We’ve obtained confirmation from within BMW that a scheme to badge the 3-series coupe and convertible as 4-series models is on the table. Again. The company first examined the strategy with the introduction of the E46 coupe and convertible before ultimately deciding it was a bad idea, but recent rumblings indicated the plan’s resurrection.
If the 4er lineup finally comes to fruition, it would start with the introduction of the next-gen cars and provide a semblance of order to the entire BMW lineup, where odd numbers would apply to sedans, wagons, and the like (i.e. the 5- and the 3-series GTs), and even numbers would be found on ostensibly sportier models in the same size class. This has been BMW’s modus operandi in select instances in the past—think 5-series versus 6-series or X5 versus X6—and it’s already shown that the even/odd strategy will expand in the future with the FWD next-gen 1-series and the RWD 2-series. You can even see the blueprint in the recently revealed five-door i3 and two-door i8 concepts.
And so it makes sense. Except when it doesn’t. And that’s when it comes to the M3. BMW views that badge as far too iconic to simply abandon, so all M-tuned coupes and convertibles springing from the 3-series platform are likely to remain M3s. So much for drawing up a plan and sticking to it.
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