Following the introduction of the Convertible and Coupé BMW 6 Series models, the Gran Coupe is the third model in the line-up and the first four door Coupe in the history of the brand.
The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe represents an unusual synergy of the dynamics typical of a Coupe and the functional versatility of a four-door vehicle. The Gran Coupe measures 5,007 millimetres. This is achieved by extending the wheelbase by 113 millimetres to 2,968 millimetres compared to the BMW 6 Series Coupe and Convertible.
The interior design is the embodiment of a perfect combination of elegance 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 extended wheelbase when compared to the BMW 6 Series Coupe (113 millimetres longer) 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. 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 straight six-cylinder petrol engine features BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, High-Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC combined with Double VANOS. Its single turbocharger operates according to the Twin Scroll principle, by which the pulsating gas streams from three cylinders at a time are guided to the turbine wheel in separate spiral-shaped paths. In this way, a power output of 235 kW is mobilised at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm from a 3-litre displacement. The engine delivers a maximum torque of 450 Nm between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. The BMW 640i Gran Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, while average fuel consumption of 7.9 litres/100 km is achieved, with CO2 emission levels of 183 grams per kilometre.
The remarkable blend of driving pleasure and low fuel consumption stems from the outstanding efficiency of the engine coupled with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, not to mention the benefits delivered by BMW EfficientDynamics technology. Technical features contribute to efficiency, include brake energy regeneration, electromechanical power steering, ancillary units that operate on demand, the disengageable air conditioning compressor, intelligent use of lightweight materials as well as the active air flap control to reduce drag.
The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is the only vehicle in its class that can be optionally equipped with Integral Active Steering. In addition to regulating the amount of speed-dependent steering assistance and the steering angle of the front wheels, it also controls the steering angle of the rear wheels. The precisely coordinated wheel angles ensure a high level of agility in dynamic driving situations, comfortable and superior vehicle response when changing lanes and in bends, as well as optimised manoeuvrability in narrow bends and city traffic.
Dynamic Damper Control is available as an option. The system's electronically controlled dampers adaptively adjust to suit both the road condition and style of driving. Driving characteristics are optimised even further by means of the optionally available system Adaptive Drive, which also comprises Active Roll Stabilisation. Electronically controlled stabilisers reduce, among other things, the amount of side tilt when taking bends at higher speeds and in the event of sudden changes in direction.
The electromechanical parking brake of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is operated via a button on the centre console. If it is pressed while driving, the braking system is supplied with medium deceleration and ABS-controlled via the DSC hydraulic system. The electromechanical parking brake comprises an Auto Hold function, which enhances comfort particularly in stop-&-go traffic. When the vehicle comes to a halt, it is automatically held at a standstill – even on hills – by constant brake pressure until such time as the driver uses the accelerator pedal again. The Auto Hold function is activated and deactivated via a separate button located on the centre console.
Brake energy regeneration featured as standard ensures by means of intelligent energy management that the generation of electricity for the vehicle's electrical system is utilised during the overrun and braking phases. 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.
Additional exclusive options can be selected to give the car a personal touch. Among the highlights in the range of optional equipment are and the Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System, the M Sports package, or buyers may prefer the BMW Individual content designed specifically for this vehicle which includes a unique matte frozen bronze exterior paint colour.
A collision warning system incorporating brake activation is also a part of this functionality. It can be enabled independently of the cruise control system and is active from 15 km/h up to the maximum speed of the vehicle. The system uses radar sensors combined with a camera, positioned between the windscreen and the rear view mirror, to determine the distance to the vehicles on the road ahead. The collision warning system generates a two-stage alarm. As an initial warning, a visual signal appears on the instrument panel indicating a potentially dangerous situation. The level at which this initial warning triggers can be individually configured by the driver and is one of the settings in the iDrive menu. When an urgent warning is issued, an acoustic alarm sounds and the symbol flashes, prompting the driver to intervene. Simultaneously, a braking procedure is initiated. For a period of up to 1.2 seconds, the vehicle is slowed at a deceleration 3 m/s2.
Eight metallic finishes and two non-metallic colours are available for the exterior of the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. Additional exclusive paintwork can be ordered in conjunction with the BMW Individual and the M Sports packages. For the sporty and luxurious interior, a rich choice of colours and premium materials is offered to satisfy individual customer preferences. The standard Dakota leather upholstery is available in three colours, whereas the optional exclusive Nappa leather is offered in four. If desired, the instrument panel, door panels and the centre console can also be enhanced with exclusive Nappa leather. Instead of the raised felled seams in black, double-felled seams are also available in colours that contrast appropriately with the seat surfaces. There is also a choice of three interior trim lines. Exclusive ceramic applications for the gear selector, the iDrive Controller and other cockpit controls can be ordered as options.
