2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe: First Look

• Competes with: Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, Audi A7 
• Looks like: A more animated 5 Series … with a 7 Series price tag 
• Drivetrain: 315-hp, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder; 445-hp, twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8; eight-speed automatic transmission; rear- or all-wheel drive 
• Hits dealerships: Summer 2012 

This may come as a surprise, but BMW’s seemingly endless line of different models doesn’t yet include a four-door coupe. After two generations of eye-catching designs in the Mercedes-Benz CLS and the introduction of the Audi A7 to much critical acclaim, BMW has decided that it needs to compete in this relatively new realm of low-roofed, highly stylized sedans. Like its namesake suggests, the 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is the elongated cousin of the recently redesigned 6 Series coupe.

The four-door 6 Series Gran Coupe is 4.4 inches longer than the standard two-door coupe with a 4.5-inch longer wheelbase. A significant amount of the extra volume goes to the rear passengers: BMW says the Gran Coupe can fit up to five passengers, but it adds that four adults can be carried “in comfort and luxury.” The four-door coupe offers that same generous 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space that the two-door has.

The model will have the same trim designations as the 6 Series. There’s a 640i, 650i and 650i xDrive (aka all-wheel drive). The 640i will be powered by a 315-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain can move the car from zero to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph, all while achieving close to 30 mpg on the highway; the current 640i is rated 21/31 mpg city/highway. The 650i and 650i xDrive are equipped with a 445-hp, twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8. The sedan makes 45 more hp with the V-8 compared with the coupe due to the addition of BMW’s Valvetronic system.

Both engines are equipped with BMW’s EfficientDynamics system, which includes regenerative braking, auto start-stop and other aerodynamic refinements, BMW says. Active roll stabilization, an active damper control system and speed-sensitive steering come standard.

In the cabin, the model will feature iDrive controls, a navigation system, rearview camera with sonar, multicontoured 20-way power driver’s seat and a nine-speaker stereo. Niceties such as a 16-speaker stereo, adaptive LED headlights, ventilated seats and around-view monitoring system are available as options. The M Sport Package, which adds some sportier tweaks, will be available, too.

No pricing is available, but the current 6 Series coupe has the most expensive starting price of any BMW car at $73,600, topping out at well over $100,000. The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will likely top that price.

The 640i will be introduced early in the summer, with the 650i and 650i xDrive arriving late next summer.

Clicking on any image below will launch a larger photo gallery; you can browse through them by hitting the right and left arrow keys.