BMW takes on the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7 Sportback with the launch of the wonderfully-styled BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.
BMW’s four-door coupe has arrived in one model – the 640i, priced at $184,800.
Power comes from BMW’s glorious 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine delivering 235kW from 5800rpm to 6000rpm, 450Nm from as low as 1300rpm and driving through the superb eight-speed automatic transmission. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe races from zero to 100km/h in just 5.4 seconds and fuel consumption is rated at 7.8l/100kms
Due for launch later this year is the 4.4-litre V8-powered 650i Gran Coupe with 330kW/650Nm. A diesel-powered BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is sold in Europe but no local plans for it have been revealed.
The first four-door variant in BMW’s 6 Series lineup, the 6 Series Gran Coupe joins its coupe and convertible siblings in an imposing lineup.
No doubt about the looks – from any angle the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is a stunner. The four-door coupe combines the hallmark BMW sportiness with the magnificent proportions of a shallow arc roofline like its German rivals.
To provide reasonable rear seat legroom, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe gains an extra 113mm in wheelbase length (2968mm) over the Coupe model. The frameless side door windows extend deep into the hallmark ‘Hofmeister Kink’ c-pillars and the glass has etched ‘Gran Coupe’ logos.
At the front, the Gran Coupe model is distinguished by unique chrome trim for the grille adaptive LED headlights and LED foglights. And of course glorious 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch with the optional M Sport pack) help with the muscle.
At the rear, another unique feature for the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is a third brake light which runs the full width of the rear window.
Inside is the usual BMW opulence including Dakota or Nappa leather in a total of seven colours and the rear seat features two sculptured positions while the middle third seat is for occasional use – BMW calls the 6 Series Gran Coupe a ‘4+1’ seater. Luggage space is impressive at 460-litres (rear seat in place) or a massive 1265-litres with the rear seat folded.
Naturally there’s technology overload from the exclusive Bang & Olufsen 9-speaker, 205-watt audio system and reversing/side view cameras to Dynamic Stability Control, Lane Departure Warning and ‘Active Cruise Control with ‘Stop& Go’ function.
The optional M Sport package brings the usual exterior and interior sporty touches and the BMW Individual range brings further paint colours, wheel choices and Merino or Alcantara trim including a unique Opal White full leather.
