The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe 05.05.2012: Inspiring elegance in motion Once again BMW is advancing into a new vehicle segment with the introduction of the BMW 6 Series Gran

Inspiring elegance in motion




Once again BMW is advancing into a new vehicle segment with the introduction of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. Following the convertible and the Coupe in the BMW 6 Series, this new exclusive model is the true embodiment of aesthetics, sportiness, comfort and luxury in perfect form.


The lean elegance of this vehicle, the very first four-door Coupe in the history of BMW, is truly an exceptional phenomenon. Powerful engines and the advanced chassis technology contribute to a sporty and dynamic driving experience.


The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is also distinguished by exclusive features and equipment, roominess for rear passenger comfort and remarkable advanced functionality that is unusual even for an upscale, four-door Coupe. For example, folding rear seatbacks and an auxiliary third seat are among the unique design features that contribute to the car's versatility.
 

“Like no other BMW, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe unites extraordinary dynamics and the sheer good looks of a classic BMW Coupe with luxurious appeal. It is a combination that spawns a fascinating and thoroughly independent product personality which is, for me, symbolic of the pure BMW aesthetic.”, says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design.

 
Driving dynamics, smooth performance and efficiency are the hallmarks of the TwinPower Turbo engines available for the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. Furthermore, the BMW 650i Gran Coupe will be the first model offered with a new and more efficient V8 engine that delivers an impressive 330 kW/450 hp.


This engine, just like the six-cylinder power units in the BMW 640i Gran Coupe and the BMW 640d Gran Coupe, is offered as standard in conjunction with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission and proven BMW EfficientDynamics technology. Standard equipment on all models also includes the Driving Experience button with ECO PRO Mode and the Auto Start Stop function.
 

The distinctive character of the BMW 6er Gran Coupe is unmistakable in the sophisticated and luxurious interior, not to mention the wide range of standard equipment, such as Xenon headlights, automatic 2-zone air conditioning, leather upholstery and electric seat adjustment with memory function.


Innovative optional equipment available includes Adaptive LED Headlights and the Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System. Furthermore, the M Sports package will also be available as an option for the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, or buyers may prefer the BMW Individual package designed specifically for this vehicle.

 


The design: Sporty elegance and exclusive flair.


The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe represents an unusual synergy of extraordinary aesthetics, the dynamics typical of a Coupe and the functional versatility of a four-door vehicle. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe measures 5,007 millimetres in length and 1,894 millimetres in width, with a height of 1,392 millimetres.


The car’s proportions are unmistakably BMW, from the long bonnet with its bold contours to the elegance of the extended wheelbase (2,968 millimetres) and the set-back passenger compartment. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe sets new standards in terms of aesthetic design for four-door vehicles as seen in its low height and the flat roofline that smoothly flows into the rear end.

 
At the front, chrome elements, unique to the Gran Coupe, separate the air intake from the fog lights, underlining the firm resolve expressed in the look of this car. The standard dual Xenon round headlights (for high and low beams) feature three-dimensional LED rings that are typically BMW in appearance and which create a unique and functional light architecture for the night-time driving experience.


With the optional Adaptive LED Headlights, the light rings are slightly flat at the top and bottom. High and low beams are generated with the LED units that are positioned on horizontal ribs across each of the light rings, projecting their light on the reflectors facing them.

 
The low and graceful lines of this automobile are especially impressive when looking at the side profile. The recessed passenger compartment appears low and smoothly stretched because the window silhouette extends deep into the C pillar. The frameless door windows are also a design element indicative of a sporty Coupe.


In addition, the elongated side windows optimise the incidence of light to enhance the feeling of spaciousness in the interior. The characteristic Hofmeister kink that flows into the C pillar encompasses exclusively embossed “Gran Coupe” lettering behind the glass in the lower corners of the rear windows to denote the fascinating elegance and personality of this automobile.

 
The visually low centre of gravity, along with the horizontal and V-shaped lines at the rear, suggests powerful and dynamic elegance. Another distinctive design feature of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is the third brake light that stretches along the entire width of the rear window, thus forming the top edge.

