- Coupe in name and styling, but with four doors
- Long and low, riding on the 5 Series wheelbase but measuring 4 inches longer
- Three engine choices, with all-wheel drive available
Some of BMW's fiercest competitors offer sleek and luxurious four-door vehicles with coupe-like styling - think Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7. Each of those cars is similar in size to the E-Class and A6 respectively, but with a more exclusive and sportier presentation. Now BMW has joined the four-door coupe segment. The new 6 Series Gran Coupe is the first-ever four-door 6 Series. It debuts at the Geneva Auto Show and will be offered with three engine choices and available all-wheel drive. The Gran Coupe includes luxurious standard appointments and a broad range of high-performance and high-technology options.
While the wheelbase is identical to that of the 5 Series sedan, the Gran Coupe measures four inches longer, with a lower beltline and roof. With a long, low hood and additional front and rear overhang, the Coupe looks stretched out compared with the more upright 5 Series. Passenger space has not been confirmed, but cargo space is improved over the 5 Series, thanks in part to folding rear seats that add 28.5 cubic feet of space to the 16.2-cubic foot trunk.
Under the hood, Gran Coupe buyers will have a choice of three engines. A 320-horsepower turbocharged inline-six powers the 640i model while the 650i gets a 450-horsepower twin-turbo V8. A diesel unit has not been confirmed for the US, but will power the 640d in Europe. All powertrains use an 8-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is offered for the V8 variant. BMW's EfficientDynamics program, included standard, promotes economy with a start-stop function and an economy driving mode.
The 6 Series Gran Coupe is also equipped with upscale standard features like leather interior, two-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights. Optional equipment includes adaptive headlights, four-zone climate control, sport seats, navigation and a Bang & Olufsen audio system. High-tech features like a parking assist system and a heads-up display can also be specified.
BMW says the seating arrangement in the Gran Coupe is "4+1", not five-passenger like the 5 Series. While the new four-door has a rear center seating position, it's not as accommodating as the one in the 5 Series. If space for five is a necessity, a typical sedan may be a wiser choice. If not, the 6 Series Gran Coupe offers near-sedan-level practicality in a sporty and exclusive package. We look forward to a closer look at Geneva.
What it means to you: BMW's entry into the four-door coupe segment, the 6 Series Gran Coupe, makes its debut at this year's upcoming Geneva Auto Show.
