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2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe: What Is It?

BMW is entering the “4-door coupe” fray with this entry. The 6-Series Gran Coupe essentially uses a stretched version of the basic platform found on the company’s 2-door 6-Series coupe. The GC seats up to 5 passengers, though BMW calls this arrangement “4+1″ so we have to figure that whoever occupies the middle section in the back seat won’t be too happy about it.

The 6-Series Gran Coupe comes to market against other similar purpose, high-end German cars including the Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Though it’s priced significantly less, we’ll also include the Jaguar XF on the list of competitors.

2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe: What’s New

Neither the basic design nor many of the features of this car are “new” in the sense that BMW introduced them on the 2012 6-Series coupe and convertible. The drivetrain of the entry-level 640i comes from the coupe while the top-line 650i gets a few upgrades to make it more powerful than the 2-door. BMW is positioning the Gran Coupe between its mainstream midsize 5-Series and large 7-Series sedans.

2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe: Model Lineup, Features, and Options

The 6-Series Gran Coupe follows its 2-door siblings’ naming convention. The base 640i arrives at dealerships first, followed by the uplevel 650i.

The 640i’s standard equipment list largely mirrors that of its 2-door counterpart. It includes leather upholstery, navigation system, HD Radio receiver, steering-linked xenon headlights, rearview camera, power sunroof, and front- and rear-obstacle detection.

Options include heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats (not available on the 2-door), heated steering wheel, power rear sunshade, 4-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, and a high-end Bang & Olufsen audio system.

The M Sport Package includes an increased top-speed limiter, specific wheels and tires, and sport trim.

BMW Individual Composition includes unique exterior and interior trim that’s not available in any other form, either via package or standalone option.

Standard and optional equipment for the 650i was not available at time of writing.

2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe: Engines, Transmissions, and Drive Wheels

All BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe models offer rear-wheel drive and include an 8-speed automatic transmission. Due in late-calendar 2012 is a 650i with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive.

Standard on the 640i is a 315-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine. The 650i gets a 445-horsepower turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. This is 45 horsepower more than the 2-door 650i coupe and convertible.

BMW has not announced a high-performance M6 version, but we wouldn’t be surprised if one became available sometime in calendar 2013 as a 2014 model.

2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe: Fuel Economy

EPA estimated fuel economy for the Gran Coupe was not available at time of writing.

2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe: Safety Features

The 2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe includes the standard complement of expected and federally mandated safety features. Blind-spot alert and lane-departure warning are optional as part of the Driver Assistance Package.

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