Sporting a length of 197 inches (5,007 mm) and wheelbase of 116.8 inches (2,968 mm), the Gran Coupe is 4.4 inches (111 mm) longer than its 2-door coupe sibling. A significant part of this extra length has been used to enhance seating comfort for the rear passengers. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is also 74.6 inches (1,894 mm) wide and stands 54.8 inches (1,392 mm) in height. For comparison purposes, the Gran Coupe is 4.0 inches (102mm) longer, 1.3 inches (34mm) wider and 2.8 inches (72mm) lower than the BMW 550i.
Upgraded TwinPower Turbo 6-Cylinder powers the 640i Gran Coupe
The inline 6-cylinder engine (N55HP) in the new BMW 640i Gran Coupe will impress performance-minded drivers with its effortless power, exceptionally fast-revving temperament, outstanding refinement and exceptional fuel efficiency. The N55 has been setting standards from the start, as the pioneer of a new generation of engines in which BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with High Precision Direct Injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing plus a twin scroll turbo made its debut.
As a result, the 640i Gran Coupe can show off its prowess with a 0 to 62 mph (0-100km/h) sprint time of just 5.4 seconds. Top speed is electronically governed at 155 mph (250 km/h). All this extra performance comes with exceptional fuel economy and low emission figures. Fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is rated at 7.8 l/100km (30.1 mpg). EPA fuel economy ratings will be available closer to the on-sale date in the USA.
BMW's widely lauded TwinPower Turbo V-8 engine is updated with more performance and more efficiency in the 650i Gran Coupe
The 4.4-liter V-8 engine (N63) that powers the current 650i models receives an upgrade for the new 650i Gran Coupe. The unique "reverse-flow" engine, whose two turbochargers are positioned in the V-area between the cylinder banks is well known for producing an instantaneous and sustained wave of power, making it a delight for the enthusiast driver. This new version of the engine adds BMW's VALVETRONIC variable valve timing to the list of specifications. As a result, the new version of the engine (N63Tu) develops a maximum 445 hp between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm (a 45 hp increase), and makes peak torque of 480 lb-ft between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm (a 30 lbs-ft increase).
When the V8 is combined with the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, its power is converted into even more intense and dynamic acceleration. The electronically controlled power split between the front and rear wheels optimizes not only traction and stability, whatever the weather and road surface conditions may be, but also the agility of the Gran Coupe 650i xDrive Gran Coupe, whose sprint time from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is just 4.5 seconds.
8-speed Sport Automatic Transmission
In addition to the efficiency of the engine and 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission, an extensive range of BMW EfficientDynamics measures contribute to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Brake Energy Regeneration, engine Auto Start-Stop, on-demand operation of ancillary components, intelligent lightweight construction and extensive aerodynamic refinement collaborate to ensure maximum efficiency.
Chassis Management and optional Integral Active Steering
Cutting-edge chassis technology gives the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe the tools to provide both sporty handling and exceptional comfort. The double wishbone front axle and the multi-link rear axle are made predominantly from aluminum. The chassis is geared to the requirements of drivers with sporting intentions, although the dampers also respond sensitively to bumps in the road surface under high lateral acceleration. The optional Active Roll Stabilization combines with the standard Dynamic Damper Control to offer the driver even more precise responses and perfectly flat cornering ability. The electronically controlled shock absorbers adapt to the road surface and the driver's style to perfectly control the car's body motions.
The electronically controlled damper system in the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe adjusts compression and rebound settings continuously and independently. For example, a stiff chassis setting can be combined with comfortable responses to unevenness in the road surface. The control unit of the damping system processes the data supplied by sensors on the vertical motion of the wheels as well as the ride height of the car. The driving speed and the damper setting chosen by the driver are also taken into account in calculating the damping force required for each individual wheel to even out body movements. This data is fed back to the shock-absorber units at intervals of just 2.5 milliseconds.
The optional Active Roll Stabilization feature reduces body roll in corners and in sudden changes of direction, or transitions. Sensors calculate the amount of body roll based on the driving situation at hand, and this is then counteracted quickly and precisely by hydraulic rotary actuators in the front and rear anti-roll bars. The result is flatter cornering inspiring greater confidence for the driver as well as greater comfort for the passengers during spirited drives. The power steering features standard Servotronic vehicle-speed sensitive assistance, and serves up the familiar BMW recipe of precision, comfort and linear response.
