2015 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Sedan

PREVIEW

It's fair to admit some puzzlement over a BMW 4 Series with four doors. After all, why re-brand the two-door 3 Series as a new model and then add two more doors? That the 2015 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe also shares the same length, wheelbase and width as the two-door contributes to the confusion.

Then again, BMW has a knack for creating niches that don't exist. In the case of the 4 Series Gran Coupe, it's a coupe with frameless doors that eases entry and exit for rear passengers. Or maybe it's a four-door that looks like a compressed 5 Series sedan. Maybe with its liftgate-style opening, it's a versatile 3 Series Gran Turismo without the awkward ride height or greenhouse bubble.

From whichever angle you view it, the 4 Series Gran Coupe differs from the standard coupe with a roof line that extends 4.4 more inches and adds 0.5 inch of rear headroom. The liftgate, available with a hands-free power function, opens to 17 cubic feet of trunk space according to European volume measurements (EPA volume measurements, which differ from European spec, are pending). A 40/20/40 folding rear seat improves cargo flexibility.

The Gran Coupe won't differ from the standard 4 Series under the hood, though. The 428i model will offer the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 240 horsepower. It will be available with both rear- and all-wheel drive, and BMW expects fuel efficiency to mirror the coupe's 27 mpg combined (23 city/35 highway).

A turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder will power the 435i model with 300 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque. BMW expects it to return 25 mpg combined and dash from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Initially, the 435i will offer only rear-wheel drive, although an all-wheel-drive option will follow the launch. Both engines will use an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe will offer Sport, Luxury and M Sport option packages, 18- and 19-inch wheels and an optional sport suspension. Not to be outdone by its German rivals, the Gran Coupe will pack a full complement of standard and available safety features, including LED headlights, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and a 360-degree camera view for assisting with parking maneuvers.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe goes on sale this fall starting at $41,225. The 435i will start at $46,725. Check back for a full review of the 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.