BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe or 740i short wheelbase?

Earlier this month BMW unveiled their first four-door coupe: the 6 Series Gran Coupe. The 6 Series Gran Coupe goes on sale in the U.S. in June 2012 and will be offered as three distinct models: BMW 640i, 650i and 650i xDrive (the latter two launching in late summer 2012).

With a pricing point and dimensions similar to the entry-level 7 Series short wheelbase, the choices for buyers are becoming more interesting. In our opinion, the two vehicles cater to different demographics, but nonetheless, an overlap will occur at some point. Both vehicles are optioned and limited the same way, and the base price will be in the same ballpark.

But let’s have a closer look.

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

The 4+1 seat addition to the 6 Series line combines stunning proportions, design and driving dynamics of the 6 Series Coupe with interior room and amenities for up to five passengers. The 6 Series Gran Coupe will cater to buyers looking for a sporty and sleek-looking BMW without sacrificing interior space and storage; think along the line of hipsters with bespoked tailor suits and with a sense of appreciation for luxury and design. We believe the 6 Series Gran Coupe will become a usual presence at valet parking in cities like New York, Los Angeles or Miami.

BMW 7 Series SWB

The longer, but sleeker and muscular new 7 Series came to market in 2009 to correct some of the shortcoming of the previous generation 7 Series. As our own Hugo Becker points out, the 7 Series is a mature sedan and a car for rear passengers. The buyers’ demographic for the 7 Series is also quite different from the 6 Series Coupe and now the new 6 Series Gran Coupe, with your usual driver identified among corporate executives, political dignitaries, A list celebrities, or anyone with money that enjoys the ultimate luxury and sportiness in a BMW.

Dimensions

Now let’s have a look at the dimensions of the two models.

With a length of 197 inches (5,007 mm) and wheelbase of 116.8 inches (2,968 mm), the 6 Series Gran Coupe is 4.4 inches (111 mm) longer than 6 Series Coupe model. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is also 74.6 inches (1,894 mm) wide and stands 54.8 inches (1,392 mm) in height.  On the other hand, the BMW 7 Series short wheelbase measures 199.7 in (5,072 mm) in length, 74.9 in (1,902 mm) width and has a height of 58.2 in (1,479 mm). The 7 Series SWB has a wheelbase of 120.9 inches.

Both models are nearly identical in width and separated by 2 inches in length, with the dimensions advantage clearly going to the 7 Series.

The longer wheelbase gives the 7 Series more rear room for passengers, as well as a bigger trunk space.

Pricing

The entry-level 740i model starts in the U.S. at $71,000. The 640i Coupe went on sale this Fall with an MSRP of $73,600. BMW has yet to reveal the pricing for the 6 Series Gran Coupe, but we anticipate the base price for the 640i GC to fall between $75,000 and $79,000.

Caught cruising around with the top down

Here are the latest spy shots of the upcoming 2012 BMW M6 Cabrio, now caught cruising around with the top down. As soon as the driver encounters our spy photographer, he puts the top up in an effort to hide the 6-Series' adapted interior with M logos and special trim.

As seen in previous spy shots, the camo is just hiding the M-series body kit which we can better make out without the rest of the visual obstructions.

Under the hood of this next-generation F12 M6 Cabrio will have the same power plant in the new M5 (F10) - a 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 tuned to an output of 560 PS (412 kW / 552 hp) and 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque. Transmission will be the 7-speed DCT Drivelogic double-clutch gearbox.

BMW X3-2011

For the all new second generation 2011 BMW X3, German tuner AC Schnitzer is starting with a modest tuning package that focuses on subtle styling accessories and modest performance upgrades.

Starting under the hood, AC Schnitzer gives the X3 xDrive20d a decent bump in horsepower from 184 to 218 PS (160 kW / 215 bhp) while a performance upgrade for the X3 xDrive30d is currently under development. Also being developed is a stainless steel sports exhaust systems for the 2.8i and 3.5i 6-cylinder petrol models.

For the styling kit, which has been crash tested, AC Schnitzer adds a front spoiler, the rear roof spoiler and the AC Schnitzer protective film for the rear skirt. As seen in the video, the front spoiler maintains its form quite well while allowing for collision absorption of a pedestrian.

Inside AC Schnitzer provides many accesories such as an AC Schnitzer sports airbag steering wheel, aluminium gear knobs with digital gear display, i-Drive controller aluminium cover, aluminium pedal set and AC Schnitzer velours foot mats.

For the suspension, a selection of wheels sets can be capped off with a sports spring kit. Wheels sets include Type VIII forged racing rims in 22 inch, or Type VII racing rims in BiColor or silver in 22 inch. One-piece rims of Type VI (BiColor), Type VIII (BiColor) and Type IV (BiColor or Silver) are also available in sizes 18, 19 or 20 inch. Forged alloy wheels Type V in 20 inch are also part of the range.

6-Series Gran Coupe

With the Frankfurt Motor Show just around the corner, BMW is wrapping up development on the 6-Series Gran Coupe. Unlike yesterday's prototype, this particular model is outfitted with the M-Package. The car appears to have an aggressive front fascia, revised side skirts, a modified rear bumper and unique alloy wheels. Since the M-Package is more about styling than performance, we can expect it to be offered on the full range of 6-Series Gran Coupes. Notable petrol options are slated to include a 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) 3.0-liter inline-six and a 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS) 4.4-liter V8. On the diesel side, we can expect two 3.0-liter units rated at 204 hp (152 kW / 207 PS) and 245 hp (183 kW / 248 PS).

Features the 6-Series Convertible & Vision Efficient Dynamics concept

BMW enjoyed a short stint as James Bond's ride of choice, but the brand is returning to the big screen in Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.

Set to hit movie theaters in December, the latest installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise follows Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) as he tries to capture terrorists who bombed the Kremlin. Over the course of the film, the BMW 6-Series Convertible and Vision Efficient Dynamics concept get cameos in an attempt to create marketing buzz.

According to Ian Robertson, BMW AG Board Member for Sales and Marketing, "We are thrilled to be involved again in another Hollywood Blockbuster. The BMW Group leads the way in developing future mobility with a focus on sustainability. One great example is the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car which will be presented in the film."