The Gran Coupe is also available with Integral Active Steering. This system (also available on the 6 Series Coupe and Convertible) combines the Active Steering system for the front axle with a steerable rear axle. Precisely harmonized steering angle movements at both axles create a virtual lengthening or shortening of the vehicle's wheelbase, which fosters both greater high-speed stability and enhanced maneuverability for parking and city use.
The lightweight floating-caliper brakes feature vented discs and Dynamic Stability Control. DSC brings together technology such as the Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control, the Start-off Assistant, the automatic Brake Drying function and Brake Fade Compensation. Standard equipment also includes 8.0 x18-inch light-alloy wheels, with all-season runflat tires (size 245/45 R18) and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Driving Dynamics Control with ECO PRO mode:
Extra-sporty to the most fuel-efficient driving modes - at the press of a button
The new 6 Series Gran Coupe offers impressive driving dynamics combined with new standards of comfort in the premium segment. This is a result of superbly tuned suspension which achieves an astonishing balance between dynamics and comfort. On top of this, drivers are also able to vary the overall character of the car depending on the driving situation or to suit their personal preferences. As well as sportier or more comfortable drive settings, they can also opt for extra fuel efficiency. The different modes are selected using the new Driving Dynamics Control function including ECO PRO mode, which is standard on all 6 Series models. The driver can choose settings of COMFORT+, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and ECO PRO modes using the large rocker switch on the center console. Affected parameters include the tuning of the throttle response, power steering boost assistance, shock absorbers, automatic transmission shift characteristics and - if equipped - roll stabilization and Integral Active Steering. In SPORT+ mode, the Dynamic Traction Control mode of the standard Dynamic Stability Control system is activated, raising the thresholds for stability intervention in the most sport-oriented driving circumstances.
The new ECO PRO mode, meanwhile, supports an extra-efficient and economy-conscious driving style. It does this by changing the accelerator mapping so that the same pedal travel delivers less power than in the standard mode. Also in this mode, the automatic transmission control strategy is modified so as to upshift sooner and to delay downshifts, while intelligent energy and climate management reduces the mechanical power consumption and also the consumption of electrical systems such as heated mirrors and seats. But the biggest potential for improving fuel economy comes from the driver's own personal driving habits. Special displays in the instrument cluster let the driver know by how much the driving range is being extended, show fuel consumption history, or, with reference to the specific driving situation, provide tips and incentives on how to develop a more economy-conscious driving style. ECO PRO mode allows average fuel consumption to be reduced by up to 20%, with a corresponding increase in driving range.
Design: Athletic elegance, natural sportiness
The expressive front end is dominated by the large and slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille. The grille emphasizes the car's sporting pedigree with a broad, flat design, and creates a visual connection with the engine nestling behind. The kidney grille slats, angled slightly towards the top, lend additional emphasis to the front end's "shark nose" character. The contour lines of the hood converge towards the kidney grille, forming a V-shape which is continued by the contours of the headlights, kidney and wide air intake to give a road-focused look.
Powerfully flared wheel arches and the LED foglamps, placed well to the outside, accentuate the width of the front end. The lower air intake is split into three sections by model-specific L-shaped electroplated bars, which pick up the contours of the hood lines and BMW kidney grille to add extra intensity to the road-focused stance of the front end.
High-visibility innovation: Adaptive LED Headlights
However, the Adaptive LED Headlights are about more than just looking good; they also ensure the driver has optimum visibility. Their bright white light provides a bright and even illumination of the road ahead. From a color perspective, the light comes much closer to natural daylight than that created by conventional halogen or xenon headlights, lending even reflective objects far greater contrast. The cornering element of the Adaptive LED Headlights is also tailored to the car's speed, steering angle and yaw rate, allowing the pivot of the headlights to adapt automatically to the line of the corner. Meanwhile, a light source positioned specially in the headlight housing generates the cornering light which, at low speeds, ensures illumination of the road surface in the direction the car is turning. LED technology is also deployed for the turn signal indicators, each of which consists of eight LED units arranged in a row underneath the light rings. As well as enhancing visibility in the dark, the Adaptive LED Headlights also significantly improve the signaling effect of the car's lights.
Side view: Elegant roofline, powerfully curved surfaces
With its long, powerfully contoured hood, set-back passenger compartment, long wheelbase and short overhangs, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe presents a fresh take on the hallmark BMW proportions. The Gran Coupe's distinctive appearance is dominated by its four-door layout, longer wheelbase than other BMW 6 Series models and likewise longer passenger compartment. The low, elegantly stretched roof line, which flows smoothly into the rear end, is a similarly eye-catching and distinctive feature of the new model's silhouette.
