The four-door "coupe" trend shows no signs of abating in the luxury segment. In fact, with the debut of the 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe one could even say that it is gathering steam. BMW continues to expand into every conceivable niche with the Gran Coupe, a model that slots somewhere between the 5 Series sedan, the 6 Series coupe and the 7 Series flagship in terms of mission while potentially sailing higher than all three when it comes to price.
Let's take a look at 10 things you need to know about the 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.
The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe might share its name with the actual two-door 6 Series model, but make no mistake: this four-door coupe cuts its own unique profile. Seen from the front, the 6 Series Gran Coupe certainly shares more than a few styling cues with its true-coupe cousin, and is just as wide, but its overall size places it squarely in the full-size cruiser category. The Gran Coupe is just a few inches shy of the big 7 Series in terms of length, and its low ride height helps to visually stretch out the vehicle even more. This works to the advantage of the automobile's aggressively-sloped roofline, further driving home its coupe-like image.
02. The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe Shares The 5 Series Platform
Underneath its skin - and despite its additional length - the 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is essentially riding on the same chassis as the BMW 5 Series. This is certainly not a bad thing, as the 5 Series is one of the most highly regarded sport sedans on the market. It does mean, however, that for all of its length the 6 Series Gran Coupe maintains the same wheelbase as the 5 Series, which means that its interior dimensions don't exactly live up to the promise of the vehicle's first impression. The 6 Series Gran Coupe is also heavier than its sedan sibling, which makes it slightly less nimble in the corners.
03. The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe Will Offer Two Engine Options
The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is initially outfitted with a 3.0-liter, turbocharged six-cylinder engine that can be counted on to provide 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. For those looking for additional thrust a 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V-8 is also in the cards, and this unit grinds out an appreciable 445 horses and 480 lb-ft of twist. The former engine enables the Gran Coupe to reach 60-mph from a standing start in just over five seconds, while the eight-cylinder should turn the same trick in 4.5 seconds. All-wheel drive will also be available with the Gran Coupe as BMW rolls out additional drivetrains after the vehicle's debut.
04. The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe Comes With An Eight-Speed Automatic
The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is offered with an advanced automatic transmission that features eight forward gears. Although official fuel mileage numbers have yet to be released, the eight-speed transmission has already been deployed across the BMW lineup and it promises to deliver decent efficiency in the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe without sacrificing performance in the process. The vehicle also comes with an automatic start/stop feature that reduces the amount of time that the Gran Coupe spends idling at intersections thanks to its ability to seamlessly turn the engine on and off.
05. The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe Delivers An Engaging Ride
The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe comes with an adaptive chassis design that features the availability of Driving Dynamics Control, which allows for pilots to dial in suspension response ranging from soft and comfortable all the way up to harsher, more track-suited settings. The 6 Series Gran Coupe is also capable of actively fighting against body roll while cornering, includes an optional Integral Active Steering System that improves turn-in, and comes with Driver Performance Control which allows for the throttle, steering, and shifting to vary from eco-minded, comfort-oriented, or full-in sport.
06. The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe Will Be Available In Several Different Trim Levels
When it first goes on sale the 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will be limited to the 640i trim. This version of the car features the turbocharged, six-cylinder engine and comes with a long list of standard equipment: adaptive HID headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED fog lights, leather seats, dual automatic climate control, parking assistance, HD radio, a navigation system, dynamic cruise control, and Bluetooth connectivity. Eventually, the 650i will bring with it not just gobs more power thanks to its twin-turbo V-8, but also a significant upgrade in terms of the features that are included right out of the box.
07. The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe Makes Available High End Options
As with all modern BMWs, the 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe can be configured via an extensive list of options and packages. Some are fairly straightforward, such as the Cold Weather package and its heated seats and steering wheel, and the Luxury Seating package which installs active front seats (to better hold occupants in place through the turns), four zones of automatic climate control, ventilated front buckets, and the contents of the Cold Weather package. Other options groupings include the Driver Assistance Package (blind spot monitoring, head-up display, top-view and side cameras, lane-departure warning), the M Sport package (unique colors and rims, aero body kit, higher top speed, M steering wheel), and the Premium Sound package.
08. The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe Will Gain An M Edition
On top of its solid base model and the impressive power of the 650i, the 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will gain its own unique M edition. Over and above the mostly cosmetic aspects of the M Sport package, the BMW M6 Gran Coupe will offer significantly more power from a highly-tuned edition of the 650i's engine that should delivery close to 600 horses - more than enough output to overcome the M6 Gran Coupe's considerable heft. The M model will likely swap out the current eight-speed automatic for a more performance-ready seven-speed automated manual unit, and the suspension system will be stiffened up in order to keep the M6 Gran Coupe as stable as possible when thrashed around a race track.
09. The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe Puts Safety First
The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe can be equipped with formidable safety options, such as those listed above under the heading of the Drive Assistance package. Even without this optional gear, however, the 6 Series Gran Coupe still does an excellent job of protecting the health of vehicle occupants thanks to the inclusion of dual-stage forward airbags, side-impact airbags built into the front seats, knee airbags, and side curtain airbags that deploy along the length of the vehicle's passenger compartment. The 6 Series Gran Coupe also features the BMW Assist telematics system as well as dynamic stability control, brake drying and brake fade compensation, and dynamic traction control.
10. The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe Sets Its Sites High
The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe starts with an MSRP of $76,895, and when scaling the heights of its lineup to the summit (the M6) it is possible to pay well over $100,000 for a version of the new four-door coupe. This places the 6 Series Gran Coupe in a position where it is fighting heady company: the Porsche Panamera can be had for a little bit more money than the Gran Coupe's entry-level price, while the Audi A7 is available for significantly less. Those considering an M6 Gran Coupe will also most likely be shopping for similar models as the Aston Martin Rapide.