Hansen
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is another example of BMW’s attempt at covering the spectrum of automotive possibilities. What’s BMW thinking here? There’s a perfectly good 3 Series sedan in your stable, why build its doppleganger? Only time will tell whether this strategy will work out in their favor.
Below is BMW’s press release from the 2014 New York International Auto Show:
BMW presents the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 8.1–4.5 l/100 km [34.8–62.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 189–119 g/km), the first four-door Coupe in the premium mid-size class that represents a consistent extension of the model range. Following the BMW 4 Series Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 8.4–4.6 l/100 km [33.6– 61.4 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 197–121 g/km) and Convertible (fuel consumption combined: 8.4–4.8 l/100 km [33.6–59 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 195–127 g/km), the Gran Coupe is the third member of the new BMW 4 Series family and – with its well-balanced proportions – is longer, wider and more dynamic than any mid-size model series before it. The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe merges the stylistic qualities of the two-door Coupe with the functionality of four doors and generous levels of space behind the high-opening tailgate.
Perfect balance and enhanced presence in the mid-size range.
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe has exactly the same dimensions as the two- door Coupe: a length of 4,638 millimetres, a width of 1,825 millimetres and a wheelbase of 2,810 millimetres. Up front, both models are identical and share the typical BMW design features like the double-kidney grille, twin round headlights and the large air intake in the front apron. However, the roof of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is 12 millimetres higher, 112 mm longer and gently stretched, allowing it to flow smoothly into the rear quarter panels and boot lid. The typical BMW short overhangs, the long bonnet and the set-back passenger compartment complement the design of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe to express perfect balance combined with a bold presence.
This extended roofline highlights the elegance and sophistication of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe while setting new standards for aesthetics in the mid-size class that also have decisive practical advantages. For example, there is more headroom in the interior, not to mention added comfort. The boot volume of 480 litres is 35 litres larger than that of the two-door version for more convenience in meeting the challenges of everyday driving situations with the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.
Dynamic and elegant concept with functional features.
When compared with 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 mid-size Coupes that emphasise the elegance of the vehicle concept. The functional elegance of the 4+1 seater is highlighted by prominent round instruments with a black panel look and the freestanding flat-screen iDrive monitor. The wide-access boot opening and spacious luggage area makes loading and unloading much easier. The 40:20:40 split-folding backrest of the rear seat ensures added flexibility. The maximum volume of the boot is 1,300 litres and is best-in-class when it comes to the premium four-door Coupes currently offered. The boot lid is equipped as standard with an automatic opening and closing mechanism for maximum convenience, and the Smart Opener feature can be ordered to open and close the lid with a movement of the foot.
Wide-ranging customisation options offered by three special equipment packages, the M Sport package and the BMW Individual programme.
The interior of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe represents elegance and sophistication combined with outstanding ergonomics. All controls are configured to give the driver optimal access to them. An approach known as layering – the intelligent utilisation of space through the structuring of lines and surfaces into layers – expresses the hallmark BMW driver focus. Lines from the cockpit stretch along the front doors and the B-column into the rear passenger compartment. They create a sense of unity encompassing the front and back seats, as do the seamless transitions formed by the interior door panels. The shape of the rear bench seat resembles the look of two individual seats, but the upholstered “console surface” between them can also accommodate a third passenger in the middle (4+1-seater). Extraordinary material combinations and unrivalled quality of workmanship define the premium ambience on board the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. The standard model variant, plus three optional equipment packages and the
M Sport package, leave no wishes unfulfilled for drivers wanting a special look and feel. The BMW Individual programme offered at market launch includes options for creating an exclusive vehicle with special leather interior packages, exterior colours and 19-inch light-alloy wheels.
Four and six-cylinder petrol engines, plus two four-cylinder diesel engines available at model launch.
The new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe offers a choice of five powerful, refined and efficient engines at launch. The high end is represented by the 435i’s six- cylinder in-line 3.0-litre petrol engine delivering 225 kW/306 hp (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 11.4/6.2/8.1 l/100 km [24.7/45.5/34.8 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 189 g/km). The BMW 428i Gran Coupe (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 8.9/5.3/6.6 l/100 km [31.7/53.3/42.8 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 154 g/km) and the BMW 420i Gran Coupe (fuel consumption urban/extra- urban/combined: 8.7/5.1/6.4 l/100 km [32.4/55.3/44.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 149 g/km) are equipped with light and powerful four- cylinder engines that deliver 180 kW/245 hp and 135 kW/184 hp respectively. Like all BMW diesel variants, the two four-cylinder engines offered for the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe are known for their smoothness, torque and outstanding efficiency. The BMW 420d Gran Coupe (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 5.8/4.1/4.7 l/100 [48.7/68.9/60.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 124 g/km) delivers 135 kW/184 hp with an average fuel consumption, depending on tyres, of only 4.7 to 4.9 l/100 kilometres / 60.1 to 57.6 mpg imp (4.6 to 4.7 litres / 61.4 to 60.1 mpg imp with sport automatic transmission) and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in only
7.7 seconds (7.5 seconds with sport automatic transmission). The engine in the BMW 418d Gran Coupe (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 5.4/4.0/4.5 l/100 km [52.3/70.6/62.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 119 g/km) has an output of 105 kW/143 hp and consumes 4.5 to 4.7 l/100 kilometres (62.7 to 60.1 mpg imp). All diesel and petrol engines feature the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and comply with the EU6 emissions standard. The ultramodern engines combine impressive elasticity and dynamics with very low fuel consumption and emissions.
xDrive and two Steptronic transmissions are available.
At model launch, the BMW 428i Gran Coupe and 420d Gran Coupe can be optionally equipped with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive technology (428i xDrive: fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 9.0/5.5/6.8 l/100 km [31.3/51.3/41.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 159 g/km; 420d xDrive: fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 6.1/4.2/4.9 l/100 km [46.3/67.2/57.6 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 129 g/km). The standard variant of the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe features a six-speed manual transmission, but all engines can be combined with the optional eight-speed Steptronic or eight-speed sport Steptronic transmissions, which also feature manual shifting using paddles on the steering wheel.
BMW EfficientDynamics – sporty performance, low consumption.
The elegant and dynamic character of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is accompanied by excellent economy and efficiency. The source of this low fuel consumption can be traced to the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, with wide-ranging innovations for intelligent mobility. These innovations include the optimised fuel economy of the petrol and diesel engines, the lightweight construction concept and honed aerodynamics with features such as a smooth covered underbody and the use of Air Curtains and Air Breathers. Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start Stop function, the gear shift indicator and ancillary components that are activated on demand also contribute to fuel savings and reduced emissions. Automatic transmissions (Steptronic) can also reduce consumption with coasting mode, and even more is possible with ECO PRO mode.
BMW ConnectedDrive – 100 per cent connectivity.
The entire range of BMW ConnectedDrive options can be ordered for the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. Among the highlights are the
Navigation System Professional, the full-colour BMW Head-Up Display, Driving Assistant, the glare-free High Beam Assistant, Active Protection and the latest development stage of Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. Innovative interface technology also permits easy integration of smartphones in the vehicles. This supports the use of the dynamically growing selection of apps available, for example, from Audible or Deezer, for various purposes in the vehicles.
Also available under the BMW ConnectedDrive umbrella are Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI), Concierge Services and the Intelligent Emergency Call function. A range of apps enable the use of Facebook and Twitter, AUPEO! internet radio and music platforms like Deezer and Rhapsody.
For the latest information about US specifications, including fuel efficiency, equipment, and pricing, please visit www.bmwusanews.com.
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