Photo: BMW
Looking over the 4 Series configurator in Europe you might be surprised to find some interesting differences. One of them involves the unique engine fitted on the 418d Gran Coupe that can’t be found on any other 4 Series model, be it coupe or convertible.
As it turns out, the 2-liter diesel making 143 HP and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque is available only on the 4-door coupe. That got us wondering: what’s the deal?
According to Just-Auto, this particular model was aimed at one essential type of customer: fleet buyers. You see, the 3 Series is an extremely popular ‘executive’ car, especially for upper management. Almost 60 percent of the 3ers sold in the UK, for example, go to such purposes.
However, when a company decides what type of cars to go for, they won’t be investing in a more expensive and less practical Coupe or Convertible. Therefore, the 4 Series would not benefit from the same popularity. Unless there’s a model that has 4 doors and better looks.
And, what do you know, there is! The Gran Coupe, on the other hand, is a bit more expensive when compared to its similarly powered 3 Series brothers. That’s where the entry-level 418d model steps in, with a starting price that makes sense.
Furthermore, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are low, making it more than comfortable to live with. Sure, the sound of that 4-cylinder 2-liter diesel engine is not too flattering but it will do if all other purposes are served.
"We think 60% of the market for the Gran Coupé will be corporate sales - the same as with the 3 series saloon," said medium cars operations manager, Natasha Newman for Just Auto.
"Overall, the Gran Coupé will make up a quarter of all 4 series sales compared with 45% for the coupé and 30% for the convertible," added Newman.
We tend to agree. The new Gran Coupe is more stylish than the 3 Series Sedan and has the same number of doors. Furthermore, the tailgate at the back makes it actually a bit more practical in various situations, making it a worthy in-house rival for the 3er.
Sales figures will show us exactly how the two will pair up but, since deliveries of the Gran Coupe will start this month, we can’t compare them just yet. By the end of the year we’ll have a better grasp of how they compare.
According to Just-Auto, this particular model was aimed at one essential type of customer: fleet buyers. You see, the 3 Series is an extremely popular ‘executive’ car, especially for upper management. Almost 60 percent of the 3ers sold in the UK, for example, go to such purposes.
However, when a company decides what type of cars to go for, they won’t be investing in a more expensive and less practical Coupe or Convertible. Therefore, the 4 Series would not benefit from the same popularity. Unless there’s a model that has 4 doors and better looks.
And, what do you know, there is! The Gran Coupe, on the other hand, is a bit more expensive when compared to its similarly powered 3 Series brothers. That’s where the entry-level 418d model steps in, with a starting price that makes sense.
Furthermore, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are low, making it more than comfortable to live with. Sure, the sound of that 4-cylinder 2-liter diesel engine is not too flattering but it will do if all other purposes are served.
"We think 60% of the market for the Gran Coupé will be corporate sales - the same as with the 3 series saloon," said medium cars operations manager, Natasha Newman for Just Auto.
"Overall, the Gran Coupé will make up a quarter of all 4 series sales compared with 45% for the coupé and 30% for the convertible," added Newman.
We tend to agree. The new Gran Coupe is more stylish than the 3 Series Sedan and has the same number of doors. Furthermore, the tailgate at the back makes it actually a bit more practical in various situations, making it a worthy in-house rival for the 3er.
Sales figures will show us exactly how the two will pair up but, since deliveries of the Gran Coupe will start this month, we can’t compare them just yet. By the end of the year we’ll have a better grasp of how they compare.
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