WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ – BMW is introducing a four-door addition to its 6 Series line. The vehicle incorporates design features and driving dynamics from the 6 Series Coupe but provides enough room for up to five passengers.

BMW will offer its new 6 Series Gran Coupe in three models in the US. The first to arrive is the TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder powered 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe and is slated to arrive early in summer 2012. Later in the summer months of 2012, the TwinPower Turbo V-8 powered 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel drive 2013 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will arrive. The vehicle will also come in an optional M package model.

Performance

For the different engine options, BMW said it upgrade the performance and efficiency characteristics of its 3.0L turbo six-cylinder and its turbo V-8. The vehicle features an 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission. The six-cylinder can produce 315 hp at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and 330 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. BMW said fuel economy in the EU test cycle is rated at 7.8 l/100km (30.1 mpg) and that EPA fuel-economy numbers will be available closer to the on-sale date.

The 4.4L turbo V-8, currently in the 650i models, receives an upgrade in the Gran Coupe, according to BMW. This new version of the engine adds BMW’s VALVETRONIC variable valve timing. It can produce 445 hp between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm, a 45 hp increase, and peak torque of 480 lb.-ft. between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm, an increase of 30 lbs.-ft. The EU test cycle puts fuel economy at 8.6 and 8.8 l/100km (26.7-27.3 mpg), depending on tire options, and that EPA numbers will be available closer to the on-sale date in summer 2012.

In terms of handling, the vehicle offers optional Active Roll Stabilization that, when combined with the standard Dynamic Damper Control, provide more precise driving responses and flat cornering ability, according to BMW. BMW said its Gran Coupe is also available with Integral Active Steering. This system combines the Active Steering system for the front axle with a steerable rear axle.

Exterior

The four-door Gran Coupe is longer than its two-door coupe sibling, at a length of 197 inches (5,007 mm), and a wheelbase of 116.8 inches (2,968 mm). Overall, the Gran Coupe is 4.0 inches (102mm) longer, 1.3 inches (34mm) wider, and 2.8 inches (72mm) lower than the BMW 550i. The new Gran Coupe features optional Adaptive LED Headlights.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe features nine metallic exterior paint shades and three non-metallic colors. Other exclusive paint finishes are available as part of the BMW Individual range.

In terms of wheels and tires, standard equipment on the Gran Coupe is 18-inch light-alloy wheels, with all-season runflat tires (size 245/45 R18), and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Interior

The automaker said the vehicle is designed to seat four but can seat up to five. BMW said Dakota leather is standard and comes in three colors. The optional Exclusive Nappa leather is available in four different colors, and extended Merino leather is available in five varieties (in combination with the Individual Composition or M Sport Packages).

The new Gran Coupe features lightweight seats, each with an integrated seatbelt system, and standard 20-way multi-contour adjustability and adjustable lumbar support. The Luxury Seating Package option adds front multi-Contour ventilated seats and an “active fatigue reduction” feature. All seat variants come with crash-activated anti-whiplash head restraints.

The instrument panel, door trim, and center console are also finished in Nappa leather with contrasting stitching when the Nappa Leather option is selected. Customers can also choose from four interior trim variants and optional ceramic applications for the gear selector, iDrive Controller and other controls.

The standard Navigation System Professional and iDrive operating system come with 10.2-inch high definition display bordered by a galvanised chrome surround.

Additional interior options include the optional Luxury Seating Package, which adds ventilated multi-contour, active seats, sunshades on both the rear side and rear windows, and a four zone climate control system with additional controls located between the rear seats. Also, all the items in the BMW Individual range can be ordered as individual options.

The Gran Coupe also features BMW’s Heads-up Display (HUD) system. The system projects symbols ass three-dimensional graphics onto the windshield. The HUD’s features full-color, and can present more information. Depending on the vehicle’s 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 appear in the HUD. The driver can choose what details appear in the HUD as well as road speed and warnings from the driver-assistance systems.

The standard HiFi audio system in the new Gran Coupe comes with an HD Radio receiver, MP3-compatible CD drive, AUX-IN connection, and a HiFi loudspeaker system with nine speakers. The available Premium Sound Package adds SiriusXM satellite radio with a 1-year subscription, iPod and USB adapter, and the Premium HiFi system with 12 loudspeakers and a digital amplifier.

Safety

The BMW Gran Coupe features 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. The vehicle also offers all-aluminum doors, hood, and front spring mounts and reinforced composite front fenders and trunk lid.

In terms of sensors and cameras, the Gran Coupe features standard Park Distance Control, which uses ultrasonic sensors to monitor distance from objects in front or behind, and a standard rear-view camera integrated into the trunk lid under the BMW badge.

The Driver Assistance Package includes a range of features, such as Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Rear and Top View cameras, Parking Assistant, and the new Heads-up Display system. The Rear and Top View camera system uses multiple cameras to give the driver a complete view of what’s immediately around the vehicle. In addition to the rear-view camera and the PDC sensors, this system uses a fish-eye camera in each of the side mirrors. Also available are Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection and Active Cruise Control with stop-and-go capability.