2017 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

The new 6-Series Gran Coupe comes with two different engines depending upon your choice of trim. If you go for the 640i, you get the silky smooth 3.0 liter TwinPower inline 6-cylinder making 315 hp.

This Gran Coupe has no shortage of competitors and has three very capable machines to go against; namely the Cadillac CTS, Lexus GS 350 and the Infiniti Q70. At $79,800, it also happens to be more expensive than the competition. So BMW does have a lot of explaining to do…

The available trims for 2017 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe include 640i and 650i, manaily depending on the powertrain they come assembled with. The top of the lineup is 650i xDrive which is priced at $94,200. It features hydraulic Power-Assist, Speed-Sensing Steering and other latest tech features.

Trim	640i	640i xDrive	650i	650i xDrive
MSRP	$79,800	$82,800	$91,200	$94,200
Key Features	Radio: AM/FM Stereo CD/MP3 Player -inc: anti-theft, Radio Data System (RDS), BMW Navigation system w/10.2" high-resolution screen, 3-D maps, 200 GB hard drive w/20 GB storage for audio files, voice feedback and Voice command system Hi-Fi Sound System -inc: 9-speaker, multi-channel hi-fidelity sound system incorporating a digital amplifier w/205-watt output power and vehicle-specific equalizing, The system includes 2 tweeters, 5 midrange speakers and 2 bass speakers, Proximity Key For Doors And Push Button Start MyInfo Mobile Hotspot Internet Access	Fully Automatic Aero-Composite Led Low/High Beam Daytime Running Auto-Leveling Directionally Adaptive Auto High-Beam Headlamps w/Washer and Delay-Off SiriusXM Satellite Radio w/1 Year Subscription -inc: Please visit your authorized BMW center for details and services and equipment Enhanced USB & Bluetooth HD Radio -inc: multicast FM station reception Sport Leather Steering Wheel w/Auto Tilt-Away Valet Function	FOB Controls -inc: Trunk/Hatch/Tailgate, Windows and Sunroof/Convertible Roof Tracker System BMW Connected App Compatibility Air Filtration Perimeter Alarm harman/kardon Surround Sound System -inc: vehicle-specific equalizing and powerful 600-watt amplifier, the 16-speaker system includes 4 tweeters, 4 midrange speakers located in the door panels and 2 tweeters, 2 midrange speakers located under the rear shelf space, 2 bass speakers located under the front seats, 1 midrange center channel speaker and 1 tweeter located in the instrumental cluster HD Radio -inc: multicast FM station reception	Hydraulic Power-Assist Speed-Sensing Steering Automatic w/Driver Control Ride Control Adaptive Suspension Speed Sensitive Rain Detecting Variable Intermittent Wipers w/Heated Jets Radio: AM/FM Stereo CD/MP3 Player -inc: anti-theft, Radio Data System (RDS), BMW Navigation system w/10.2" high-resolution screen, 3-D maps, 200 GB hard drive w/20 GB storage for audio files, voice feedback and Voice command system SiriusXM Satellite Radio w/1 Year Subscription -inc: Please visit your authorized BMW center for details and services and equipment Enhanced USB & Bluetooth

What we recommend:

It’s no doubt that you’ll have to break the bank to get a new 6 series Gran Coupe regardless of the trim you choose but the most logical option to go for is the 640i X-Drive. It has features much more enhanced than the base-model 640i and has BMW’s X-Drive 4WD system that beautifully transfers the power to all the wheels giving you stability and safety like no other car in its segment.

Also, the 315 hp twin turbo 6-cylinder is sufficient for a car of its size but if you still feel the urge for more horses, go for the 650i with the 443 hp twin turbo V8 and you won’t be disappointed.

“Despite posting unimpressive performance numbers, the 640i Gran Coupe feels more than capable in the real world. Power is smooth and decisive with quick responses from the transmission. The 650i impresses with its more powerful V8 that provides effortless acceleration.”

Engine and Transmission

As mentioned earlier, there are two very capable engines to choose from depending on whether you go for the 640i or 650i. The 640i gets the highly reputed 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder that is twin turbocharged (“TwinPower” as BMW calls it).

The engine makes 315hp and a net torque of 330lb-ft while the 650i has the mental 4.4-liter twin turbo V8 from the M6 that has been mellowed to give 443 hp at 5500rpm and 470 lb-ft of torque at 1800rpm.

Models	BMW 640i Gran Coupe	Cadillac CTS sedan	Infiniti Q70 3.7	Lexus GS 350
MSRP	$79,800	$53,695	$50,100	$50,695
Engine	3.0L I-6 w/TwinPower Turbo	3.6L V6, SIDI, DOHC, VVT	3.7L DOHC 24-Valve V6 w/VVEL	3.5L V6 24V DOHC
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	7-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Horsepower	315 hp @ 5800 rpm	335 hp @ 6800 rpm	330 hp @ 7000 rpm	311 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	330 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm	285 lb-ft @ 5300 rpm	270 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm	280 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

The Gran Coupe makes the most amount of torque in its segment at 330lb-ft and the closest rival to it in terms of torque is the Caddy CTS offering 285lb-ft @5300rpm.

