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.

It's also fast, too. The BMW 435i Coupe delivers 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-liter turbo inline six, powering to 60 mph in as low as five seconds when using BMW's eight-speed automatic transmission. Opting for the six-speed manual merely adds three tenths to that time, but stands to add a world more fun. The BMW 428i Coupe sports the 2.0-liter turbo four, boasting 240 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0-60 mph time in the high 5s. Available in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the 4-Series Coupe starts at $41,425 for the 428i, while the 438i begins at $46,925. Add a couple of grand to each if you want the xDrive.

The new 4-Series remains reminiscent of the concept revealed at this year's Detroit auto show, and that's a good thing, sporting a more aggressive, sunken nose, and chiseled, muscular side panels. While BMWs rarely offer flair, the 4-Series does portray a healthy dose of sleekness. The interior, too, meshes sport and class in just the right manner, while ditching the concept's Pottery Barn feel.

If the stats are anything to go by, BMW's new 4-Series Coupe proves to be even more formidable than the outgoing 3-Series variant. And that can only spells good things for motoring enthusiasts.