New BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe
Following the convertible and the Coupe in the BMW 6 Series, the Gran Coupe is the true embodiment of aesthetics, sportiness, comfort and luxury.
The lean elegance of this vehicle, the very first four-door Coupe in the history of BMW, is an exceptional phenomenon.
The low and graceful lines are impressive, but especially so when looking at the car’s side profile. The recessed passenger compartment appears low and smoothly stretched because the window silhouette extends deep into the C pillar. The frameless door windows are also a design element indicative of a muscular Coupe.
Inside, the distinctive character of BMW is unmistakable. The cabin is sophisticated and well-appointed with leather upholstery and electrically operated seats. Roominess for rear passenger contentment is remarkable and folding rear seatbacks, as well as an auxiliary third seat, are among the design features that contribute to the car’s versatility.
Driving dynamics, effortless performance and efficiency are the hallmarks of the TwinPower Turbo engines available for the big BMW. The 650i I drove is the first model offered with a new and more efficient V8 engine that delivers impressive shove: 0 to 62 mph comes in just 4.6 seconds. This lump, just like the six-cylinder power units in the 640i Gran Coupe and the 640d Gran Coupe, is offered in conjunction with a creamy smooth eight-speed Sport automatic transmission and proven BMW EfficientDynamics technology.
Safety features include front airbags, side airbags integrated into the seatbacks, head airbags for front and rear seats, three-point automatic seatbelts for all seats, belt force limiters and seatbelt tensioners at the front, as well as ISOFIX child seat fasteners at the rear. What’s more, intelligent lightweight construction reduces the vehicle weight, and the doors and bonnet are made of aluminium. The front side walls consist of thermoplastic material, while the boot lid is made of fibreglass composites.
The wide range of optional equipment available is also impressive: adaptive LED headlights and a Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System are just a couple of examples of what you can add to the car. And then, of course, there is always the legendary M Sports package.
Optional extras on a BMW look and feel great, but there’s always a downside – they tend to make the total price of the car eye-wateringly high. But, if you’re a BMW fan, and you have the cash to splash, then this won’t put you off the 6 Series Gran Coupe – it’s one of the best four door coupes on the market today.
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FAST FACTS
Max speed: 120 mph
0-62 mph: 9.3 secs
Combined mpg: 50.4
Engine: 1998cc, 4 cylinder, 16 valve, turbo diesel
Max. power (bhp): 145
Max. torque (lb/ft): 258
CO2: 146 g/km
Price: £29,995 on the road
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PROS ‘N’ CONS
√ Good looking
√ Luxurious
√ Fast
√ Safe
√ Spacious
X On the pricey side
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By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Journalist
Website www.carwriteups.co.uk
Twitter @carwriteups