Another reason for the 640i to keep its head high is that wonderful 8-speed ZF automatic transmission which ensures smooth power delivery at any gear and provides a driving experience on par with its Coupe sibling.

Acceleration:

The new 640i Gran Coupe goes to 60 MPH from a standstill in just 5.4 seconds making it three-tenths of a second quicker than the CTS sedan which was the closest rival in terms of acceleration.

Models	BMW 640i Gran Coupe	Cadillac CTS sedan	Infiniti Q70 3.7	Lexus GS 350
0-60 MPH	5.4 sec	5.7 sec	6.0 sec	6.1 sec
Quarter mile	13.9 sec	14.1 sec	14.6 sec	13.8 sec
Engine	3.0L	3.6L	3.7L	3.5L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.6	7.3	8.4	7.7

It completes the quarter mile run in just 13.8 seconds which is properly quick but the GS350is just a tenth-of-a-second quicker thanks to a lighter chassis. Moreover, the acceleration stats of the 640i are very impressive for a car of its size as shown below.

Handling and Steering

The biggest compliment to be given to the 640i X-Drive is that despite having two extra doors and a larger boot, it still drives almost as good as the coupe that it derives most of its technology from. But the RWD 640i does show its weight on corners and feels like you’re dragging around more weight than the motor can handle.

Braking:

Yes, the 640i is heavier than the competition at 4190 pounds but that hasn’t affected the 60-0 MPH figures as it comes to a stop in just 115 ft which is better than the stopping distance of the CTS and Q70 but isn’t quite as impressive as the GS350’s 119 ft.

The brakes in the front are 13.7 inches and the ones at the back measure up to 13.6 inches.

Model	BMW 640i Gran Coupe	Cadillac CTS sedan	Infiniti Q70 3.7	Lexus GS 350
Brake Front (in.)	13.7	12.6	12.6	13.1
Brake Rear (in.)	13.6	12.4	12.1	12.2
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4190	3757	3867	3726
60-0 MPH (ft.)	115	111	113	119

The 640i’s inline 6-cylinder has always been an efficient engine and it gives 20 miles to the gallon in the city and an impressive 29 MPG on the highway. The combined figure of fuel economy is 23 MPG which makes it more efficient than the Infinity and on par with the GS350 but falls short of the Caddy’s 24 MPG.

Model	BMW 640i Gran Coupe	Cadillac CTS sedan	Infiniti Q70 3.7	Lexus GS 350
MPG (city)	20	20	18	20
MPG (highway)	29	30	25	28
MPG (combined)	23	24	21	23

“The 6-Series’ interior is similar across the range, with a businesslike starkness and muted palette that looks and feels rich and well-appointed. Order and restraint dominate the control layouts and designs, staying low-key despite being high-tech.” - thecarconnection

Seating and Comfort:

The 640i is capable of transporting five passengers in awe-inspiring luxury and comfort. The dashboard is aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically designed. The new contrast stitching is a nice touch and now comes as standard. The materials used are top-notch and there aren’t a lot of things to say against the way the interior is designed.

The legroom and headroom in the back are sufficient even for tall passengers. This definitely deserves credit as you’d normally expect the coupe-like styling to reduce the space inside the car. Another fact about the interior is that the seating position is lower than the 5-series and plays the part of maximizing downforce on the outside of the car.

Model	BMW 640i Gran Coupe	Cadillac CTS sedan	Infiniti Q70 3.7	Lexus GS 350
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.6/56.7/42.1	40.4/56.9/45.7	39.1/58.4/44.0	38.0/57.3/42.3
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.0/54.6/35.3	37.5/54.8/35.4	37.7/56.7/36.2	37.8/55.7/36.8

Infotainment

Right in the middle of the elegant center console that has been ergonomically curved towards the driver, you shall find a new infotainment screen. The changes aren’t just skin deep here because its i-Drive system has been upgraded to the new 5.0 version complete with a Wi-Fi hotspot and a wireless mobile charging spot below so that there is no need for the complicated smartphone integration system from the older 6-series.

There is a new option called the concierge service from BMW that allows you to book restaurants and event reservations on the go while remote services allow you to check the surroundings of the car and even control it from a certain distance via the downloadable app.

Other interior features:

• Nappa/full Merino leather
• Wood/Lacquer interior trims
• Anthracite Alcantara Headliner
• Harman/Kardon surround sound system
• Ambient lighting
• BMW Connected Drive
• BMW Navigation

Cargo:

Open up the trunk of the 640i Gran Coupe and you’ll find a generously spaced boot with handles on the sides that flatten the rear seats and this has now become a standard feature which is very useful.

