2013 BMW 6 SERIES GRAN COUPE

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
BRUCE HUBBARD
BRADLEY HUBBARD

Founded in 1916, Bavarian Motor Works, or BMW, considers its cars to be the "Ultimate Driving Machine." BMW produces luxury cars and SUVs that are potent performers and rich with features. A wonderful blend of performance and luxury help BMW vehicles appeal to a large and diverse demographic.

Since 2004 the 6 Series has had a following. Over the years a convertible was added. Superb fun to drive convertible is one of our favorites. And now they have decided to use the engineers and designers to computers in the four door coupe market.  So far it is a winner not only in design but the electronics, chassis, engines, components that make up the 6 Series Gran Coupe. Early summer the first models arrive but over the next year as you will find out two other engines arrive.

BMW in their press release stated the  2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe – a new 4-door, 4+1 seat addition to the 6 Series line successfully combines the stunning proportions, design and driving dynamics of the 6 Series Coupe.

BMW press materials further state that perfect proportions, precise lines and sleekly contoured surfaces give the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe the unique ability to satisfy the driver who wants a luxurious and sporty coupe yet needs a car capable of carrying four adults in comfort and luxury. We agree!

No longer will Mercedes CLS, Porsche  Panamera or Audi A7 Sportback have the 4 door 4 passenger alternative. Competition is growing in this four door coupe market. They are all so good it is hard to pick the best.   The new Gran Coupe joins the 6 series convertible and sedan already sold.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will be offered as three distinct models in the US. The TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder BMW 640i Gran Coupe is the initial model and arrives in late June with an MSRP of $76,895. Later in the summer, the TwinPower Turbo V-8 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel drive BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the range. These models will be priced at $87,395 and $90,395 respectively (all prices include $895 Handling and Destination).

The Gran Coupe has a length of 197 inches and wheelbase of 116.8 inches. This makes the Gran Coupe  4.4 inches 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  wide and stands 54.8 inches in height. For comparison purposes, the Gran Coupe is 4.0 inches longer, 1.3 inches  wider and 2.8 inches lower than the BMW 550i.

The 6 Series Coupe trunk space is just a 13.0 cubic foot luggage compartment.

Designers from BMW state that the long powerfully contoured hood, short front overhang and set-back passenger compartment team up with a 4.4 inch  increase in body length over the 6 Series Coupe and a 4.5 inch  longer wheelbase give the Gran Coupe a fresh take on the hallmark proportions of a BMW automobile.

The innovations in the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe BMW press kit adds also extend to lighting technology, in the form of optional Adaptive LED Headlights. Their bright white light provides an extremely intense and evenly spread illumination of the road. This technology is unparalleled in the segment and also allows the beam of the headlights to follow the curves of the road.

Other features that set the new car apart from its rivals are the BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems and mobility services. The rear-view camera, Surround View, Parking Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane Departure Warning System and Active Blind Spot Detection are joined on the list of available equipment items by the newest generation of the BMW Head-Up-Display. The latest incarnation of the system uses a full spectrum of colors to display the information projected onto the windshield. The standard BMW iDrive control system is the operating portal for the navigation, communications and infotainment functions. The high definition, trans-reflective technology Control Display is centrally mounted high on the sweeping dash and emulates a freestanding flatscreen. Finally, the optional Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System provides a feast of aural pleasure seldom experienced inside a car. The system is simply amazing!

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.

BMW’s engineers state they have managed to extract additional performance from the engine while maintaining its exceptional fuel efficiency.  They state fine tuning ? I will have to believe them for data has not been provided yet.  Perhaps after a long test drive in the summer we will through our staff get all the figures on performance, torque, acceleration and fuel economy.  BMW states again in their press release that with a maximum power rating of 315 hp  at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm, the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine reflects the sporty personality of the BMW 640i Gran Coupe delivering superb performance. The high peak torque of 330 lb-ft starts at 1,300 and moves up to 4,500 rpm ensuring that the power is effortlessly and instantly delivered.

The 640i Gran Coupe times from 0 to 60 mph time of just 5.4 seconds. Top speed is electronically governed at 155 mph. All this extra performance comes with exceptional fuel economy and low emission figures.

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.

BMW said that 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 (N63Tü) 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 lb-ft increase).

 The new BMW 650i Gran Coupe gets to  0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. This engine also boasts extraordinary efficiency for a model in its output class. EPA fuel economy ratings for this model will be available closer to the on-sale date in summer 2012.

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 60 mph is just 4.3 seconds.

The 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission in the  BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe BMW brags will boasts a perfect combination of speed, flexibility, sportiness, and efficiency. What sets it apart are its minimal torque converter slip and rapid gear changes. A gear set configuration allows this transmission to offer eight gears, maximizing acceleration at any road speed, yet allowing the driver to conserve fuel by cruising at low revs. The driver can choose to select gears manually via shift paddles on the standard Sport leather steering wheel.

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.

State of the art chassis technology gives the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe the tools to provide both sporty handling and exceptional comfort. The double wishbone front suspension and the multi-link rear suspension 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 works in concert 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. Just an amazing system.

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 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 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 suspension with a steerable rear suspension. Precisely harmonized steering angle movements of both front and rear wheels 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.

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, on the other hand, 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. 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.

The Gran Coupe’s extra length and width over its 2 door model combine with its low height (2.8 inches lower than a 5 Series) to produce a strikingly low-set and powerful design.

