4 Series [Spy Shots] The BMW 4 series GranCoupe is spied cold-weather-testing in Sweden

[Monster]

The interesting thing about the 6er Gran Coupe is that it outsells the 6er Coupe and Cabrio an example of customers wanting the Coupe but needing more practicality.

Are they not in the financial position to buy a 5 series and a 6 series coupe? And doesn't BMW want them to anyway?

 

[Deckhook]

You are wright, I liked in some spy pics, but what they have done with the glasshouse and the rear door reminds more to the 3er GT than to the 6er GC, which I thought was the goal with this 4er GT. It´s true the A5 SB looks quite nice, but BMW has IMO a better formula, as the 6er GC look far better than the A7. Translating it to the 4er segment seemed to me the most logical choice.

I think its only the rear view there the 6GC is better than the A7, all other views it's the Audi that steals the show for me.

 

[Deckhook]

1 out of 20 is not enough.
You have a problem when core models like the 5er and 3er drive the way they do (way too soft and heavy).

I'm sorry to enlighten you here but your opinion is in a minority otherwise they would drive exactly how you want them to do.

 

[SKY]

You have a problem when core models like the 5er and 3er drive the way they do (way too soft and heavy)

I have to give credit to the Creative Marketing team on this one. 5er and 3er drive like the market demand. Comfy with a touch of sportiness (a bit harder suspension). In the same way nowadays MBs are funnier to drive. People just want best of both worlds.

 

[EnI]

So it's gonna be more like an A5 Sportback and less of a 6er GC? Bummer!

Yes, when it comes to the hatch tail gate & 3rd side window ... But 4er GC features much much lesser fastback silhouette than A5 SB does. The 4er GC appearance is much more like the one of Astone Martin Rapide - which is also a hatchback but it doesn't look like it. OK, 3rd side window on 4er GC is a typical hatchback feature but the silhouette is much less hatchbackish / fastbackish than seen on eg. A5 SB, A7 SB, Panamera etc. But it definitely doesn't look as sedanish as 6er GC.

I don't understand you guys. When 6er GC was presented the critics were it loooked to sedanish and not enough coupeish - and that it should had followed the Concept CS silhouette & roofline more. And that's exactly what 4er GC is doing ... and now that is not good enough. And in classic 4dr coupe configuration - I'm sure there would be critics too: that the 4er GC in that cases looks like lowered down 3er sedan.

So, whatever BMW does it's obviously not ok for some of you. Nitpicking?

And be sure with hatch tail gate the car has much broader appeal than a classic 4dr coupe. Not sure about US market but elsewhere for sure.

Interesting fact: there are (soon will be) more models with tail gate than trunk boot lid in the BMW portfolio.
Tail gate (15 models): 1er 3dr, 1er 5dr, 2er Active Tourer / Gran Tourer, X1, 3er Touring, 3er GT, 4er GC, X3, X4, 5er Touring, 5er GT*, X5, X6, i3, i8.
Boot lid (12 models): 2er coupe, 2er cabrio, 3er sedan, 4er coupe, 4er cabrio, Z4, 5er sedan, 5er GT*, 6er Coupe, 6er Cabrio, 6er GC, 7er Sedan.

 

[mini_cooper4]

SUVs also feature a hatchback but for some strange reason Americans still love them.
Everyone loves the Rapid which also features a hatchback. Many sportscars feature a hatchback.
Hypercars like the one 77 are hatchbacks... the hatch obviously doesn't ruin the looks even slightly... it only adds more practicality in the case of 4GC.
Add some nice rims and a good color and the 4GC looks splendid as seen in the render on the previous page... why not even add the M-Pack for a lower, sleeker and sportier stance! We have a winner here!

 

[LaArtist]

Oh please.
If it were like that you would have made up some other bs story on why it wouldn't be any good.

Keep it real.

BS! i adore the 6er GC as you know..and i hate all hatchbacks including the GT 3 and 5 and also the A5 sportback.. all this before this POS design came along..

So no.. im sorry its not that easy this time

 

[Sayyaaf]

BS! i adore the 6er GC as you know..and i hate all hatchbacks including the GT 3 and 5 and also the A5 sportback.. all this before this POS design came along..

So no.. im sorry its not that easy this time

But the luv the phatest a$$ of them all Panamera

 

[Deckhook]

BS! i adore the 6er GC as you know..and i hate all hatchbacks including the GT 3 and 5 and also the A5 sportback.. all this before this POS design came along..

So you see a huge difference in profile between the 6GC and the 4GC?

All I see is a slight boot lid reduction but the overall design profile is remarkably similar which suggests to me that its the fact it opens as a hatch instead of a conventional boot is your real problem.

With that in mind what's your opinion of house's with stable doors? I bet you are rightly p1ssed off.

 

[LaArtist]

But the luv the phatest a$$ of them all Panamera

Panamera is something else.. you should know..

