Beijing has seen BMW pull the wraps off a new 4-door coupé concept. The BMW Concept Gran Coupé is an elegant car with a ‘flat’ silhouette, measuring almost five metres in length, yet less than 1.4m high.

This makes the new concept some 100mm ‘flatter’ than the 5 Series, or 7 Series Saloon – while the tapering roofline seems to elongate the proportions even more, as does the forward-tilted shark nose.

Flowing lines dominate the design, adding to its aerodynamic efficiency, while a low centre of gravity promises exceptional agility. But unsurprisingly, there are plenty of classic BMW coupé features in the Concept Gran Coupé, too, from the long wheelbase, vaulted bonnet and forward-pointing lines, to the set-back greenhouse, coupé-esque roofline and short front overhang.

BMW’s vision is to develop a 4-door car combining the exclusivity of a Gran Turismo with the excitement of a high-performance sports car. Hence the new Concept Gran Coupé is a potential rival for the Maserati Quattroporte, Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide.

Even if it never goes into production in its current form, it gives a clear insight into BMW’s thoughts on future styling.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: BMW