2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe
2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe- The BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe represents an unusual
synergy of extraordinary aesthetics, the dynamics typical of a Coupe and the
functional versatility of a four-door vehicle. The BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe
measures 5,007 millimetres in length and 1,894 millimetres in width, with a
height of 1,392 millimetres. The car's proportions are unmistakably BMW, from
the long bonnet with its bold contours to the elegance of the extended
wheelbase (2,968 millimetres) and the set-back passenger compartment. The BMW
6-Series Gran Coupe sets new standards in terms of aesthetic design for
four-door vehicles as seen in its low height and the flat roofline that smoothly
flows into the rear end.
At the front, chrome elements, unique to the Gran
Coupe, separate the air intake from the fog lights, underlining the firm
resolve expressed in the look of this car. The standard dual Xenon round
headlights (for high and low beams) feature three-dimensional LED rings that
are typically BMW in appearance and which create a unique and functional light
architecture for the night-time driving experience. With the optional Adaptive
LED Headlights, the light rings are slightly flat at the top and bottom. High
and low beams are generated with the LED units that are positioned on
horizontal ribs across each of the light rings, projecting their light on the
reflectors facing them.
The low and graceful lines of this automobile are
especially impressive when looking at the 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 sporty Coupe. In addition, the elongated side windows
optimise the incidence of light to enhance the feeling of spaciousness in the
interior. The characteristic Hofmeister kink that flows into the C pillar
encompasses exclusively embossed "Gran Coupe" lettering behind the
glass in the lower corners of the rear windows to denote the fascinating
elegance and personality of this automobile.
The interior design is the embodiment of a perfect
combination of elegance, luxury and dynamic, which lends to the harmonious
configuration of the front and rear seating. The driver-oriented cockpit, the
front passenger area enclosed by elegantly curved surfaces and the spaciousness
of the set-back rear passenger compartment ensures sophisticated and luxurious
comfort in all driving scenarios. The wheelbase is 113 millimetres longer than
that of the BMW 6-Series Coupe and accounts for the increased legroom enjoyed
by rear passengers. The interior design concept of the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe
ensures exceptional spatial variability. There is ample space to comfortably
accommodate two passengers in the rear. But the 4+1 seating arrangement also
provides space for a third rear passenger on short journeys. The boot has a
volume of 460 litres, which can be expanded up to 1,265 litres thanks to the
through-loading system and the folding rear seatbacks.
The BMW TwinPower Turbo engines available for the
BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe stand for sportiness with efficiency. The straight
6-cylinder petrol engine in the BMW 640i Gran Coupe delivers 235 kW/320 hp, and
the straight 6-cylinder diesel in the BMW 640d Gran Coupe has a performance
rating of 230 kW/313 hp. In the third quarter of 2012, a third engine will be
added to the series, namely the V8 petrol engine in the BMW 650i Gran Coupe
with 330 kW/450 hp, also available with BMW xDrive four-wheel drive technology.
The new-generation BMW V8 engine features TwinPower Turbo technology using two
turbochargers, plus direct High-Precision Injection and the fully variable
VALVETRONIC valve control system.
The BMW 650i Gran Coupe, just like both 6-cylinder
models, is equipped with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, the Auto
Start Stop function and the Driving Experience button including ECO PRO Mode,
and it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds with an average fuel
consumption ranging from 8.6 to 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres. The acceleration
of the BMW 640i Gran Coupe is 5.4 seconds, and it has an average fuel
consumption of 7.7 to 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres. The BMW 640d Gran Coupe
can also sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and fuel consumption ranges
from 5.5 to 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres (figures according to the EU test
cycle, depending on selected tyre format).
The exterior design of the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe
reflects the characteristic design language of the BMW 6-Series as applied to
create a unique four-door Coupe. The harmonic proportions, precision lines and
the smooth contoured surfaces are among the elements that lend the BMW 6-Series
Gran Coupe its remarkable appeal. In terms of length (5,007 millimetres) and
wheelbase (2,968 millimetres) this car is 113 millimetres longer than the BMW
6-Series Coupe. This accounts for the comfort experienced by passengers seated
in the rear. The Gran Coupe is 1,894 millimetres wide, with a height of 1,392
millimetres.
The driver-oriented cockpit, the front passenger
area enclosed by elegantly curved surfaces and the spaciousness of the rear
passenger compartment contribute to the dynamic look and feel of the vehicle
and also ensure sophisticated and luxurious interior comfort in all driving
scenarios. The BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe offers ample space for four passengers,
in addition to an unusually high degree of interior versatility for a vehicle
in this segment. For short journeys, the so-called 4+1 seating configuration
can accommodate three passengers in the rear compartment.
Aluminium cast parts, pressed parts made of
aluminium and steel, but also plastic components are used on the coachwork of
the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe. This construction method of incorporating
different materials facilitates the highest degree of stiffness, whilst keeping
weight to a minimum and also adhering to the BMW design philosophy.
For example, when assembling the front end and floor
assembly of the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe, it is possible to utilise existing
manufacturing facilities for body construction. Later, the vehicle is sent to a
self-contained assembly line where differentiating bodywork components are
added. When add-on parts are attached, the Gran Coupe shares the assembly line
- and hence all processes - with the other two BMW 6-Series models.
In the paint shop, the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe runs
according to body colour through the existing paint shop lines along with the
other models produced at Dingolfing. The new vehicle is special in that, like
all other add-on parts, the wings can be assembled beforehand at the body shop
thanks to the use of inline-compatible thermoplastics. Therefore, attaching
these components at the paint shop becomes unnecessary.
The BMW 6-Series Coupe is assembled jointly with the
BMW 7-Series, the BMW 6-Series Convertible and Coupe and some of the BMW
5-Series in the so-called "flexible assembly shop" at the Dingolfing
plant. There, many already established assembly processes guarantee stable
operations and high-quality standards right from the word go.
Like all other plants within the BMW Group
production network, the Dingolfing location also attaches major importance to
social, economical and ecological sustainability. Last year, the plant received
the Future Prize awarded for the first time within the framework of the
competition "Factory of the Year" for the creation of workplaces that
are attuned to aging. The accolade honours cutting-edge manufacturing processes
that take the lead in social, technical and organisational development, serving
as an example for other business enterprises.
source: netcarshow.com
