The most awaited BMW->ke178 of the time its finally out! As a response to models like the Mercedes CLS-Class and the Porsche Panamera, BMW has launched the 6-Series Gran Coupe - a production version of the Gran Coupe concept unveiled at the beginning of 2010. On the US market, the new 6-Series->ke320 Gran Coupe will be offered in a 640i version first, but a 650i and a 650i xDrive version will join the line-up later in the summer of 2012.

The new Gran Coupe will be immediately recognized as a 6-Series, but adding a unique combination of top-class sporting dynamics, stunning design, and luxurious touring comfort. However, compared to a standard 6-Series coupe, the new Gran Coupe version was built on a wheelbase that is 4.5 inches longer and its distinctive profile is dominated by its four-door, elegantly stretched roof line.

The 640i - the first to be offered on the US market - is powered by a TwinPower turbo 6-cylinder engine with an output of 315 HP at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 330 lbs-ft delivered between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. The model will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds and will hit a top speed of 155 mph.

UPDATE 08/24/2012: BMW has released another video of their five-passenger limousine, but this one follows the vehicle on a trip through Sicily, providing an even closer look at the 6-Series Gran Coupe. Enjoy!

UPDATE 04/22/13: BMW has released a new batch of photos featuring the 6-Series Gran Coupe starring in a burlesque style photo shoot. Check it out by clicking on the gallery after the jump

Hit the jump to read more about the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe.

bmw-6-series-gran-coupe

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: bmw-6-series-gran-coupe
Pros
Cons

2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 445 @ 5500
  • Torque: 480 @ 2000
  • Transmission: 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new 6-Series Gran Coupe is 197 inches long, 74.6 inches wide, and stands 54.8 inches in height with a 116.8 inches wheelbase. The model also offers a 16.24 cu. ft DIN luggage compartment - the perfect amount for the four-passengers.

The car's lines and surfaces were inspired by the movement of waves. This allows the car's exterior design to create a feeling of athletic grace which underlines the opulent character and elegant appearance of the four-door BMW. The model's front end is dominated by the large and slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille and a V-shaped hood that perfectly integrates with the contours of the headlights, kidney, and wide air intakes. The line of the front continues with powerfully flared wheel arches and the LED foglamps, placed well to the outside and a lower air intake split into three sections by model-specific L-shaped electroplated bars. The new Gran Coupe will be equipped with Adaptive Xenon headlights as standard, while Adaptive LED Headlights will be offered as an option.

Viewed from the side, the model will be immediately recognized by its four-door layout, a wheelbase that is longer than any other BMW 6 Series model, and likewise longer passenger compartment. The side windows feature high-quality Chrome Line Exterior surrounds, while also extending far back into the C-pillar.

At the rear, the trunk lid and rear fascia both have flatter surfacing than their counterparts on the other BMW 6 Series models, while the two-part, L-shaped rear lights share the contours of the car’s BMW 6 Series siblings.

Interior

Next to offering more space for its passengers and a more luxurious ambiance for all those on board, the new BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe's interior has been built with the driver in mind. First, there is a driver-focused cockpit that features the central section of the instrument panel angled slightly towards the driver and the gear selector for the automatic gearbox. It also has a Driving Experience Control switch and activation button for the parking brake that are all positioned on the surface of the center console which opens out towards the driver.

The driver and all of his passengers will enjoy individually tailored seats, high-quality materials, carefully coordinated colors, and meticulously sculpted surfaces.

The new Gran Coupe can be ordered with an optional Luxury Seating Package that adds ventilated multi-contour, active seats, sunshades on both the rear side and rear windows, and a four zone climate control system with additional controls located between the rear seats.

The interior is trimmed in a standard standard Dakota leather, but customers can also opt for Exclusive Nappa leather or extended Merino leather. The instrument panel, door trim, and center console are also finished in Nappa leather with contrasting stitching when the Nappa Leather option is selected.

Play with the options for your ideal BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe by checking out BMW's online configurator!

Engine

The first model to be offered on the US market is the 640i. It is powered by a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine equipped with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The engine delivers a total of 315 HP at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 330 lb-ft between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. The 640i can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155 mph. Fuel economy has been announced at 30.1 mpg.

Starting late in the summer of 2012, BMW will also offer a 650i model equipped with a 4.4-liter V-8 engine that, next to the TwinTurbo technology, will also be equipped with BMW’s VALVETRONIC variable valve timing. The V8 engine delivers a total of 445 HP between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm and 480 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm. This version will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, while top speed is again limited to 155 mph. Fuel economy has been announced at 26.7-27.3 mpg. The 650i can be also combined with xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system that increases the 0 to 60 mph sprint time at 4.5 seconds.

Whichever engine is chosen by the customer, the car will be equipped with a standard 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission combined with BMW EfficientDynamics, Brake Energy Regeneration, engine Auto Start-Stop, on-demand operation of ancillary components, intelligent lightweight construction, and extensive aerodynamic refinement.

Prices

The new BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe will go on sale early in the summer of 2012 as a 640i version and will be followed by 650i Gran Coupe and 650i xDrive Gran Coupe in late summer. The 640i is priced at $76,895 (including $895 Destination and Handling Charge). Later in the summer, the 650i Gran Coupe and 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the range at a price of $87,395 and $90,395 respectively (all prices include the $895 Handling and Destination charge).

Competition

BMW's decision to offer a 6-Series Gran Coupe shouldn't be a surprise to anyone: they were among the few makers left without a model in the luxury four-door market. Mercedes started the trend with the CLS-Class, but it was followed by Porsche with their Panamera->ke1840 and the list goes on and on. If you ask us, the new Gran Coupe does not have an exterior as elegant as the CLS, but if you step on the inside, you forget about this little inconvenience. The CLS is also a bit slower than the new Gran Coupe: the CLS550 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds.

The Panamera may be considered the most elegant and luxurious of all, but this type of luxury and performance goes with a high price tag of more than $100K.