I’ve used every chance I’ve had to express my personal disapproval for the creation of the 4-Series Gran Coupe (or just GC for short), which BMW may think is giving them a foothold in yet another (previously inexistent) niche, but it’s actually going to a) steal high-spec 3-Series sales b) rob the 3-Series GT of sales c) make the two-door 4-Series less of a special, bespoke sporty alternative.

This visual comparison between all of these very similar new cars from Munich was obligatory in this case.

Firstly, let’s start with the good: the 4-Series GC is prettier than the 3-Series it’s based on, frankly looking like a more attractive and lower 3-Series GT with the more planted-looking coupe front end and gills behind the front wheels. The bad? Well, it looks too much like the taller GT, even with the squatter stance and its shorter wheelbase.

You’d think they share panels and details, but if you look closely enough, you’ll spot that everything, including the rear lights, are different, even if ever so slightly so…

Another issue I personally have with the 4-Series GC is that it looks too much like a hatchback and would have needed a noticeably longer boot lid to really get the look going. BMW proved they (kind of) know what sleek side profiles look like with the 6-Series GC, but here they just settled for the flattened 3 GT look and just moved on to carrying over the interior with no changes whatsoever…

Moreover, don’t expect any more space than the distinctly average one you already know of in the back, because it’s similar to the regular sedan.

Make no mistake, even though the internet may be flooded with positive reviews for this car in no time at all, just remember it’s basically a marketing gimmick which you as a buyer shouldn’t really encourage, because it’s more of your money that they want for what is basically the same 3-Series in a different frock; it’s not even a different frock, actually, but a cross between the 3 GT’s and 4-Series’.

Check out all four similar models set side by side below.

By Andrei Nedelea

PHOTO GALLERY