Beijing 2010: BMW Concept Gran Coupe

BMW is the champion of creating new segments that blur segment lines. There is the BMW X6, X1, 5-Series Gran Turismo - to name a few. That is why it is surprising that BMW hasn't entered the one blurred segment we really do like - the four-door "coupe" segment.

Mercedes-Benz started the trend with the CLS back in 2005, and it has spawned a whole group of wannabes like the Volkswagen Passat CC and Hyundai Sonata, as well as direct competitors like the Porsche Panamera and upcoming Audi A7 Sportback.  In this segment, BMW has been notably absent. But, maybe not for long.

The Concept Gran Concept was a surprise introduction at the Beijing Auto Show, a notable standout in an electronic world where most releases are leaked early, or at least are reported on before introduction.

The sporty, flat silhouette provides an impressive body height of just under 1.40 metres. This makes the BMW Concept Gran Coupé up to 100 millimetres flatter than the BMW 5 Series or the BMW 7 Series Sedan.

Simply put, the Concept Gran Coupe marks a return to beautiful BMWs. It is long, low and wide, with a flowing bodyline and overall look uninterrupted by any B-pillar. You don't see an uninterrupted expanse of glass like that often - BMW does a nice job of integrating the ever-present Hoffmeister kink as well.

Our favorite view is the notchback rear, with the L-shaped taillights and a trunk that protrudes outward. The full-width LED rear taillight is also a nice touch. We're not so sure about the rear exhaust outlet design though. But, you get the picture by now - we're fans.

Information on the powertrain and pictures of the interior of this car are nowhere to be found - this is a concept meant to show off BMW's design skills and (hopefully) to preview what is coming.

This is a very production-ready design as well, with very little concept detailing. It seems like this is a production preview of a new BMW production model, and it most likely is. We can't see BMW wanting to miss out on the profits of this new segment for much longer.