The 4 series coupe is longer, wider and lower than the 3-series sedan to give it a sporty look.

BMW sees Europe as the main market for its 4 series, which replaces the 3-series coupe in the company’s product lineup.

BMW is keen to emphasize that the 4 series is more than a coupe version of the 3-series sedan. “The 4 series is not 3-series sedan with only two doors, it is a completely independent car made for customers with sporty expectations,” said Martin Schweinhuber, 4-series project manager, at a press event here.

The only body components the 3- and 4-series models have in common are their hoods and door handles.

Prices for the 4 series start at 35,750 euros in Germany, 1,600 euros more than the previous 3-series coupe and 2,350 euros more than a standard 3 series. Falko Radomski, marketing manager for the 4 series, said BMW raised the price because the 4 series has better standard equipment than the 3-series coupe.

Radomski expects 50 percent of 4-series sales will be in Europe, 30 percent in North America and the balance in China and elsewhere.

The coupe is 10mm lower than the 3-series four-door sedan, giving it the lowest center of gravity in the entire BMW range. Engineers made the car longer, reinforced the chassis to make it stiffer, widened the track front and rear and optimized steering and suspension settings.

Next spring BMW will launch the 4-series folding hardtop convertible, which is based on the coupe. An M4 coupe likely will follow in late 2014 and an M4 convertible variant in 2015.