BMW has finally joined the “four-door coupe” genre with its elegant new 6 Series Gran Coupé, due for international launch early next year and for South African showrooms not long after.
The 6 Series Gran Coupé will go head-to-head with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7 and is billed as a 4+1 seater, providing centre rear space for the occasional fifth passenger (but not a big one!). Compared with other models in the BMW line-up, the Gran Coupe is 111 mm longer than the 6 Series Coupé and 34 mm wider than the BMW 550i.
The interior, of course, is laden with BMW latest high-tech features, some of which are standard, and some for which you will pay extra. Available are the latest generation head-up-display (HUD), lane departure warning, surround view camera and a parking assistant systems. A premium Bang & Olufsen sound system is offered as an extra, too.
The first two models that are likely to reach South Africa are the 640i and 650i. The former is powered by the turbocharged in-line six (N55HP) engine that develops 225 kW, good enough for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5,4 seconds. The 650i makes use of the turbocharged V8 (N63) engine that for this purpose develops 330 kW. A 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4,6 seconds is claimed. Both engines are mated with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission. An M version, sporting the same drivetrain as the new M5, is rumoured to be under development, too.
The Gran Coupé comes equipped with an integrated Driving Dynamics system, allowing the driver to tailor the car to his/her current driving mood. On the options list are; Comfort+, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Eco Pro, for very economy-biased driving. Dynamic Damper Control is standard, but a roll stabilization system is optional.
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