New BMW 4-Series… 4 is more than 3?

For more than 20 years, BMW’s most visible coupe was sold as the 3-series. This made lots of sense, as the car is and always has been based on the 3-series sedan. Meanwhile, Audi launched the A4-based A5 coupe, and Mercedes-Benz was brazen enough to come up with a C-class–based coupe and badge it as an E-class. With the 4-series, which is scheduled to hit dealerships later this summer, BMW is following the competition’s lead in creating a unique moniker for many of its body styles. We suspect that the decision was not an easy one, as there are few nameplates in the business that possess as much recognition and brand equity as 3-series.