BMW has announced that it plans to expand its 6 Series range of cars with the release of the Gran Coupe, the firm’s first four-door coupe.
The 6 Series range of cars from BMW is set to expand to three models in June 2012, with the release of a new four-door coupe combining the classy and sporty looks of the classic grand tourer with the space and practicality of an executive saloon.
With the proportions of a classic grand tourer coupe the Gran Coupe will feature a long bonnet, and sweeping roofline, enlarged by a longer wheelbase to provide the space you would get with an executive saloon. That storage space runs to 460-litres if the seats are up, or if you fold the rear seats down that can be expanded up to 1,265-litres.
Under the bonnet at the top of the range will be a 4.4-litre V8 450bhp TwinPower Turbo direct-injection engine. The all-wheel drive technology will be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission featuring a full suite of EfficientDynamics technology, such as Auto Start-Stop. This will help to ensure good fuel efficiency, which is further enhanced by the extensive use of aluminium in the body, reducing the weight of the vehicle. Because of this, fuel consumption is kept down to allow the car to reach 32.1mpg, with CO2 emissions of 206g/km.
The maximum 450bhp power delivered by this engine is available from 5,500 to 6,000rpm, whilst the peak torque of 479.35lb-ft remains constant from 2,000-4,500rpm. A new feature of this engine is the addition of VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, which improves efficiency, driveability and performance. The acceleration time from 0-62mph is 4.6 seconds.
Inside the car the cabin is designed with BMW's trademark driver-oriented layout, with the iDrive controller, electronic handbrake and automatic gear selector located in the central console. The 6 Series Gran Coupe will be fitted with lightweight sports seats, originally developed for the 6 Series Coupe and Convertible.
Further down the range the 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine which will be fitted in the BMW 640i Gran Coupé also features direct injection, with VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control, Double-VANOS fully variable camshaft control, and a single twin-scroll turbocharger. This produces peak power of 320bhp at 5,800rpm, and has a maximum torque of 332 lb-ft which begins at 1,300rpm and is maintained up to 4,500rpm. This allows the BMW 640i Gran Coupé to sprint up from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds, with the combined fuel economy coming in at 36.2mpg, with 181g/km of CO2 emissions.
There will also be a diesel engine for the 640d Gran Coupe, with fuel economy of 50.4mpg and CO2 emissions of just 148g/km. The diesel engine manages to generate 313bhp at 4,400rpm and 465 lb-ft torque from 1,500-2,500rpm, and matches the 640i for acceleration speed.
All three models will have a top speed of 155mph, and will be offered in two trim levels: SE and M Sport. The higher specification M Sport trim level includes aerodynamic body styling, 19 inch double-spoke light-alloy wheels, dark exhaust tailpipes, black brake calipers, Anthracite headlining, high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and Aluminium Hexagon internal trim.
Optional extras include the most advanced in-car stereo system BMW has ever offered, with Bang & Olufsen Surround Sound developed especially for BMW's 6 Series. This comes with 16 speakers placed around the cabin, all of which have their own individual amplifiers. You can also choose to add Surround-view, Parking Assist, a Lane Change warning system, full colour head-up display, and BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition as well.
The 6 Series Gran Coupe 640i and 640d will be the first to go on sale in the UK on 2 June 2012, and then the 650i is due to join them one month after that. The prices will start at £61,380 for the 640i SE and go up to £75,130 for the 650i M Sport.
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