Vehicle Overview
Luxury automakers have been fascinated with coupe-like four-door cars, and BMW joins the fray with the introduction of the 6 Series Gran Coupe. Based on a stretched version of the 6 Series coupe, the Gran Coupe has seating for up to five people but is optimized to carry four. It hits dealerships in summer 2012, and competitors include the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and Audi A7.
Exterior
As the beginning portion of its name suggests, the 6 Series Gran Coupe is rooted in the brand’s 6 Series, and it shares numerous styling cues. The front end is very similar to the 6 Series coupe and features BMW’s signature twin-kidney grille with vertical slats. A low, sleek roofline defines the car’s profile, which is one of its best angles. The Gran Coupe has a traditional trunk lid, though it looks short compared to the long passenger compartment. Exterior features include:
- 18-inch light-alloy wheels with all-season run-flat tires; 19- or 20-inch wheels available
- LED taillights
- Adaptive xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
- Available adaptive LED headlights
- Available M Sport Package features unique front and rear styling, side skirts, black chrome exhaust tips, black brake calipers, LED fog lights, a sport exhaust system for the V-8 model and 19-inch wheels
- Available BMW Individual matte paint finishes
Interior
Though there’s a spot for a passenger in the middle of the rear bench, the 6 Series Gran Coupe’s seating layout is optimized for four people. The car is 4.4 inches longer than the 6 Series coupe, and BMW says a significant portion of the extra length has been devoted to improve comfort for rear-seat passengers. Interior features include:
- Three grades of leather upholstery in a variety of colors
- Center console extends to backseat
- Driver-focused dashboard topped with 10.2-inch screen for iDrive system
- Navigation system
- CD stereo with HD Radio capability and MP3 jack
- Available premium audio with satellite radio and iPod connectivity
- Available Bang & Olufsen stereo
- Available ventilated seats
- Available sunshades for rear window and rear side glass
- Available four-zone climate control
- Available ceramic accents for the gear selector and iDrive controller
- Available M Sport Package adds Alcantara simulated suede and leather sport seats with blue stitching, an M steering wheel, aluminum trim and additional M logos
Under the Hood
The 640i Gran Coupe features a 315-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder while the 650i gets a 445-hp, turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8. Both engines work with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Mechanical features include:
- Rear-wheel drive; all-wheel drive available for 650i
- Zero to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds (640i), 4.6 seconds (650i) or 4.5 seconds (all-wheel-drive 650i)
- Adaptive dampers with driver-selectable modes
- Eco Pro mode reduces gas pedal responsiveness, makes the transmission upshift sooner and downshift later, and includes a screen to show how driving characteristics affect vehicle range
- Available active suspension works to limit body roll
- Available rear-wheel steering can enhance high-speed stability and low-speed maneuverability
Safety
Safety features include:
- Antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system
- Active front head restraints
- Side-impact airbags
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Backup camera
- Available lane departure warning
- Available blind spot monitoring system
- Available surround-view camera system
- Available night vision with pedestrian detection
- Available full-color head-up display
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