Having allowed its rivals to forge ahead and gauge the public's reaction to four-door coupés BMW will finally join the party with the announcement of the new 6 Series Gran Coupé. The Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7 competitor is said to combine the elegant and sporty appearance of a classic grand tourer with the space and ease of access of an executive saloon.
Originally previewed by the Gran Coupé Concept that was shown at the 2010 Beijing Motor Show the new car is 113mm longer than its two-door brother and unlike the standard coupé, which is strictly a 2+2, the Gran Coupé is being marketed as a 4+1 with the middle rear passenger having a temporary seat on the centre console.
Power will come from the same engine line-up as the current coupé and convertible models with the exception of a new 450hp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 that will power the 650i model. The new variable valve control outfitted powerplant cuts emissions from 246g/km offered in the older 407hp unit down to 206g/km while fuel economy rises to 32.1mpg (8.8 litres/100km). These advances are thanks to the full suite of EfficientDynamics technologies including stop-start and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Joining the V8 in the Gran Coupé are a pair of 3.0-litre six-cylinder engines with the 320hp twin-turbo 640i and the 313hp twin-scroll turbo 640d that are used across the 6 Series range.
BMW will offer the 6 Series Gran Coupé in SE and M Sport trim levels, with SE models getting 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, satnav, parking sensors front and rear, and heated front seats. M Sport trim adds a body kit, 19-inch alloys, sports seats and aluminium trim in the cabin.
Following its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March the 6 Series Gran Coupé will hit Irish shores towards the end of 2012.