BMW adds a coupe-like sedan to the 6-Series line-up for 2013.
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to figure out where to classify some vehicles. Take the new BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe. By definition, a 6-Series has traditional been a 2-door, whether with a sweeping hardtop or convertible soft top. So, what to make of the new BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe?
The latest entry into the 6-Series line-up will feature four doors and 4+1 seating, joining a rapidly expanding list of “coupe-like sedans,” such as the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Porsche Panamera.
Set for introduction early this summer, the initial BMW 640i Gran Coupe will measure 197 inches, nose-to-tail, a modest 4.4 inches longer than its 2-door sibling – most of the added space devoted to the rear passengers, a good news considering the back seat of the conventional 6-Series coupe is little more than an afterthought. To put things into perspective, the new Gran Coupe is precisely 4 inches longer than the BMW 5-Series – and also 1.3 inches wider and 2.8 inches lower.
Most of the added space goes to the rear seat.
We’ll have to wait to see how the new model does in terms of rear headroom. BMW engineers have done a good job of maintaining the 2-doors overall shape with the new 6-Series Gran Coupe – avoiding the bubble butt that has generated so much controversy with the Porsche Panamera, for example.
BMW promises that the Gran Coupe – which should carry a hefty premium over the already costly 2-door once prices are announced – will be lavishly equipped. The list of optional and standard features includes the BMW ConnectedDrive infotainment system, rearview camera with Surround View, Lane Departure Warning, Night Vision with Pedestrian Warning and new Adaptive front LED headlamps.
With the introduction of the 6-Series Gran Coupe BMW introduces optional Adaptive LED headlamps.
BMW has retuned the TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-six now makes 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, with 0 to 60 times rated at 5.4 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Using the European test cycle, BMW claims a city/highway 30.1 mpg – though the U.S. numbers likely won’t be available until much closer to launch.
There will be three versions of the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe, including the 4.4-liter V-8-powered 650i. It’s rated at 445 hp (a 45 hp increase), and 480 lb-ft, (up 30). The 650i Gran Coupe will launch from 0 to 60 in 4.6 seconds, the maker claims, and the European cycle mileage is in the range of 27 mpg combined.
The third model, the 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will feature the maker’s all-wheel-drive system. And it will share its 8-speed automatic with the rest of the 4-door coupe line-up.
The BMW 650i and 650i xDrive Gran Coupes will reach market later in the coming summer. All three will be marked 2013 models.