BMW Unveils First Four-Door Coupe Design

PEABODY, MASS. (12/20/2011)(readMedia)-- BMW recently pulled back the curtain on its sleek 6 Series Gran Coupe, the automaker's first four-door coupe model. Destined for BMW dealerships next summer, the 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe adds a more aggressive look to the competitive niche market occupied by the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, Porsche Panamera and Audi A7.

Designed to increase the comfort of passengers in the back seats, the Gran Coupe is 4.4 inches longer than the 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe, its two-door sibling, but keeps the aerodynamic shape. That sporty design is complimented by features that improve handling, safety and efficiency.

"The four-door coupe is a growing market segment that BMW hasn't previously tackled," said Marshal Cabot, general manager of Greater Boston BMW dealership BMW of Peabody. "However, that extra time spent planning and engineering has resulted in a car that outpaces the competition in all areas, from performance to in-car technology."

Hosting a laundry list of high-tech gadgets, the 6 Series Gran Coupe is available with BMW's next-generation Head-Up-Display, which displays the rear-view camera, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Surround View, Active Blind Spot Detection, the Lane Departure Warning System and even the Parking Assistant. The information is projected onto the windshield in a full spectrum of colors, allowing drivers to keep their eyes toward the road.

BMW will offer the Gran Coupe in three flavors, including the 640i Gran Coupe, the 650i Gran Coupe and the 650i xDrive Gran Coupe with BMW's sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. The 640i will be the first trim level to reach dealerships, joined later in the summer by the V8-powered 650i and 650i xDrive. While the V8 models may produce more power, it is the 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six cylinder slated for the 640i Gran Coupe that was recently chosen for the 2012 Ward's Auto 10 Best Engines list.

Ward's annual 10 Best Engines list recognizes powerplants that are affordable, boost horsepower and torque, have an appealing sound and integrate well with their intended vehicle. BMW had a pair of engines on the list, including the Gran Coupe-bound 3.0-liter currently found in cars like the BMW 335i. Though it produces 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque in the 335i, the TwinPower Turbo six cylinder will be upgraded to produce 315 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque in the BMW 640i Gran Coupe.

BMW's other award-winning engine is a four cylinder featured in the Z4 sDrive 28i roadster and the 2012 BMW 528i, displacing 2.0 liters and producing 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged unit produces more power than the larger naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter six-cylinder it replaces, yet returns 32 mpg on the highway in the BMW 5 Series.

"Ward's 10 Best Engines list recognizes only the best, and BMW is one of only two automakers to win multiple awards," Cabot noted. "By drawing on its decades of innovation and forward thinking, BMW is consistently turning out engines that are not only powerful, but fuel efficient, reliable and refined."

About BMW of Peabody:

Located minutes from downtown Boston on Route 114, BMW of Peabody takes pride in offering some of the world's finest vehicles, backing up every new and used BMW sale with their expert, customer-focused sales and service staff. Recognized as a top Greater Boston BMW dealer, BMW of Peabody is a five-time winner of the prestigious Center of Excellence Award and offers two BMW service centers to fit the schedules of its busy customers. See their full BMW inventory online at www.bmwpeabody.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bmwofpeabody, visit their showroom at 221 Andover Street in Peabody or call them at 978-538-9900.