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Design: Athletic Elegance, Natural Sportiness
The new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe again heralds the arrival of an exceptionally
sporty and exclusive 4-seater in the premium coupe segment. The new model's
extra length and width over its 2 door model combine with its low height (2.8
inches lower than a 5 Series) to produce a strikingly low-set and powerful
design. This new interpretation of the traditional BMW Coupe proportions is
embellished by lines and surfaces inspired by the movement of waves. Flowing
lines and harmonious curves create a feeling of athletic grace which underline
the opulent character and elegant appearance of the four-door BMW.
The expressive front end is dominated by the large and slightly forward-slanting
BMW kidney grille. The grille emphasizes the car's sporting pedigree with a
broad, flat design, and creates a visual connection with the engine nestling
behind. The kidney grille slats, angled slightly towards the top, lend
additional emphasis to the front end's "shark nose" character. The contour lines
of the hood converge towards the kidney grille, forming a V-shape which is
continued by the contours of the headlights, kidney and wide air intake to give
a road-focused look.
With its long, powerfully contoured hood, set-back passenger compartment, long
wheelbase and short overhangs, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe presents a fresh take
on the hallmark BMW proportions. The Gran Coupe's distinctive appearance is
dominated by its four-door layout, longer wheelbase than other BMW 6 Series
models and likewise longer passenger compartment. The low, elegantly stretched
roof line, which flows smoothly into the rear end, is a similarly eye-catching
and distinctive feature of the new model's silhouette.
Clearly structured surfaces and horizontal lines add further presence to the
car's powerful rear end, which acts as a pointer to the BMW 6 Series Gran
Coupe's impressive roadholding and the sporting nature of the vehicle concept as
a whole. The lines of the rear end become noticeably broader as they blend into
the wheel arches bulge. All of which gives the rear view an extremely low visual
center of gravity. The conspicuously flared wheel arches spotlight the car's
wide track and underline the horizontally structured character of the rear. The
trunk lid and rear fascia both have flatter surfacing than their counterparts on
the other BMW 6 Series models. The more clearly sculpted sill emphasizes the
overall volume of the rear end and brings striking details such as the rear
lights and exhaust tailpipes more clearly into view.
Interior Design
The interior of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe reveals the driver-focused cockpit
design typical of the brand and a luxurious ambience for all those on board. The
central section of the instrument panel is angled slightly towards the driver
and the gear selector for the automatic gearbox, the Driving Experience Control
switch and the activation button for the parking brake are all positioned on the
surface of the center console which opens out towards the driver.
The standard Navigation System Professional and iDrive operating system come
with 10.2-inch high definition display bordered by a galvanized chrome surround.
Long horizontal lines extending all the way through the interior of the BMW 6
Series Gran Coupe create a visual link with the second row of seats, emphasizing
the size of the interior. The elegant lines of the door trim, familiar from the
other BMW 6 Series models, continue into the rear compartment, incorporating the
B-pillar as a design element along the way. The sweeping design of the door
panels flows harmoniously from the front doors via the B-pillars to the rear
doors. The center console also stretches through to the rear. Precise contours
help to create an intriguing contrast with the interior's soft, curvaceous
surfaces, producing a vibrant and dynamic collage of forms.
The waistline surfaces of the doors form a subtly dynamic wedge shape, which
extends into the luggage compartment cover. The dynamic character of the door
surface design generates a feeling of depth which envelops the passengers in
their seats, while the interplay of convex and concave surfaces evokes a sense
of exclusive security.
BMW's TwinPower Turbo V-8 Engine with More Performance in the 650i Gran Coupe
The 4.4-liter V-8 engine (N63) that powers the current 650i models receives an
upgrade for the new 650i Gran Coupe. The unique "reverse-flow" engine, whose two
turbochargers are positioned in the V-area between the cylinder banks is well
known for producing an instantaneous and sustained wave of power, making it a
delight for the enthusiast driver. This new version of the engine adds BMW's
VALVETRONIC variable valve timing to the list of specifications. As a result,
the new version of the engine (N63Tü) develops a maximum 445 hp between 5,500
and 6,000 rpm (a 45 hp increase), and makes peak torque of 480 lb-ft between
2,000 and 4,500 rpm (a 30 lbs-ft increase).
The new BMW 650i Gran Coupe completes the sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4
seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. This engine also boasts
extraordinary efficiency for a model in its output class. Its average fuel
consumption lies between 8.6 and 8.8 l/100km (26.7-27.3 mpg), (provisional
figures according to EU test cycle depending on tire options). EPA fuel economy
ratings will be available closer to the on-sale date in summer 2012.
When the V8 is combined with the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, its
power is converted into even more intense and dynamic acceleration. The
electronically controlled power split between the front and rear wheels
optimizes not only traction and stability, whatever the weather and road surface
conditions may be, but also the agility of the Gran Coupe 650i xDrive Gran
Coupe, whose sprint time from 0 to 60 mph is just 4.3 seconds.
8-speed Sport Automatic Transmission
The 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission in the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe
boasts a perfect combination of speed, flexibility, sportiness, and efficiency.
What sets it apart are its minimal torque converter slip and rapid gear changes.