The combination of sportiness, style and luxury is particularly clear when viewed from the side. Longer side window surfaces than those found on the two-door BMW 6 Series models hint at the extra space available in the rear compartment. Side windows extending far back into the C-pillar give the passenger compartment the low-slung, stretched look typical of Coupes. The more generous greenhouse also allow light to flood the interior, further enhancing the feeling of space inside and all-round visibility for the rear passengers. High-quality Chrome Line Exterior surrounds for the side windows complement the coupe style window line. The hallmark BMW Hofmeister kink at the transition to the C-pillar is given an extra touch of style in the form of etched "Gran Coupe" model lettering set against a sporty texture in the rear section of the side window.
Another character line, emerging from the curvature of the front wheel arch, drops down between the gill feature and the door, before levelling out and extending horizontally to the rear. The unbroken shadow surface above the side sill emphasises the car's muscular stance from the side.
The rear-end design: horizontal lines and clean surfaces
The two-part, L-shaped rear lights share the contours of the car's BMW 6 Series siblings and each use a pair of LED light strips to generate the distinctive night-time look of a BMW. The third brake light is integrated into the roof and stretches the full length of the rear window.
Interior with BMW's traditional driver-oriented cockpit
The interior of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe reveals the driver-focused cockpit design typical of the brand and a luxurious ambience for all those on board. The central section of the instrument panel is angled slightly towards the driver and the gear selector for the automatic gearbox, the Driving Experience Control switch and the activation button for the parking brake are all positioned on the surface of the center console which opens out towards the driver.The standard Navigation System Professional and iDrive operating system come with 10.2-inch high definition display bordered by a galvanised chrome surround.
Long horizontal lines extending all the way through the interior of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe create a visual link with the second row of seats, emphasising the size of the interior. The elegant lines of the door trim, familiar from the other BMW 6 Series models, continue into the rear compartment, incorporating the B-pillar as a design element along the way. The sweeping design of the door panels flows harmoniously from the front doors via the B-pillars to the rear doors. The center console also stretches through to the rear. Precise contours help to create an intriguing contrast with the interior's soft, curvaceous surfaces, producing a vibrant and dynamic collage of forms.
The waistline surfaces of the doors form a subtly dynamic wedge shape, which extends into the luggage compartment cover. The dynamic character of the door surface design generates a feeling of depth which envelops the passengers in their seats, while the interplay of convex and concave surfaces evokes a sense of exclusive security.
Sporting Character and generous rear space
The interior of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe offers a driving experience defined by sportiness and luxury, and enhanced by a specially generated ambience. The line of the roof pillars reproduces the car's arching roof form inside the car. In the rear compartment, the enveloping interior typical of a Coupe and comfortable seats offer excellent lateral support combined with generous freedom of movement and good visibility out of the car.
Its interior offers individually tailored seats for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers. High-quality materials, carefully coordinated colors and meticulously sculpted surfaces combine to produce an ambience defined by luxury, sweeping style and Teutonic functionality. A hallmark BMW element of the interior design is the driver-oriented cockpit layout. The central section of the instrument panel, containing the iDrive system's Central Display, the air vents and the controls for the audio system and air conditioning, are all angled slightly towards the driver. Added to which, the gearshift lever and the switches for the parking brake and Driving Dynamics Control are located on a surface that opens out towards the driver and is set lower than the front passenger side of the center console.
The front passenger area is bordered by a surface curving elegantly from the armrest over the side edge of the center console, upwards and outwards into the instrument panel and then horizontally into the door trim. This provides a harmonious surround for the front passenger area, creating a feeling of exclusive security. The contour of the rear waistline surface, which extends slightly into the interior between the head restraints, highlights the individual seat layout of the rear.
The black-panel instrument cluster of the Gran Coupe combines the traditional sports car circular instruments with state-of-the-art display technology. The Navigation system, telephone and entertainment functions are operated using the iDrive control system, whose Central Display boasts an innovative design. The on-board monitor takes the form of a freestanding display with a flatscreen look. The high definition display measures 10.2 inches across and features a high-quality galvanized chrome surround. The shallow depth of the display gives it a modern character. Trans-reflective technology ensures the display remains easy-to-read in bright sunlight. The new arrangement of the Central Display - which now reaches further into the passenger compartment -influences the architecture of the instrument panel, which rises steeply in front of the driver and front passenger. This impression is further enhanced by the structure of the door trim panels. Their surfaces have a powerfully taut look and, like the black waistline surface, pull in and rise up to create a smooth transition into the instrument panel, giving the interior the effect of wrapping around the driver and front passenger.
