SIDE-BY-SIDE: BMW 3 series GT & 4 series Gran Coupe

A month ago, a new BMW prototype was spied for the first time. At the time, given its fastback shape and substantial similarities to the 3 Series GT (3GT) prototypes we've been spying for months, we deemed it to be a 3GT with some camouflage removed or altered. But, the prototype has been spotted again and the additional looks at the prototype have us convinced that it is indeed the F36 4 Series Gran Coupe (4GC) being tested.

Here's a brief analysis of the clear differences between the two prototype models. The comparison photos below should also be helpful.

•The hood and cowl height and hood slope of the 4GC prototype is different than the 3GT.
•The shorter front bumper overhang on the 4GC.
•The roofline of the 4GC prototype differs from the 3GT - it's lower and sleeker, and the line is a smoother parabolic shape, without the sudden transition that the 3GT roofline has where the windshield joins the roof.
•The front windshield is more raked on the 4GC than 3GT.
•The B pillar of the 4GC appears wider than on the 3GT.
•The bottom door cutlines on the 4GC are horizontal, compared to the 3GT's upsweeping cutline (as it approaches the rear tires).
•The 4GC has much more of a trunk deck area, with the rear roofline ending much earlier than on the 3GT.

Codenamed as the F36, the 4 Series Gran Coupe will top the 3-Series/4-Series range just as the 6 Series Gran Coupe does for the 5-Series/6-Series range. Like the 6 Series Gran Coupe, it will be the flagship of the non-M series line for the 3/4-Series lineup and will be priced accordingly. For reference, the 2013 640i Gran Coupe is priced at a $1600 premium over the 2013 640i Coupe.

Like the 6 Series Gran Coupe, the 4 Series Gran Coupe combines the convenience of 4 doors (and larger rear passenger cabin) with the sleek roofline and silhouette of a coupe. It will share the upcoming 4 Series Coupe (F32)'s overall styling, just as the 6 Series Gran Coupe shares with its coupe counterpart. The 4 Series coupe recently revealed its kidney grille design (photos), which we will also see on the 4 Series Gran Coupe. It will also share the same engine offerings as the 4 Series coupe and convertible.


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Yonder7 - 8/17/2012 11:26:51 AM

+1 Boost

3GT fail, 4 Series looks good to me...

MercedesSL - 8/17/2012 11:45:18 AM

+4 Boost

More options are never a bad thing, if you don’t like it get the traditional sedan or wagon. These Gt's do have a market though, I know some people(older) who think a sedan like the 3 series is too low and hard to get in and out of, and the same for an SUV but on the other end of the spectrum. While the teenage car blog crowd may not understand it, these crossovers strike a balance in between, and do have their customers.

JRobUSC - 8/17/2012 12:33:49 PM

+2 Boost

Love it or hate it, BMW sold more 5GT's in the first year it was out than they sold E60 5-Series wagons the entire run. So enough people are buying them to make it worth expanding the lineup. I think the 5GT would be a pretty good looking car if BMW would just eliminate the dual opening trunk. If the car was a hatch only they could slope the decklid and it would look a lot less bulbous. Apparently that's what they're doing with the 3GT.

dayday - 8/17/2012 9:33:11 PM

0 Boost

I completely agree with you. 5 GT is actually selling really well in China, where people don't really care about "sporty design" and the market is more luxury and comfort orientated. In fact, My parents just bought one last year as the height of the car is perfect for people their age to get in and out. That was one of the main reason why they bought it. Asian and Western People sometimes have completely different tastes in the atheistic of car design, I've come across many people in Asia who absolutely love the look of 5GT.(My parents for example)

RNeekChic - 8/17/2012 12:40:43 PM

+3 Boost

I have to say I live in the US and I definitely don't see a lot of 5GT or X6 around. However, I go to asia quite often and in HK and other parts of metro. asia, there's A LOT of 5GT and X6 so there is def. a market for it. Maybe not in your country.

cidflekken - 8/17/2012 1:36:21 PM

-1 Boost

4 Series GC? Is BMW trying to fill every micro market in the industry? I just don't see where this car will distinguish itself from the 3Series or 5Series with the exception of a lower roofline. It seems that BMW's approach to the 4-door coupe niche is to just tack on two extra doors to an existing coupe design. Unlike Audi and MB whose A7 and CLS, respectively, are very distinct cars from the rest of the brand model range.

Maybe it's just me, but I think BMW has lost its way….or mind. Millions and millions of dollars going into product development for redundant cars.

Yonder7 - 8/17/2012 5:31:55 PM

+2 Boost

I think, the 4 series will be a hit and will help BMW to counteract the new MB CLA..But 3GT is so ugly as the 5GT and wont sale too many examples of that; even Mazda 6 Hatchback looks better than it.

Dr550 - 8/17/2012 6:18:02 PM

+2 Boost

Recently went from 5 series (3 total) to X5 with sport package, Alpine white, oyster colored leather and bamboo wood. I now understand the reasoning behind the X6. Better visibility, access, and like it or not it looks unique. BMW needs to build an X7. By using BMW components to keep costs and research low, it makes sense. Any news JRob on X7?

JRobUSC - 8/17/2012 7:14:22 PM

+1 Boost

Just what I've read online. I think they're building it. The success of Range Rover since BMW sold them and Mercedes GL shows there's a market in that pricerange. Build them in Spartanburg where the dollar is cheap and it becomes a profitable export, especially to China where they love giant, expensive vehicles.

MorePower - 8/18/2012 7:21:08 AM

+1 Boost

4 Series Gran Coupe looks to be targeted directly at the upcoming CLC from MB, Audi A4 which is close to 4-door coupe as is and the VW CC.

The GT is a page from GM's old playbook: one platform and as many variations that can be manufactured on the same production line. The difference between the Germans and GM in this case, is that the Germans seem to be producing at a level the market can bare. GM motive seems to have been to flood the market.