 

[LaArtist]

So you see a huge difference in profile between the 6GC and the 4GC?

All I see is a slight boot lid reduction but the overall design profile is remarkably similar which suggests to me that its the fact it opens as a hatch instead of a conventional boot is your real problem.

With that in mind what's your opinion of house's with stable doors? I bet you are rightly p1ssed off.

Yep the hatch thing is the problem.. thats about it

 

[Mr Robert]

So you see a huge difference in profile between the 6GC and the 4GC?

Only that the latter is much, much better looking... I wonder why that is always so...

 

[Deckhook]

Only that the latter is much, much better looking... I wonder why that is always so...

I don't agree, I've always liked both boot systems and frankly each design has its merits visually.

 

[bmwownage]

Scott you see that render of the "real" 4GC is what it should have been, and i'm sure the real thing would be better as that render has flaws, but it already looks so nice. I know there will be critics that it's a lowered/flattered 3series or similar proportions to the next 5 series, but at least it looks good and upholds its name. I don't understand about the next 5er argument though, because I'm sure the 5er wasn't even finalised on the drawing boards before the 4GC was finalised, so if you want to make the 4GC different to the 5er, just change the 5er so that it looks different?? You could 1) have a less raked roofline for better interior space/headroom (which will win you comparison tests in that area) 2) make the 5er bigger (yes MB is making every models bigger so you should follow) 3) design elements that incorporates more of the next 7er design.
Let's say I support the niche argument, and that it is perfectly OK for BMW to lose its uniqueness or whatever, why not have this hatch back thing as a 4er GT, and then have another 4er GC? so the coupe (even numbered) GTs are in fact sport backs/hatches, and you can have a 6er GT later that go head to head with the CLS shooting brake, isn't that a better plan? A premium BMW shooting brake, a 6er GT, or a 8er GT, that would be exotic!

By the way I still can't accept that Eni claims that Merc, Audi, BMW are nothing unique and not exclusive, man, owners won't be happy. I'm not talking about the cars themselves are unique obviously, but the brand, the history, the character. If you tell me that BMW has no brand no history no character, ok you win. I can't believe it, i suppose you are a BMW guy and you are defending the brand by claiming that there is nothing unique, nothing exclusive... i'm sure Scott won't be happy about that... you spend so much money, so much effort to build the brand, and now someone from inside (i suppose) claims these are all non-existent.

 

[Mr Robert]

I don't agree, I've always liked both boot systems and frankly each design has its merits visually.

That might be so, but I have had a hard time with the scale of the 6-series, the proportions sometimes seem a bit off.

 

[Deckhook]

That might be so, but I have had a hard time with the scale of the 6-series, the proportions sometimes seem a bit off.

The only reason why I think you feel that way is it wheelbase exaggerates its proportions, especially since it's got a low overall height. I notice the same problem with the Rapide.

 

[SCOTT27]

Scott you see that render of the "real" 4GC is what it should have been, and i'm sure the real thing would be better as that render has flaws, but it already looks so nice. I know there will be critics that it's a lowered/flattered 3series or similar proportions to the next 5 series, but at least it looks good and upholds its name. I don't understand about the next 5er argument though, because I'm sure the 5er wasn't even finalised on the drawing boards before the 4GC was finalised, so if you want to make the 4GC different to the 5er, just change the 5er so that it looks different?? You could 1) have a less raked roofline for better interior space/headroom (which will win you comparison tests in that area) 2) make the 5er bigger (yes MB is making every models bigger so you should follow) 3) design elements that incorporates more of the next 7er design.
Let's say I support the niche argument, and that it is perfectly OK for BMW to lose its uniqueness or whatever, why not have this hatch back thing as a 4er GT, and then have another 4er GC? so the coupe (even numbered) GTs are in fact sport backs/hatches, and you can have a 6er GT later that go head to head with the CLS shooting brake, isn't that a better plan? A premium BMW shooting brake, a 6er GT, or a 8er GT, that would be exotic!

I don't know the full reason for the abandonment of the four door concept of the 4er Gran Coupe at a guess I would probably guess it was the close proximity to the 3er or the need for extra practicality as evidenced by other 5dr cars.
Another issue I would reckon is the ability to base on existing models could have its limits. If we check the wheelbase in between the wheels you have a generous amount of flexibility to accommodate a sleeker outline. On the 6er Gran Coupe you can stretch those proportions and outline to make it low and sleek as possible it's when you move down the line limits appear and there is less to work with so you have to mange within the parameters set within the engineering division and the designers must accommodate that even though it diverts from the original vision.

If you look at the outline of the new 7er you can see further dynamic angles over the C Pillars. The next 5er also receives this its a visual element also emphasised by the Gran Lusso Concept allowing the outline to be sleek as possible with minimal rear overhang it also embodies a typical BMW look emphasising on a more sportier outline.
There is always a desire within BMW to revisit the Concept CS. As of now no one has attempted something like this car yet to move the goalposts primarily because that segment is seeing more transition to luxury SUVs than existing luxury concepts.