Model	BMW 640i gran coupe	Cadillac CTS sedan	Infiniti Q70 3.7	Lexus GS 350
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	16.2	13.7	14.9	18.4

“Although the 6-Series Gran Coupe adds some length over those with two doors (with its wheelbase 4.5 inches longer), these models share their evocative, finely rendered lines in front; and whether you go with the coupe or Gran Coupe, the arching roofline is what you expect of a sporty luxury car”- thecarconnection

Dimensions and Weight:

The 640i Gran Coupe could easily be the most beautifully designed heavyweight executive saloon out there. The styling is reminiscent of sports coupes from the 60s despite having the longest wheelbase and greatest overall length in comparison to its competitors.

The dimensions are huge but the design cleverly hides the extra length because of the two extra doors. Look from the front of the 640i and you’ll easily be tricked into believing that it’s a regular coupe version…

Model	BMW 640i Gran Coupe	Cadillac CTS sedan	Infiniti Q70 3.7	Lexus GS 350
Curb weight (lbs.)	4190	3757	3867	3726
Length(in)	197.2	195.5	194.7	192.1
Width(in)	74.6	72.2	72.6	72.4
Height(in)	54.8	57.2	59.1	57.3
Ground clearance (in)	5.0	5.9	6.0	5.1
Wheelbase (in)	116.9	114.6	114.2	112.2
Track width (in) F/R	63.0/65.6	61.4/61.7	62.0/61.8	62.0/62.6

Exterior features:

• Adaptive full LED headlights
• LED fog lights
• Nine different wheel options
• Performance run-flat tires
• Advanced rain detecting wipers
• Proximity key radars

Safety has never been something that BMW has ever compromised on and the case is the same here with the segment-leading safety features integrated into the new 640i Gran Coupe as shown below:

• BMW Assist eCall Emergency Sos
• Forward Collision
• DSC III Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Pretensioners and Front Seat-Integrated
• Back-Up Camera
• Forward Collision
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• First Aid Kit
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags

BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe VS Cadillac CTS Sedan:

It’s been more than a decade since the first-generation Cadillac CTS was introduced to the public as a replacement to the ancient STS and it went on to break long-held negative perceptions about modern Cadillacs. Sports sedan buyers have started considering this car quite seriously even against the ones from Europe (ahem, like the 640i…).

When it comes to the looks department, the sharp, vividly shaped design is somewhat of an acquired taste but it is agreeable that it looks decent enough even against the 640i.

Caddy’s answer to the BMW Gran Coupe comes with two engine choices- the 335 hp, 3.6 L V6 from the ATS or the 420 horsepower twin-turbocharged version of the same engine found in the ATS-V. So it certainly is no slouch and drives better than the German too…

BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe VS Infiniti Q70

The Q70 from Infiniti was first introduced in China where they love big, reliable and luxurious brutes which was the market Nissan’s luxury division was aiming for since the beginning. The competitors of the Q70 are far more advanced but it isn’t a bad effort.

Not everyone would agree with the bulbous design of the Q70 but the built quality inside and outside deserves credit. It also comes with a ton of safety features like front collision warning, emergency braking, blind spot warning, blind spot intervention, and lane departure warning and so on due to which IIHS considers it as a top safety pick of 2017 which is appreciable.

Under the hood, you’ll find a 3.7 liter V6 similar to the one in the brilliant Nissan Maxima and here it produces 330 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque which are serious numbers even when it is compared to the 640i. It also comes with a massive 5.6 liter V8 that produces 416 hp and 414 lb-ft of torque.

The new Q70 is a decent attempt from Infiniti to stay relevant in the sports saloon game and being priced at a very affordable $50,100, buyers will certainly be tempted to go for one of these…

Lexus GS350

Toyota’s luxury car division is known for making the most reliable and technologically advanced cars in the business and the GS350 takes all that and puts it into an executive saloon with tons of performance and style. The design is sort of German-ish with a touch of Japanese craziness which looks good from almost all angles, unlike their other cars that look, umm, a little clueless to say the least.

The build quality is what the GS is known for and in that department; it gives the 640i a good run for its money. If you’re the kind of driver that wants to keep things a little more sensible in terms of pricing and practicality, choose the GS350 and you won’t be disappointed.

The BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe started off as an attempt to challenge the Mercedes-Benz CLS Sedan that practically invented the 4-door coupe market. The developments in engineering and design to this car in the current year have been so good that it has simply outgrown its “CLS bubble” and moved on to face all sorts of executive saloons only to outperform them at their own game.

If you fancy getting a German saloon with practicality and performance, you certainly have better cars to choose from like the A7 or the E43 AMG but if you wish to get a 4-door brute that makes you feel special and makes the world around you think that you’re driving a sports coupe with a gorgeous design reminiscent of your favorite cars from the 60s, the 640i is the one for you.