Although we’ve since come to terms with it, initially, we were somewhat dubious about BMW’s decision to rename coupe and convertible derivatives of the 3-series as the 4-series. Few, if any, models carry the same sort of equity that’s been earned by the 3er, so it seemed a shame to cut its model line in half. Now that the Bavarians have introduced the 2015 4-series Gran Coupe, the seventh body variation on the shared platform, it makes sense. Answering the question of, “Which 3-series would you like,” becomes rather difficult when possible answers include: sedan, wagon, oddly shaped hatchback, long-wheelbase sedan, coupe, and cabriolet. Adding a second sedan in the form of the 4-series GC would’ve only made matters worse had the brand not gone forward with the split.

The 4-series Gran Coupe caters to a small niche in the marketplace. It features all the details and styling elements of the two-door 4-series, but it comes with a second set of doors and a sleek greenhouse featuring a long, sloping roofline that extends to a short, stubby rear deck. That roofline and the frameless windows make the 4-series GC an exceptionally good-looking sedan, perhaps the most beautiful vehicle of all the 3- and 4-series models. There is a full liftgate and a variable trunk, which can be extended from 17 cubic feet to a full 45.9 cubic feet by lowering the rear seats that split in a 40/20/40 configuration. It’s a more practical vehicle than the 3-series sedan, but it’s not as roomy as the 3-series Sports Wagon or the 3-series Gran Turismo. The chassis is largely unchanged from the rest of the 4-series lineup, and the car uses the same electric power steering setup that has failed to wow us in other 3- and 4-series applications.

View Photos MARC URBANO, THE MANUFACTURER

The 428i Gran Coupe is powered by BMW's N20 2.0-liter turbo four that produces 240 horsepower, which BMW says can propel the car to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and should yield EPA estimates of 23 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway. Above that is the 435i Gran Coupe, housing its N55 turbocharged straight-six that’s rated at 300 horsepower and is good for a 0–60 time of 4.9 seconds and anticipated EPA ratings of 22/32. A ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic is the only transmission available. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and xDrive all-wheel drive is a $2000 extra; four-cylinder models will be available with four driven wheels from launch, while six-cylinders won’t get the option until later.

BMW says the 4-series Gran Coupe follows the concept of the 6-series Gran Coupe, which is essentially a reskinned 5-series sold at a nearly $25,000 premium. We are certainly glad that the Bavarians didn’t elect to charge a similar amount for the 4-series Gran Coupe. At $41,225 for the 428i and $46,725 for the 435i, they’re $3000 and $2400 dearer than their 3-series counterparts.

The 2015 BMW 4-series Gran Coupe will make its in-the-metal debut at the Geneva auto show in March, before going on sale early this summer.

MARC URBANO, THE MANUFACTURER

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