2014 BMW 4-Series Coupe adds a familiar dimension to the 3-Series

The BMW 3-Series has long been the gold standard for sporty mid-size coupes. Rivals are ever present, but the 3-Series unanimously reigns supreme. The 3-Series Coupe, however, is no more. Taking its place is the new 4-Series Coupe, in BMW's efforts to unify its products by switching all its coupes to even numbers. Confused yet?

But if the numbers are anything to go by, the 2014 BMW 4-Series Coupe looks to be even better than the outgoing 3-Series Coupe.

By better, I mean it's longer, wider and lower. In fact, its wheelbase is 2 inches longer, with a 1.8-inch wider front track, and a 0.6-inch lower roofline. This contributes to a 0.7-inch lower roll center, which in engineering terms is huge, meshed with a 50:50 weight distribution. And, even more impressive, despite the additional size, the 4-Series Coupe is actually 99 lbs. lighter than the outgoing 3-Series.