The Gran Coupe’s front end is dominated by the large and slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille. 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 new Gran Coupe is equipped with standard Adaptive Xenon headlights. An accentuating trim element cuts across the top of the hallmark BMW twin round headlights to produce the purposeful look familiar from other BMW models. The optional Adaptive LED Headlights, available as a stand-alone option or as part of the BMW Individual Composition Package. The light sources are horizontal LED ribs positioned in the center of the light rings. This results in the brand’s hallmark twin round headlight look being expressed even more strikingly - not only with the daytime running lights switched on, but also when the headlights are activated in the dark.

The Adaptive LED Headlights are, however, 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.

  

Clearly structured surfaces and horizontal lines add further presence to the car’s powerful rear end, which acts as a pointer to the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe’s impressive roadholding and the sporting nature of the vehicle concept as a whole. The lines of the rear end become noticeably broader as they blend into the wheel arches bulge. All of which gives the rear view an extremely low visual center of gravity. The conspicuously flared wheel arches spotlight the car’s wide track and underline the horizontally structured character of the rear. The trunk lid and rear fascia both have flatter surfacing than their counterparts on the other BMW 6 Series models. The more clearly sculpted sill emphasises the overall volume of the rear end and brings striking details such as the rear lights and exhaust tailpipes more clearly into view.

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.

The standard Navigation System Professional and iDrive operating system come with 10.2-inch high definition display bordered by a galvanised chrome surround.

  

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.

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 eight metallic exterior paint shades and two 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 Full 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.

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, 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 and leather sports seats with blue contrast stitching, an M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and gearshift paddles, and aluminium 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.

  

One of the highlights of the BMW Individual range of interior options is the Opal White full-leather trim specially developed for the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, combined with the interior color Amaro Brown. Here, the leather-covered instrument panel and Alcantara BMW Individual roof liner are also presented in Amaro Brown. The selection of materials, combinations of colors and a quality of workmanship showcase the exclusive character of the BMW Individual range. White contrast stitching for the instrument panel, armrest and door trim match the Opal White seats and door panels, while Amaro Brown seat stitching and piping complements the effect on the seats and door panels. In addition, BMW Individual Ash Grain White fine wood trim adds a particularly high-quality touch to the interior and fits in seamlessly with the overall color concept.

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.

The new BMW Gran Coupe is fitted with newly developed lightweight seats with an integrated seatbelt system, 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.

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 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 speakers and a digital amplifier. It features DIRAC signal processing and model-specific equalizing.

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.

According to BMW the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe can be equipped with the most advanced Head-Up Display system in the industry either as an option or as part of the Driver Assistance Package. 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.

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 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, available as a stand-alone option or as part of the Driver Assistance Package, 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.

    

There are a number of packages that make it possible to tailor the 640i Gran Coupe to individual tastes.

Driver Assistance Package – $3,700

• Lane Departure Warning
• Active Blind Spot Detection
• Side and Top View Cameras
• Parking Assistant
• Head-up Display

Luxury Seating Package – $3,600

• Power rear sunshade with manual rear side window shades
• Ventilated front seats
• Active multi-contour front seats
• 4-zone climate control

M Sport Package – $4,200

• 19-inch M double-spoke wheels with performance tires
• 20-inch M double-spoke wheel upgrade ($1,300)
• M steering wheel
• M aerodynamic kit
• Anthracite alcantara headliner
• Increased top-speed limiter to 155 mph  (250 km/h)

Cold Weather Package – $1,000

• Heated front and rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Ski-bag

BMW Individual Composition – $8,300

• 19-inch BMW Individual V-spoke light alloy wheels
•  20-inch BMW Individual V-spoke light alloy wheel upgrade ($1,300)
• Full LED headlights
• Shadowline trim
• Alcantara headliner in anthracite or upholstery color
• Individual door-sill finishers
• Individual trim in Piano Black, Dark Red Sycamore or White Ash Grain wood trim
• Full Merino Leather upholstery in Platinum/Black, Opal White, Amaro Brown or Champagne
• Opal White/Amaro Brown Merino Leather also available
• Individual exterior paint finishes available as an upgrade ($1,800)
• Citrin Black Metallic, Ruby Black Metallic, Moonstone Metallic, Tanzanite Blue Metallic
• Frozen Bronze metallic exterior available ($3,500)

Premium Sound Package – $950

• Premium sound system
• SiriusXM satellite radio with 1-year subscription

There are also a number of individual options available to further tailor the 640i Gran Coupe:

• Active Roll Stabilization – $2,500
• 19-inch V-spoke wheels with performance tires – $1,300
• Integral Active Steering – $1,700
• Power rear sunshade – $1,000
• with manual rear side window shades
•  included in Luxury Seating Package
• Instrument panel with leather finish – $3,000
• Heated front seats – $500
• Included in Cold Weather Package
• Ceramic Controls – $650
• Full LED Headlights – $1,900
• Included with BMW Individual Composition
• Active Cruise Control – $2,400
• Head-up Display – $1,300
• Included in Driver Assistance Package
• Bang & Olufsen Sound System – $3,700
• Requires Premium Sound Package
• BMW Apps – $650
• Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection – $2,600
• Dark Red Sycamore Wood interior trim – $1,080
• No charge with BMW Individual Composition
• Piano Black interior trim – $1,080
• No charge with BMW Individual Composition
• White Ash Grain Wood interior trim – $1,080
• No charge with BMW Individual Composition
• Wood inlay steering wheel – $800

The 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe arrives in US showrooms in late June 2012. Later in the summer, the TwinPower Turbo V-8 powered BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel drive BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the range.

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.

This is a superb vehicle from first inspection and we cannot wait to test drive each version.  BMW did a marvelous job with the new Gran Coupe.

Buyers expect this from BMW and they will be very happy to test drive any version.

BRUCE HUBBARD

BRADLEY HUBBARD

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP