Officially unveiled, 2015 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

BMW has officially unveiled the 2015 4-Series Gran Coupe ahead of its scheduled debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. The very definition of a niche product, the 4-Series Gran Coupe is aimed at buyers who want a less expensive 6-Series Gran Coupe and a sportier 3-Series GT. 

Underpinned by a modified 3-Series platform, the Gran Coupe boasts the same length, wheelbase and width as a regular 4 but it is slightly taller in order to increase head room for the rear passengers. Visually, the Gran Coupe is nearly identical to the 4-Series coupe from the front of the bumper to the A-pillar but it gains an extra set of frameless doors and a third side window thanks to a longer roofline. The rear end features a large, power-operated hatch.

The 4-Series Gran Coupe shares its dashboard with the 3-Series and the 4-Series. Its typically Germanic design is emphasized by simple, straight-forward instrumentation, driver-focused controls and premium materials. The Gran Coupe offers space for four passengers and it has a cargo capacity of 17 cubic feet, six cubic feet more than a 3-Series sedan. 45.9 cubic feet are available by folding the rear seats down.

Mechanically, the 4-Series Gran Coupe’s engines are carried over from the existing coupe and convertible variants, meaning buyers can choose between the 428i and the 435i. The 428i will be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 240 horsepower at 5,000 rpms and 255 lb-ft. of torque from just 1,250 rpms. The more expensive 435i will use a 3.0-liter straight-six mill that will churn out 300 horsepower at 5,800 rpms and 300 lb-ft. of torque from just 1,200 rpms.

All engines send power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is offered at an extra cost on the 428i.