The next 5er Gran Turismo uses the extended wheelbase of the China Built next 5er which will allow a further stretch so the roofline is lower and sleeker than today's model slightly higher than the CS but more fluent than the F07.
The brief remains the same - First Class Individuality.

By the way I still can't accept that Eni claims that Merc, Audi, BMW are nothing unique and not exclusive, man, owners won't be happy. I'm not talking about the cars themselves are unique obviously, but the brand, the history, the character. If you tell me that BMW has no brand no history no character, ok you win. I can't believe it, i suppose you are a BMW guy and you are defending the brand by claiming that there is nothing unique, nothing exclusive... i'm sure Scott won't be happy about that... you spend so much money, so much effort to build the brand, and now someone from inside (i suppose) claims these are all non-existent.

Customers know what a BMW is and what it stands for , I don't think BMW have lost the ability to be unique and exclusive. I would say we are very much one of the most sought after brands.
Has the company changed? Yes the company has changed because everybody has to change , everybody has to adapt and the auto industry is an ever changing complex and progressive movement.
You have to seek new customers and you have to innovate and accommodate the challenges the industry face from legislation , environmental to the changing demands of a customer. This is what it takes if you want to survive.
BMWs no 1 strategy is to remain Independent and the owners of BMW are making that happen with many areas of industry which provide solutions to accept present and future challenges that will make BMW extremely competitive.

Forthcoming cars like the 2er Active Tourer might be considered blasphemous and unorthodox. But they are a sign of the changing market and the growing customer. No matter what this concept is it is still a BMW, it looks like a BMW will have elements expected of a BMW , there will be performance expected of a BMW (not high performance) but there will be a lot of new elements to appeal to customers who are looking for something in that segment which we have not offered previously.

As a company we have a rich history but we also have a very bright future especially in taking the lead in innovation with BMWi when we can see the reaction the first two cars have received.
Jaws drop when anyone sees an i8. If you refuel you sit back in the car press the button that closes the doors press start and that electric futuristic hum begins and you glide away leaving an audience.
There is no other car like the i8 and it is leading the momentum. Industry rumours point to the i8 being the reason why the Audi R8 E-Tron is being produced, they had nothing to respond with. But again it is an existing concept electrified.

The creativity involved in the conception of BMWi from design to engineering starts with Norbert Reithofer who initially said " I want to do something different" just as Herbert Quandt also wanted to do something different.
We will see how different things will be when BMW unveil the next generation 7er , the 7er begins the Carbon Age for the actual BMW Portfolio. This will be a very exciting time for BMW.

There is no more dogmas - This does not just apply to BMW. But if you still build the cars the customer expects and gain momentum with new models for new and existing customers you can still remain true to your philosophy even though you have a wider customer base.

 

[bimmerjph]

Customers know what a BMW is and what it stands for , I don't think BMW have lost the ability to be unique and exclusive. I would say we are very much one of the most sought after brands.

*....corporate BS fluff..... *

There is no more dogmas - This does not just apply to BMW. But if you still build the cars the customer expects and gain momentum with new models for new and existing customers you can still remain true to your philosophy even though you have a wider customer base.

Dogma: noun- a principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true

If there are no "dogmas" then BMW doesn't stand for anything. There are no principles that it holds dear. Quite frankly I do not know what BMW stands for anymore. And what the general public thinks BMW stands for is based on the marketing and products of the past.

 

[Rainer271]

BMW 4-Series GranCoupe coming to Geneva without stretched wheelbase

A new report indicates BMW plans to unveil the 4-Series GranCoupe in March at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

Autocar is citing sources withinBMW who are describing the new 4-Series GranCoupe as "a visually racier but eminently practical four-door alternative to the traditional 3-series saloon" and will share the 2810mm wheelbase with the 3-Series Sedan and 4-Series Coupe, despite rumors of getting a more generous wheelbase to increase rear passenger legroom.

They were able to make room for rear doors by shortening the front ones while the B-pillars are now bulkier in order to increase the vehicle's structural rigidity. The 4-Series GranCoupe will adopt frameless doors and will have the same 4640mm length and 1825mm width as the 4-Series Coupe while height will go down by 7mm to 1370mm.

Adding rear doors and beefing up body strength will increase curb weight by 100 kg (220 lbs) and trunk space will match the 3-Series Sedan's 480-liter capacity. The BMW 4-Series GranCoupe will share the same engines with its two-door cousin and will be offered as standard with rear-wheel drive, with xDrive being extra on select models.

It will be around 5,000 GBP (8,200 USD or 6,000 EUR) more expensive than the equivalent 3-Series Sedan and is scheduled to go on sale shortly after its Geneva debut.

 

[Deckhook]

£5k extra over the equivalent 3 series saloon sounds excessive considering Audi only charge approx £2900 like for like. I sincerely hope you'll be getting a lot of extra kit.