2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe

The new 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, a four-door, four-passenger sibling to the 6 Series Coupe, arrives late next summer in the U.S., taking aim at such premium "quad coupe" competitors as the Audi A7 and the Mercedes-Benz CLS.

BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe

First seen as the Concept Gran Concept at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show, the 6 Series Gran Coupe will hit the U.S. market initially as a six-cylinder model, the 640i Gran Coupe, powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 rated at 315 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque � enough muscle to provide 0-60 acceleration in less than 5.4 seconds, while returning average fuel economy of 30 mpg on the EU test cycle.

BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe

Following later in the year are two V8 versions, the 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel-drive 650i xDrive Gran Coupe. Both models feature a more potent variant of BMW's twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, rated at 445 hp and 480 lb-ft. Zero-60 acceleration takes less than 4.6 seconds in either model; fuel economy averages 27 mpg.

All three 6 Series Gran Coupe variants use BMW's eight-speed automatic transmission, and all have top speed restricted to 155 mph.

BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe

BMW calls the 6 Series Gran Coupe a four-passenger model, but says a fifth passenger � presumably a non-adult � can fit in the rear seat. The four-door Gran Coupe is 4.4 inches longer than the standard two-door 6 Series Coupe, with much of the additional length in the rear compartment.

BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe

As with the 6 Series Coupe, the 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will offer a full array of cutting-edge technology, infotainment and safety systems. Options include adaptive LED headlamps, Active Roll Stabilization, Integral Active Steering, active cruise control, night vision with pedestrian detection, and a Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system.

BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe

Among the option packages are a Luxury Seating package that bundles ventilated multicontour seats, rear sunshades and a four-zone climate control system, and a Driver Assistance package with lane departure warning, active blind spot detection, rear- and top view cameras, a parking assistant and a three-dimensional, full-color head-up display.

An M Sport package, available at launch, includes an M aerodynamics kit with unique front fascia, side skirts and rear fascia, as well as black chrome exhaust tips, black-painted brake calipers, LED foglamps, a sport exhaust system and a choice of 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels that replace the standard 18-inch rims. Optional M paint finishes include Carbon Black metallic and Imola Red non-metallic. M Sport interior upgrades include Alcantara/leather sport seats with blue contrast stitching, an M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and gearshift paddles, and aluminum trim.

Articles Source : bmwseries/carnews