BMW 6-series Gran Coupe

The 2012 BMW 6-Series is a significant improvement on the previous model, in aesthetics, performance, and features. Today, a new model joins the 6-Series lineup: the Gran Coupe.

It probably happens all the time. A BMW shopper stands frozen with indecision in the middle of a showroom. To his left sits the 5-series sedan. On his right, the 6-series coupe. The two share a platform and several powertrains, the 6 having more attractive sheetmetal, and the 5er being the practical choice. If only there were a product that took the average of these two, a sort of 5.5-series. Enter the 6-series Gran Coupe.

 

5.5-series, Plus One

Previewed first by the Concept CS and more recently by the Concept Gran Coupe, this addition to the 6-series lineup swells a market sliver first split off by Mercedes’ CLS-class. Where the Gran Coupe differs from the CLS and the newcomer Audi A7 is in the rear seat: BMW calls its offering a 4+1, as the back row includes a third seat. It’s actually more of an armrest with a seatbelt; the center floor console continues all the way up to the bottom cushion’s edge. That ought to set the BMW apart in a now-crowded segment of stylish sedans. (It will certainly set middle passengers' legs apart, but we digress.)


The Gran Coupe rides on the 5-series’ 116.9-inch wheelbase (4.5 longer than the two-door 6’s), but is about four inches longer than a 5 sedan or 6 coupe and shares its width with its 6-series counterparts. It is nearly identical to the two-doors from the A-pillar forward, and its interior mimics those of the coupe and convertible, albeit with the different seating arrangement and more rear legroom. Per the usual style-over-practicality trade-off, expect less headroom back there than in the more traditional four-door 5-series.

Three Powertrains, Some Waiting

The Gran Coupe will launch in the summer of 2012 with the 640i; the 650i and 650i xDrive will arrive some weeks later. The 640i uses the same single-turbo inline-six from the similarly named coupe and convertible, with output measuring 315 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. The rear- and all-wheel-drive 650i will use an updated version of the N63 twin-turbo V-8 dubbed N63Tü. Using a new Valvetronic-equipped head, it makes 45 hp and 30 lb-ft more than the current 4.4-liter, for totals of 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. (You can expect the N63Tü to spread to the rest of BMW’s 50i offerings, but BMW won’t tell us which ones will be first in line.) For those keeping score, that’s 43 hp and 37 lb-ft more than the Mercedes CLS550 and its twin-turbo 4.7-liter V-8.

Regardless of engine choice, the Gran Coupe is equipped with BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission and an engine stop/start system. Steering-wheel paddle shifters are standard as well.

Features and options will largely mirror those of the 6-series, including standard Dynamic Damper Control, optional Roll Stabilization and Active Steering, and a laundry list of included and extra-cost nanny systems. Adaptive LED headlights will also be available. To the Driving Dynamics Control system’s Comfort and Sport settings, the Gran Coupe adds Eco+, which further reduces throttle sensitivity, shoots for earlier upshifts, and helps coach the driver to use less fuel by providing “tips and incentives.” An M Sport package will be available for order right away—the highlights are a sport exhaust on 650i models, unique 19-inch wheels (20s are a further upgrade), special paint options, and resculpted front and rear fascias.

BMW’s four-door car with a coupe-like roofline will make its auto-show debut at next year’s Geneva gathering. In the meantime, the company no doubt will be hard at work finding more niches to enter. A smaller, 3-series-based coupe/sedan is surely on someone’s mind.

 

Model variants:
BMW 650i Gran Coupe (BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe) :
V8 petrol engine, BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with two turbochargers and High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, VALVETRONIC.
Displacement: 4,395 cc, output: 330 kW/450 hp at 5,500 – 6 000 rpm,
max. torque: 650 Nm / 479 lb-ft at 2,000 – 4,500 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 4.6 seconds (4.5 seconds),
top speed: 250 km/h /155 mph.
Average fuel consumption*: 8.6 – 8.8 (9.2 – 9.4) litres per 100 kilometres / 32.1 – 32.9 (30.1 – 30.7) mpg imp,
CO2 emissions*: 199 – 206 g/km (215 – 219 g/km), exhaust standard: EU5.
BMW 640i Gran Coupe: Six-cylinder in-line petrol engine,
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with twin-scroll turbocharging,
High Precision Direct Petrol Injection and VALVETRONIC.
Displacement: 2,979 cc, output: 235 kW/320 hp at 5,800 – 6 000 rpm,
max. torque: 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) at 1,300 – 4,500 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 5.4 seconds,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph).
Average fuel consumption*: 7.7 – 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres (35.8 –
36.2 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions*: 179 – 183 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.

BMW 640d Gran Coupe: Six-cylinder in-line diesel engine,
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with two-stage turbocharging and common-rail direct injection.
Displacement: 2,993 cc, output: 230 kW/313 hp at 4,400 rpm,
max. torque: 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) at 1,500 – 2,500 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 5.4 seconds,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph),
Average fuel consumption*: 5.5 – 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres (49.6 –
50.4 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions*: 146 – 149 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.

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