Competes with: Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, Audi A7
Looks like: A more animated 5 Series ... with a 7 Series price tag
Drivetrain: 315-hp, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder; 445-hp, twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8; eight-speed automatic transmission; rear- or all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Summer 2012

This may come as a surprise, but BMW’s seemingly endless line of different models doesn’t yet include a four-door coupe. After two generations of eye-catching designs in the Mercedes-Benz CLS and the introduction of the Audi A7 to much critical acclaim, BMW has decided that it needs to compete in this relatively new realm of low-roofed, highly stylized sedans. Like its namesake suggests, the 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is the elongated cousin of the recently redesigned 6 Series coupe.

The four-door 6 Series Gran Coupe is 4.4 inches longer than the standard two-door coupe with a 4.5-inch longer wheelbase. A significant amount of the extra volume goes to the rear passengers: BMW says the Gran Coupe can fit up to five passengers, but it adds that four adults can be carried “in comfort and luxury.” The four-door coupe offers that same generous 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space that the two-door has.
The model will have the same trim designations as the 6 Series. There’s a 640i, 650i and 650i xDrive (aka all-wheel drive). The 640i will be powered by a 315-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain can move the car from zero to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph, all while achieving close to 30 mpg on the highway; the current 640i is rated 21/31 mpg city/highway. The 650i and 650i xDrive are equipped with a 445-hp, twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8. The sedan makes 45 more hp with the V-8 compared with the coupe due to the addition of BMW’s Valvetronic system.

Both engines are equipped with BMW’s EfficientDynamics system, which includes regenerative braking, auto start-stop and other aerodynamic refinements, BMW says. Active roll stabilization, an active damper control system and speed-sensitive steering come standard.

In the cabin, the model will feature iDrive controls, a navigation system, rearview camera with sonar, multicontoured 20-way power driver’s seat and a nine-speaker stereo. Niceties such as a 16-speaker stereo, adaptive LED headlights, ventilated seats and around-view monitoring system are available as options. The M Sport Package, which adds some sportier tweaks, will be available, too.

No pricing is available, but the current 6 Series coupe has the most expensive starting price of any BMW car at $73,600, topping out at well over $100,000. The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will likely top that price.

The 640i will be introduced early in the summer, with the 650i and 650i xDrive arriving late next summer.

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