What’s In A name? The New BMW 4-Series Coupe

The past decade has seen rising fuel prices, larger power output from small engines, reductions in urban car parking availability, all combine to make the mid-size coupe market increasingly competitive – and car manufacturers have been quick to respond. The premium segment has seen particularly heavy competition in China, from the Audi A5 to the Mercedes C-Class. Now, first images of the BMW contribution to title bout are gradually arriving in the form of the new BMW 4-Series Coupe range.

With the first models forecast to premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, the new two-door should be arriving in China early enough for generous parents to be placing a set of keys in hongbao during Chinese New Year celebrations next year.

And what will you get for your money? One thing is clear: increased sportiness. Suspension has been lowered in comparison to the previous 3-Series, reducing centre of gravity and roll. It’s evident at first glance. The wheelbase is now 50mm longer, while overhangs have been shortened, pushing the wheels further towards the corners of the car providing a firmer grip on the road. Furthermore, the overall height has been reduced by 16mm. It all adds up to a dynamic styling significantly more aggressive than its predecessor.

But it shouldn’t just look like it packs a punch. The most powerful model in the initial release, the 435i will wield a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder pushing out 300 bhp. Automatic and manual models will be available in each variant. Naturally, for the social or cost-conscious, the smaller 420d will be holding the aces, with claimed combined cycled consumption of 4.7L/100km/h (manual) and CO2 emissions of 124g/km.

With the 435i able to hit 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds – hardly sluggish and only 0.1 seconds slower than the M3 Coupe – the increased grunt will be evident within a few heartbeats of ignition.

Reports indicate that the 4-Series Coupe will be available in three different trim lines – Luxury, Sport and M Sport. Similar to the 3-Series range, the Luxury package will focus on overall options and an upscale appearance, while the Sport and M Sport models will offer more driver-oriented equipment and a more dynamic exterior. With 19-inch wheels available on all models, this is a car that could turn a few heads.

Of course, as with all the German premium automotive manufacturers, tradition remains ever present. The distinctive rear silhouette that first emerged with the 3-Series based coupe in 1975 remains strong, while at the front the 4-Series adopts that perfectly BMW-esque kidney-shaped grille.

So, why the name change you ask? The official line from Bavaria is that by leaving behind the traditional “3-Series Coupe” name in favor of the 4-Series Coupe designation, they have instilled their new two door with a more individual flavor, both stylistically and dynamically. It sounds bigger and it sounds faster. It’s a move that’s been copied throughout the model range with the addition of the 6-Series and the appearance of the 2-Series coupe as a replacement for the 1-Series coupe.

But now to the big question, I know you’ve all been asking… how will sales fare when the model designation is now the Chinese bad luck number? Only time will tell.