Like many car manufacturers nowadays, BMW seems determined to exploit as many market niches as possible. The new five-door 4 Series Gran Coupé is further proof of that mission.

Based on the recently-introduced 4 Series Coupé, it could appeal to various groups. For starters, there are those for whom two doors are impractical. And then there must be some people who don’t think the 3 Series Gran Turismo is sporty enough, while others are put off the 3 Series Saloon simply because it’s too common.

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé M Sport (2014) Side

Spot the difference: the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé...

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo M Sport (2013) Side

...and the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo.

Predictably the Gran Coupé shares its length, width and wheelbase with the regular Coupé. However, the roofline is slightly higher to accommodate what BMW is terming ‘2+1’ seating in the rear. At the back of the car is a ‘wide-access luggage compartment’, which is a BMW euphemism for ‘hatchback’.

Whatever the name used, the one-piece tailgate opens and closes automatically. Cargo space is 480 litres - an increase of around 8% compared to the Coupé - but that can be increased to a maximum of 1,300 litres thanks to a 60:40 (or optional 40:20:40) split-folding rear backrest.

Initially the range is being restricted to five engines. All feature BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology and come equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, although an eight-speed automatic transmission is on the options list. Furthermore, two variants can be ordered with the xDrive all-wheel drive system.

418d	2.0 litre four-cylinder diesel	140 bhp (105 kW / 143 PS)
420d	2.0 litre four-cylinder diesel	181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS)
420d xDrive	2.0 litre four-cylinder diesel	181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS)
420i	2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol	181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS)
428i	2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol	241 bhp (180 kW / 245 PS)
428i xDrive	2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol	241 bhp (180 kW / 245 PS)
435i	3.0 litre six-cylinder petrol	301 bhp (225 kW / 306 PS)

Soon after launch, the model line-up is set to gain these four additional members.

430d	3.0 litre six-cylinder diesel	254 bhp (190 kW / 258 PS)
430d xDrive	3.0 litre six-cylinder diesel	254 bhp (190 kW / 258 PS)
435d xDrive	3.0 litre six-cylinder diesel	308 bhp (230 kW / 313 PS)
420i xDrive	2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol	181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS)

As per the 4 Series Coupé and Convertible, UK buyers will have a choice of SE, Sport, Modern, Luxury and M Sport trim grades when sales begin on the 21st of June.

On the road prices start at £29,420 for the 420i SE Gran Coupé.