6” (2,810mm), the four-door variant has the same dimensions as the two-door coupe. The track dimensions of both versions – 60.8” (1,545mm) front and 62.8” (1,594mm) rear – are identical and highlight the dynamic potential of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. The silhouette of the four-door model is 0.5” (12mm) higher than the two-door. The stretched roofline flows gently across both rear doors and blends into the slightly raised and short rear section of the car.
Athletic, elegant and powerful from any perspective.
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is instantly recognizable from classic BMW design features such as the iconic kidney grille and dual round headlight clusters. The body contours are executed with precision, with multifaceted surfaces that distinguish the eye-catching look up front. Full LED dual headlights can be ordered as an option to bolster the dynamic aura of the vehicle. The three-part, wide air intakes in the front apron emphasize this effect. The extreme left and right apron corners reveal vertical air channels for the Air Curtains. They generate a veil of air around the front wheels, enhancing the aerodynamic efficiency of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. The profile is distinguished by a bold swage line and a subtle light-catching edge that create the impression of forward movement in the design of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. Stretched lines and expressively contoured surfaces generate a dynamic interplay of light and shadows. The gentle slope of the roofline stretches the appearance of the sides even more and visually strengthens the presence of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. The taut and smooth appearance of the side windows, with a B-pillar finished in high-gloss black that is nearly invisible, creating a homogeneous profile. The rear edge of the side glass provides a modern interpretation of the Hofmeister kink that is characteristic of BMW vehicles. This extended window surface allows more light into the interior and improves the overall visibility in the rear passenger compartment.
The rear of the car features clear horizontal lines that accentuate its athletic elegance. The taillights are positioned at the outer edges to receive the swage lines, thus serving as transitional design elements that join the body side panels with the rear section. At the same time, they highlight the wide track and powerfully flared wheel arches. When viewed from the rear, the roof of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is somewhat wider than that of the two-door version, emphasizing its unique character.
Stylish elegance and sportiness dominate in the interior.
The interior of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe presents a stylish fusion of sporty allure and luxury. An approach known as layering – the intelligent utilization of space through the structuring of lines and surfaces into layers – expresses the hallmark BMW driver orientation without compromising the passenger experience. The stylish and functional elegance of the interior is highlighted by prominent round instruments with a black panel look and the free-standing flat-screen iDrive monitor. The cockpit and rear passenger compartment are visually joined by trim strips originating in the instrument panel and extending along the upper sections of the door panels into the rear, and embellished by dual-color window sills. The B-pillar blends into the side panel design and includes flowing graphic effects across the entire surface. The side supports and slender head restraints in the rear seat are contoured for a modern, seemingly molded one-piece look that adds to the sporty character of the 4+1 seater.
The backrest can be folded in 40:20:40 configurations to create more luggage and storage space as required – with a flat floor for easy loading and unloading. When the seat is completely folded down, the maximum volume capacity is 45.9 cu-ft (1,300 liters), based on EU measure. If only the center segment is folded, four people can ride comfortably while transporting long and bulky items like snowboards, skis, etc. When not folded down, this middle section provides space for two cup holders. The Smart Opener function of Comfort Access is included as part of the Premium Package on US models, which automatically opens the tailgate via gesture control namely a foot movement underneath the rear bumper when arms are full carrying groceries, packages, etc.
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