An innovative gear set configuration allows this transmission to offer eight
gears, maximizing acceleration at any road speed, yet allowing the driver to
conserve fuel by cruising at low revs. Befitting the Gran Coupe's sporting
character, the driver can choose to select gears manually via shift paddles on
the standard Sport leather steering wheel.
In addition to the efficiency of the engine and 8-speed Sport Automatic
transmission, an extensive range of BMW EfficientDynamics measures contribute to
reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Brake Energy Regeneration, engine Auto
Start-Stop, on-demand operation of ancillary components, intelligent lightweight
construction and extensive aerodynamic refinement collaborate to ensure maximum
efficiency.
Chassis Management and optional Integral Active Steering
Cutting-edge chassis technology gives the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe the tools
to provide both sporty handling and exceptional comfort. The double wishbone
front axle and the multi-link rear axle are made predominantly from aluminum.
The chassis is geared to the requirements of drivers with sporting intentions,
although the dampers also respond sensitively to bumps in the road surface under
high lateral acceleration. The optional Active Roll Stabilization combines with
the standard Dynamic Damper Control to offer the driver even more precise
responses and perfectly flat cornering ability. The electronically controlled
shock absorbers adapt to the road surface and the driver's style to perfectly
control the car's body motions.
The electronically controlled damper system in the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe
adjusts compression and rebound settings continuously and independently. For
example, a stiff chassis setting can be combined with comfortable responses to
unevenness in the road surface. The control unit of the damping system processes
the data supplied by sensors on the vertical motion of the wheels as well as the
ride height of the car. The driving speed and the damper setting chosen by the
driver are also taken into account in calculating the damping force required for
each individual wheel to even out body movements. This data is fed back to the
shock-absorber units at intervals of just 2.5 milliseconds.
The optional Active Roll Stabilization feature reduces body roll in corners and
in sudden changes of direction, or transitions. Sensors calculate the amount of
body roll based on the driving situation at hand, and this is then counteracted
quickly and precisely by hydraulic rotary actuators in the front and rear
anti-roll bars. The result is flatter cornering inspiring greater confidence for
the driver as well as greater comfort for the passengers during spirited drives.
The power steering features standard Servotronic vehicle-speed sensitive
assistance, and serves up the familiar BMW recipe of precision, comfort and
linear response.
The Gran Coupe is also available with Integral Active Steering. This system
(also available on the 6 Series Coupe and Convertible) combines the Active
Steering system for the front axle with a steerable rear axle. Precisely
harmonized steering angle movements at both axles create a virtual lengthening
or shortening of the vehicle's wheelbase, which fosters both greater high-speed
stability and enhanced maneuverability for parking and city use.
Brakes, Wheels, and Tires
The lightweight floating-caliper brakes feature vented discs and Dynamic
Stability Control. DSC brings together technology such as the Anti-lock Braking
System, Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake
Control, the Start-off Assistant, the automatic Brake Drying function and Brake
Fade Compensation. Standard equipment also includes 8.0 x18-inch light-alloy
wheels, with all-season runflat tires (size 245/45 R18) and a tire pressure
monitoring system.
New Lightweight Technology, Comprehensive Safety Equipment
The new BMW Gran Coupe is fitted with newly developed lightweight seats with an
integrated seatbelt system and standard 20-way multi-contour adjustability and
adjustable lumbar support. Optionally, the Luxury Seating Package adds front
multi-Contour ventilated seats and active fatigue reduction feature. All seat
variants come with crash-activated anti-whiplash head restraints.
The range of standard safety equipment also includes front airbags, head-thorax
side airbags integrated into the seat frame, three-point automatic belts for all
seats, belt force limiters and front belt pre-tensioners and ISOFIX child seat
mounts in the rear.
Carefully researched advances in materials and development of the car's
load-bearing structure have significantly enhanced the body's construction in
terms of the agility and safety it offers. In the interests of perfect balance,
the doors, hood and front spring mounts are all aluminum, while the front
fenders and trunklid are made from reinforced composite.
Cutting-Edge Features from BMW ConnectedDrive
The new BMW 650i Coupe is available with a great variety of driver assistance
systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive. The comprehensive Driver
Assistance Package includes Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection,
Rear and Top View cameras, Parking Assistant, and the new three-dimensional,
full-color Head-Up Display that premiered in the 6 Series Convertible last year.
Also available are BMW's Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection and Active
Cruise Control with stop-and-go capability.
New-Generation Head-Up Display
The new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe can be equipped with the most advanced Head-Up
Display system in the premium segment. By projecting important information onto
the windshield, directly in the driver's line of sight, the Head-Up Display
minimizes distraction from the road and traffic. This latest-generation system
brings a further improvement in display quality: the symbols are projected as
three-dimensional graphics and in ultra-clear resolution onto the windshield.
Full-color capability makes the road sign symbols even more realistic. At the
same time the Head-Up Display is now able to present a wider range of
information. Depending on vehicle specification, guidance information supplied
by the Navigation system, Check Control messages, status messages from the Lane
Departure Warning System and warnings from the BMW Night Vision system can all
be shown in the Head-Up Display. The positioning of the messages on the
windshield is highly ergonomic, so that drivers are aware of them without having
to refocus or take their eyes off the road.
BMW 650i Gran Coupe: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications