BMW 4 Series Coupe seen without camouflage

The new naming strategy, which will leave the sedan and wagon labeled as 3 Series and the coupe and convertible as 4 series, put BMW in line with Audi’s strategy of separating the naming structure of its medium-sized sedan and touring vehicles from their coupe and convertibles derivatives.

Based on the latest 3 Series platform, the 4 Series coupe shares many components with its sedan sibling, but carries a 2+2 seat combination and a more aggressive style.

When revealed in concept form, the BMW 4 Series Coupe Concept is dramatically lower, by 67mm, than the 3 Series sedan, while it also has more width complemented by wider front and rear tracks, all helping to give the two-door a sportier stance than the four-door. Though it’s unknown if the production version will carry the same stance as the concept.

BMW plans to make the 4 Series more distinct and prestigious than just a two-door 3 Series with a different name. This will likely mean more equipment and luxury inside, but also potentially a price increase. In Australia the current 3 Series coupe range starts from $69,500 for the 320d in manual.

The BMW 4 Series coupe will go into production later this year but Australia is not expected to see the model until early to mid 2014.