You may be a bit confused – wasn’t the 4-Series meant to replace the 3-Series coupe and maybe come in a cabriolet version? Right? Well that would make sense but in BMW’s latest effort to expand their model lineup into a state of baffling bewilderment and confusion we now have a 4 Coupe, 4 Cabrio, 4 Gran Coupe and if you want to consider it, a 4-Series (we do) – the X4, a smaller version of the X6.
While other brands such as Mercedes are making a concerted effort to shrink their lines; consider the elimination of the CLK which was replaced by the E-Class Coupe, or the reintroduction of the S-Class Coupe removing the CL-Class. These models aren’t new models they’ve just received new names under a common theme. E Coupe, Sedan, Cabrio and Wagon. S Sedan and Coupe. Makes it easier right? We think so.
BMW clearly has other plans though, the way they’ve been going each Series is going to need a separate website to keep things straight.
While the 4-Series is not supposed to be the 3-Series sedan it seems to have become just that, with the release of the 4 Gran Coupe (another play on the Mercedes CLS which started all this four door coupe business). Rumours have said that the 4 Gran Coupe could even be a better 3-Series Sedan, offering slightly more space and a sexier look with it’s low slung back coupe-esque aesthetic.
We haven’t driven a 4-Series Gran Coupe but we suspect it will be the model to have, offering the best of all worlds without the gangster look that the Mercedes CLA seems to be suffering from in this four door coupe market. The X4 is anybody’s guess as to what this will do, do we really need another off road capable but never taken car for people that never leave the city? Probably not, none the less the X4 should make a delightful addition to many a garage everywhere.