The optional Luxury Seating Package 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. While the Gran Coupe is primarily designed as a four seater, a fifth person can be accommodated in the rear compartment.
The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe can be ordered in a choice of nine metallic exterior paint shades and three non-metallic colors. Other exclusive paint finishes are available as part of the BMW Individual range and in conjunction with the M Sport package. The colors and materials available for the interior, meanwhile, have been selected to enhance the feeling of elegant sportiness and luxury, and can be tailored to the customer's personal style. The standard Dakota leather can be ordered in a choice of three colors, the optional Exclusive Nappa leather is available in four different shades and extended Merino leather is available in five varieties (in combination with the Individual Composition or M Sport Packages). The instrument panel, door trim and center console are also finished in Nappa leather with contrasting stitching when the Nappa Leather option is selected. Customers can also choose from four interior trim variants and optional ceramic applications for the gear selector, iDrive Controller and other controls. Additional exclusive trims are available as part of the BMW Individual range and in conjunction with the M Sport package.
M Sport package and BMW Individual range available from launch
An M Sport package developed specially for the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is available from the launch of the new car. Among the features included are an M aerodynamics package with uniquely designed front fascia, side skirts and rear fascia. The M Sport package also includes exhaust tips in black chrome, black-painted brake callipers, LED foglamps, a sports exhaust system for the BMW 650i Gran Coupe and 19-inch light-alloy wheels in M double-spoke design. 20-inch light-alloy wheels in M double-spoke design are also available as a package upgrade. Customers ordering the M Sport package may also opt for the M paint finishes Carbon Black metallic and Imola Red non-metallic.
The sporting theme continues inside the car in the form of special M Alcantara/leather sports seats with blue contrast stitching, an M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and gearshift paddles, and aluminum hexagon interior trim. Plus, the M Sport package adds door sill finishers sporting the M logo and an M driver's footrest to the mix.
Also available from launch is the BMW Individual range of products, which allows customers to tailor the exterior and interior of their BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe precisely and exclusively to their personal style. The four BMW Individual paint shades are joined in the range by BMW Individual special paint finishes and a selection of matt paint finishes. For example, the BMW Individual matt finish Frozen Bronze metallic is available exclusively for the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. BMW Individual light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design can be specified in 19 and 20-inch format. Those looking to give the interior of their car a particularly exclusive aura, meanwhile, may like to add BMW Individual fine-grain Merino full leather trim, an Alcantara BMW Individual roof liner, BMW Individual interior strips and the BMW Individual wood inlay for the steering wheel.
All the items in the BMW Individual range can also be ordered as individual options. And the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is also available with a BMW Individual composition of products in a perfectly judged combination of colors and materials.
New lightweight technology, comprehensive safety equipment
The new BMW Gran Coupe is fitted with newly developed lightweight seats with an integrated seatbelt system and standard 20-way multi-contour adjustability and adjustable lumbar support. Optionally, the Luxury Seating Package adds front multi-Contour ventilated seats and active fatigue reduction feature. All seat variants come with crash-activated anti-whiplash head restraints. The range of standard safety equipment also includes front airbags, head-thorax side airbags integrated into the seat frame, three-point automatic belts for all seats, belt force limiters and front belt pre-tensioners and ISOFIX child seat mounts in the rear. Carefully researched advances in materials and development of the car's load-bearing structure have significantly enhanced the body's construction in terms of the agility and safety it offers. In the interests of perfect balance, the doors, hood and front spring mounts are all aluminum, while the front fenders and trunklid are made from reinforced composite.
Cutting-edge features from BMW ConnectedDrive
The new BMW 650i Coupe is available with a great variety of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive. The comprehensive Driver Assistance Package includes Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Rear and Top View cameras, Parking Assistant, and the new three-dimensional, full-color Head-Up Display that premiered in the 6 Series Convertible last year. Also available are BMW's Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection and Active Cruise Control with stop-and-go capability.
HiFi stereo system
The standard HiFi audio system in the new Gran Coupe comes with an HD Radio receiver, MP3-compatible CD drive, AUX-IN connection, and a HiFi loudspeaker system with nine speakers. The available Premium Sound Package adds SiriusXM satellite radio with a 1-year subscription, iPod and USB adapter, and the Premium HiFi system comprised of 12 loudspeakers and a digital amplifier. It features DIRAC signal processing and model-specific equalizing.
Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System delivers an unparalleled audio experience
When it comes to delivering audio pleasure of the highest order, the Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System designed especially for the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe hits all the right notes. Jointly developed by the Danish audio specialists and BMW, this system produces an exceptionally natural sound from 16 speakers distributed around the cabin. It is a fully active system featuring digital signal processing, which means the two bass speakers, seven mid-range speakers and seven tweeters all have individual amplifiers. This technology enables the targeted modification of any sound reflections inside the vehicle. The Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System uses Dirac Dimensions(tm) technology to recreate the acoustics of a reference listening room in the passenger compartment. All vehicle occupants therefore enjoy the same high-quality sound stage wherever they are sitting.
The electrical signals are converted into precisely defined sound waves using neodymium magnet drivers, and the mid-range speakers feature extremely stiff Hexacone diaphragms. The outstanding quality of the Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System is underlined by exclusive design features. The form and color of the advanced all-aluminum speaker grilles have been tailored precisely to the interior design of the new Gran Coupe. The special perforation pattern of the grilles is created using a very sophisticated drilling technique. The grille mounts are not visible from the outside, ensuring that the grilles stand out from their surroundings by appearing to float in a slightly raised position above the surface. This exclusive ambience is further enhanced by a discreet lighting effect, which showcases the contours of the sound sources with a subtly impressive effect. The B&O Acoustic Lens Technology element in the center of the instrument panel area adds both a visual feature and is an acoustic innovation. As soon as the audio system is activated, the central element containing the integrated mid-range speaker pops up, prompting the tweeter lens to be extended at the same time. The tweeter lens distributes its signals evenly at 180 degrees throughout the interior. This extraordinarily harmonious horizontal dispersion of sound is achieved through the special design of the lens, which also minimizes unwanted vertical sound dispersion.
Industry leading new-generation Head-Up Display
The new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe can be equipped with the most advanced Head-Up Display system in the premium segment. By projecting important information onto the windshield, directly in the driver's line of sight, the Head-Up Display minimizes distraction from the road and traffic. This latest-generation system brings a further improvement in display quality: the symbols are projected as three-dimensional graphics and in ultra-clear resolution onto the windshield. Full-color capability makes the road sign symbols even more realistic. At the same time the Head-Up Display is now able to present a wider range of information. Depending on vehicle specification, guidance information supplied by the Navigation system, Check Control messages, status messages from the Lane Departure Warning System and warnings from the BMW Night Vision system can all be shown in the Head-Up Display. The positioning of the messages on the windshield is highly ergonomic, so that drivers are aware of them without having to refocus or take their eyes off the road.
The intensity of the projection automatically adjusts to the ambient light level, and the brightness setting can be adjusted via the iDrive menu. The driver can also choose what information will appear in the Head-Up Display in addition to road speed and warnings from the driver assistance systems.
Rear-View, Top View, and Side View Cameras
To supplement the standard Park Distance Control, which uses ultrasonic sensors to monitor distance from objects in front or behind, the Gran Coupe also features a standard rear-view camera. The camera is integrated in the trunklid under the BMW "roundel" badge, which protects it from dirt. When the rear-view camera is activated, the roundel badge pivots up out of the way to expose the camera lens. The perspective-corrected color images are relayed to the Central Display. Superimposed on the images are interactive tracking lines which indicate the optimal steering angle for parking, as well as the tightest turning circle.
The optional Top View system with Side View provides an even more comprehensive picture. In addition to the rear-view camera and the PDC sensors, this system also uses a fish-eye camera in each of the side mirrors. The data acquired by Top View is relayed to a central computer which generates a bird's eye view of both vehicle and surroundings and presents the image in the Central Display. This view allows the driver to maneuver precisely in confined spaces.
The Side View function uses two cameras integrated in the front fenders to provide an improved view of cross-traffic at speeds below 10mph. These images are relayed to the Central Display where they may give the driver an early idea of what is happening on the road to the left and right of the car when pulling out from narrow and concealed gateways or car park exits.
The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe: Production in Dingolfing, Germany
The new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is built alongside its other 6 Series siblings at the BMW plant in Dingolfing, Germany. Also rolling off the assembly line at the BMW Group's largest production plant are the BMW 7 Series and BMW 5 Series models. The flexible and efficient processes at the plant combine state-of-the-art production technology with a standard of quality defined by meticulous craftsmanship in the manufacture of premium cars configured to customer order and satisfaction.
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