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

[Giannis]

There is no more dogmas - This does not just apply to BMW.

Strange, because once upon a time, BMW went by a few dogmas. "True power cannot be compressed" is one of those

 

[SCOTT27]

Strange, because once upon a time, BMW went by a few dogmas. "True power cannot be compressed" is one of those

Yes but the point is we have increased legislation in some countries we would rather not pay the large fines expected because certain vehicles will be forced off the road.
No more Dogmas is not just BMW stating this but everybody else. Everybody has been forced out of their comfort zone.

 

[Mr Robert]

Yes but the point is we have increased legislation in some countries we would rather not pay the large fines expected because certain vehicles will be forced off the road.
No more Dogmas is not just BMW stating this but everybody else. Everybody has been forced out of their comfort zone.

BMW:s size has forced BMW out of it's comfort zone.. now the fans has (or hasn't) to follow. Easy as that.

 

[bmwownage]

It seems others have progressed through the years, like Audi has refined their products, and Merc were forced "out of their comfort zone" by offering sportier characteristics of cars instead of the comfort orientated nature they once pursued. What has BMW done over the last 10 years or so? Surely they they made money and become the largest premium car maker, but what about the products? Being caught up in the area where they did best? To me, their success now is milking from their success 10-15 years ago and that image is still there, it takes a few generations and to change people's conceptions. I mean, why are they more successful now, when the competition is much fiercer, than 10-15 years ago when they had the clear advantage? They spent the 90's and early 2000s making cars that tell the world they make high quality cars with passion that are for drivers, and that message and image is doing them good now. In another 10-15 years people look back at now, a brand that admitted in 2013 they have no uniqueness etc..

And I'm not sure about what BMW thinks about China, they are doing well now, but trends can change so quickly. For example LV and Gucci are now considered the "cheap" and "lame" luxury brands and they are not people's top picks anymore. So I honestly cannot believe, that being not unique (again i'm not saying individual cars are unique, but the brand) or no dogmas is the solution of BMW to continue their success in this competitive environment. Trust me Chinese aren't dumb, it's not all about LWB.

Way off topic and I apologise. Obviously I'm no BMW hater, I guess I'm one of those who cares more about the long term sustainability of the brand and hoping the brand withstands its heritage and traditions, not some shareholders who might be looking at a much shorter horizon. If i'm a shareholder, all I would want is its price to rise from $X to $Y in the shortest time possible and make a Z% return, that's it.

 

[Rainer271]

BMW 4-Series GranCoupe renders show what to expect from the real deal

To retain the same wheelbase as the coupe
The BMW 4-Series GranCoupe has been the subject of speculative digital illustration once again, prior to a very possible Geneva debut in March.

These are the most accurate renders of the4-Series GranCoupe so far, a model which many consider to be a bit redundant in BMW's lineup. It will retain the same 2810mm wheelbase of the 3-Series Sedan and 4-Series Coupe, even though at one point there were some rumors indicating an elongated wheelbase to provide more rear legroom.

Since wheelbase will be untouched, the front doors will have to be shortened to make room for the rear ones which will have to be squeezed within the same 4640mm length. Width will also be kept the same at 1825mm while height is rumored to decrease by 7mm to 1370mm. Increased body strength and added rear doors will have a 100 kg (220 lbs) penalty on the car's weight but at least the 480-liter cargo capacity of the 3-Series Sedan will be kept.

A sloping roofline, rear doors and minor exterior styling changes will add about 5,000 GBP (8,200 USD or 6,000 EUR) to the car's price tag compared to the regular 3-Series. Expect to see the car in March at the Geneva Motor Show before going on sale shortly after.

Source: indianautosblog.com

 

[bimmerjph]

220lb weight penality? Eew.

 

[klier]

I really like the shape of the rear doors. I'm warming up to this car!

 

[SCOTT27]

Someone has interpreted an M4 Gran Coupe as a work-in-progress.
Although not officially confirmed , sales and reaction of the standard Gran Coupe will reflect if an M4 Gran Coupe is given a green light.
It does look interesting...

 

[bmwownage]

I really like the shape of the rear doors. I'm warming up to this car!

are u serious?

 

[Cashmere]

I see no reason for this car to exist, the very same way I see no reason for the M6 GT to exist when it offers no significant benefits over the M5 yet it costs significantly more.

 

[klier]

are u serious?

Yes I am.
But mind that I am from Europe where we like these cars. Americans will disagree, but so what?

I see no reason for this car to exist, the very same way I see no reason for the M6 GT to exist when it offers no significant benefits over the M5 yet it costs significantly more.

I can think of like 10 other BMW cars that aren't needed if we count this way
Why would you need a 7er when you have a 5er? Or an X5 when you have X3? Or a 4er when you have a 2er?

The significant benefit of 6er GC vs 5er is that it drives better.
It drives better, it has far better quality, has a completely different seating position and is individual. That's enough to justify it.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

Not to mention it's sexier!

 

[LaArtist]

I am from Europe where we like these cars.

No we don't!

 

[klier]

No we don't!

Western Europeans, those Scandinavians are weird people

And besides, you only like Mercedes and Pagani, so who cares?

 

[SCOTT27]

No we don't!

You would be surprised how Europeans prefer hatches over Sedans, especially the volume manufacturers , Ford sell more Mondeo hatches than Sedans as does Opel and the insignia. The next VW Passat sees a return of the Passat hatch never seen since the eighties. This is the advantage BMW see with the 3er Gran Turismo and Mercedes-Benz with the upcoming C-Klasse Sport Coupe. Premium manufacturers can take away volume manufacturers market share.

 

[bmwownage]

not saying it's bad looking or a hatch is bad, it just has the wrong name, it's less handsome/sexy than the name that a lot of people knew it to be

Yes I am.
But mind that I am from Europe where we like these cars. Americans will disagree, but so what?

OK i'm not American so i have nothing against hatches, in fact i like them. But i like a proper hatch without a butt more than this Mondeo style fake hatch. And shouldn't this be a 4 door coupe?

and i know hatches appeal people, i mean i love them, it's convenient and practical, but if the 4GC was always going to be a hatch, why wasn't the 6GC a hatch? So the next 3er sedan can become some kind of hatchback and the explanation is "Europeans love hatches over sedans"? Give it the right name and be consistent! This is an element to upkeep a brand i suppose. To be consistent, its name should be 4GT, or maybe even a 4er Compact (from the E46 compact hatch?) would be better than calling it a GC.
and FYI Audi didn't call their A5 sb a coupe in any way, in Audi terms sb was always a hatch (started with the A3 5dr?).

 

[Rainer271]

 

[Mr Robert]

My first thaught was "..and that is a 3-series GT...", but I guess it is not.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

it just has the wrong name

There are many examples of BMWs with the wrong name, but the two that I really cannot abide are the upcoming 2 Series GT (should be a 1 Series GT). And the twin-turbo diesels of the 5 Series and 6 Series. 535d and 640d, even though they have EXACTLY the same engine and power?!! Just complete marketing nonsense!

 

[SCOTT27]

Coming very,very soon...