BMW Concept 4-Series Coupe blows two doors off the 3-Series in style

BMW's march to build a car for every whole number between 0 and 9 knocked another off the list this morning with the premature reveal of the BMW Concept 4-Series Coupe , a "concept" only in that BMW will sell something almost but not exactly like this next year. If you think selling a 4-Series side by side with the 3-Series only makes for a crowded showroom, you clearly haven't seen a Mini dealership lately.

All of the information released by BMW about the 4-Series today, running to more than 2,200 words, involves its design; not a word was spared for any mechanical differences. BMW's new direction calls for even numbers to designate flowing coupe versions of its sedans (and that includes stretching the word "coupe" to mean a car with four doors, like the 6 Series Gran Coupe). If the 1-Series makes a large enough mark in the United States, the 2-Series will inevitably follow; and the i8 has already staked out the territory above the 7-Series, with an expected price tag well north of $120,000.

While the exterior of the BMW 4-Series offers a tasteful evolution of the current BMW look, the interior on the concept takes things in an unexpected turn toward Pottery Barn, with chestnut wood trim pieces and hand-braided leather accents, including cupholders. It's touches like these that have let BMW carve new niches out of the luxury business -- and will likely help it find enough buyers to keep the numbers guys happy.