 
The interior design is the embodiment of a perfect combination of elegance, luxury and dynamic, which lends to the harmonious configuration of the front and rear seating. The driver-oriented cockpit, the front passenger area enclosed by elegantly curved surfaces and the spaciousness of the set-back rear passenger compartment ensures sophisticated and luxurious comfort in all driving scenarios.


The wheelbase is 113 millimetres longer than that of the BMW 6 Series Coupe and accounts for the increased legroom enjoyed by rear passengers. The interior design concept of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe ensures exceptional spatial variability. There is ample space to comfortably accommodate two passengers in the rear.


But the 4+1 seating arrangement also provides space for a third rear passenger on short journeys. The boot has a volume of 460 litres, which can be expanded up to 1,265 litres thanks to the through-loading system and the folding rear seatbacks.

 


The driving experience: Harmonised dynamics and comfort.


The BMW TwinPower Turbo engines available for the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe stand for sportiness with efficiency. The straight 6-cylinder petrol engine in the BMW 640i Gran Coupe delivers 235 kW/320 hp, and the straight 6-cylinder diesel in the BMW 640d Gran Coupe has a performance rating of 230 kW/313 hp.


In the third quarter of 2012, a third engine will be added to the series, namely the V8 petrol engine in the BMW 650i Gran Coupe with 330 kW/450 hp, also available with BMW xDrive four-wheel drive technology. The new-generation BMW V8 engine features TwinPower Turbo technology using two turbochargers, plus direct High-Precision Injection and the fully variable VALVETRONIC valve control system.
 

The BMW 650i Gran Coupe, just like both 6-cylinder models, is equipped with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, the Auto Start Stop function and the Driving Experience button including ECO PRO Mode, and it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds with an average fuel consumption ranging from 8.6 to 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres.


The acceleration of the BMW 640i Gran Coupe is 5.4 seconds, and it has an average fuel consumption of 7.7 to 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres. The BMW 640d Gran Coupe can also sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and fuel consumption ranges from 5.5 to 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres (figures according to the EU test cycle, depending on selected tyre format).


The remarkable ratio of driving pleasure and fuel consumption stems from the outstanding efficiency of the engines and the automatic transmission, not to mention the benefits delivered by BMW EfficientDynamics technology. In addition to the ECO PRO Mode and the Auto Start Stop function, other model-specific technical features contribute to efficiency, e.g., brake energy regeneration, electromechanical power steering, ancillary units that operate on demand, the detachable air conditioning compressor, intelligent use of lightweight materials, active air vent control as well as suspension control systems with on-demand hydraulic technology, to name just a few.


The chassis of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe comprises a double-track control arm front axle and an integral rear axle along with electromechanical steering and Servotronic. Dynamic Damper Control and Adaptive Drive, including Dynamic Drive stability control, are available as optional equipment.

 
Standard safety features include front airbags, side airbags integrated into the seatbacks, head airbags for front and rear seats, three-point automatic seatbelts for all seats, belt force limiters and seatbelt tensioners at the front as well as ISOFIX child seat fasteners at the rear. 


Intelligent lightweight construction reduces the vehicle weight. The doors, bonnet and most of the chassis components, including the suspension supports, are made of aluminium. The front side walls consist of thermoplastic material, while the boot lid is made of fibreglass composites.


 

Equipment: Exclusive features, innovative technology.


The wide range of premium standard equipment in the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is quite impressive: the eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, a choice of leather upholstery and trim, electric seat adjustment with memory function for the front seats, automatic air conditioning with 2-zone regulation, Xenon headlights and the BMW radio Professional with hi-fi speaker system.


Additional exclusive options can be selected to give the car a personal touch. Among the highlights in the range of optional equipment are Adaptive LED Headlights and the Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System. The M Sports package will also be available as an option for the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, or buyers may prefer the BMW Individual package designed specifically for this vehicle.


Driver assistance systems and mobile services available with BMW ConnectedDrive include technology such as the BMW Head-Up Display with full-colour graphics, the parking assistant, Surround View, Active Cruise Control with the Stop & Go function, Lane Departure Warning System, Speed Limit Info, High-Beam Assistant and BMW Night Vision with pedestrian warning.

 



Suzana Kolundzic, photos BMW