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Upgraded TwinPower Turbo 6-Cylinder Powers the 640i Gran Coupe
The inline 6-cylinder engine (N55HP) in the new BMW 640i Gran Coupe will impress
performance-minded drivers with its effortless power, exceptionally fast-revving
temperament, outstanding refinement and exceptional fuel efficiency. The N55 has
been setting standards from the start, as the pioneer of a new generation of
engines in which BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with High Precision Direct
Injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing plus a twin scroll turbo made
its debut.
Thanks to intensive fine-tuning of the engine, BMW's engineers have managed to
extract additional performance from the engine while maintaining its exceptional
fuel efficiency. With a maximum power rating of 315 hp (225 kW) at 5,800 to
6,000 rpm, the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine reflects the sporty personality of
the BMW 640i Gran Coupe and helps this automobile deliver brilliant performance.
The high peak torque of 330 lb-ft, on stream between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm,
ensures that the power is effortlessly and instantly delivered.
As a result, the 640i Gran Coupe can show off its prowess with a 0 to 60 mph
sprint time of just 5.2 seconds. Top speed is electronically governed at 155 mph
(250 km/h). All this extra performance comes with exceptional fuel economy and
low emission figures. Fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is rated at 7.8
l/100km (30.1 mpg). EPA fuel economy ratings will be available closer to the
on-sale date in the USA.
The 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission in the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe
boasts a perfect combination of speed, flexibility, sportiness, and efficiency.
What sets it apart are its minimal torque converter slip and rapid gear changes.
An innovative gear set configuration allows this transmission to offer eight
gears, maximizing acceleration at any road speed, yet allowing the driver to
conserve fuel by cruising at low revs. Befitting the Gran Coupe's sporting
character, the driver can choose to select gears manually via shift paddles on
the standard Sport leather steering wheel.
Driving Dynamics Control with ECO PRO Mode
The new 6 Series Gran Coupe offers impressive driving dynamics combined with new
standards of comfort in the premium segment. This is a result of superbly tuned
suspension which achieves an astonishing balance between dynamics and comfort.
On top of this, drivers are also able to vary the overall character of the car
depending on the driving situation or to suit their personal preferences. As
well as sportier or more comfortable drive settings, they can also opt for extra
fuel efficiency. The different modes are selected using the new Driving Dynamics
Control function including ECO PRO mode, which is standard on all 6 Series
models. The driver can choose settings of COMFORT+, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and
ECO PRO modes using the large rocker switch on the center console. Affected
parameters include the tuning of the throttle response, power steering boost
assistance, shock absorbers, automatic transmission shift characteristics and -
if equipped - roll stabilization and Integral Active Steering. In SPORT+ mode,
the Dynamic Traction Control mode of the standard Dynamic Stability Control
system is activated, raising the thresholds for stability intervention in the
most sport-oriented driving circumstances.
The new ECO PRO mode, meanwhile, supports an extra-efficient and
economy-conscious driving style. It does this by changing the accelerator
mapping so that the same pedal travel delivers less power than in the standard
mode. Also in this mode, the automatic transmission control strategy is modified
so as to upshift sooner and to delay downshifts, while intelligent energy and
climate management reduces the mechanical power consumption and also the
consumption of electrical systems such as heated mirrors and seats. But the
biggest potential for improving fuel economy comes from the driver's own
personal driving habits. Special displays in the instrument cluster let the
driver know by how much the driving range is being extended, show fuel
consumption history, or, with reference to the specific driving situation,
provide tips and incentives on how to develop a more economy-conscious driving
style. ECO PRO mode allows average fuel consumption to be reduced by up to 20%,
with a corresponding increase in driving range.
Adaptive LED Headlights
The new Gran Coupe is equipped with Adaptive Xenon headlights as standard. An
accentuating trim element cuts across the top of the hallmark BMW twin round
headlights to produce the purposeful look familiar from other BMW models. The
optional Adaptive LED Headlights provide a fresh take on this established
feature. The Adaptive LED Headlights for low beam and high beam contain LED
light rings for the parking lights and daytime running lights, which are
flattened on the lower edge and overlapped at their top edge by an accent light
- also featuring LEDs. The result is a stunning, distinctively BMW showcase for
the innovative light technology. In addition, they also generate the low beam
and high beam light from the two light rings. The light sources are horizontal
LED ribs positioned in the center of the light rings. The brand's hallmark twin
round headlight look is therefore expressed even more strikingly - not only with
the daytime running lights switched on, but also when the headlights are
activated in the dark.
However, the Adaptive LED Headlights are about more than just looking good; they
also ensure the driver has optimum visibility. Their bright white light provides
a bright and even illumination of the road ahead. From a color perspective, the
light comes much closer to natural daylight than that created by conventional
halogen or xenon headlights, lending even reflective objects far greater
contrast. The cornering element of the Adaptive LED Headlights is also tailored
to the car's speed, steering angle and yaw rate, allowing the pivot of the
headlights to adapt automatically to the line of the corner. Meanwhile, a light
source positioned specially in the headlight housing generates the cornering
light which, at low speeds, ensures illumination of the road surface in the
direction the car is turning. LED technology is also deployed for the turn
signal indicators, each of which consists of eight LED units arranged in a row
underneath the light rings. As well as enhancing visibility in the dark, the
Adaptive LED Headlights also significantly improve the signaling effect of the
car's lights.
Sporting Character and Generous Rear Space
The interior of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe offers a driving experience defined
by sportiness and luxury, and enhanced by a specially generated ambience. The
line of the roof pillars reproduces the car's arching roof form inside the car.
In the rear compartment, the enveloping interior typical of a Coupe and
comfortable seats offer excellent lateral support combined with generous freedom
of movement and good visibility out of the car.
Its interior offers individually tailored seats for the driver, front passenger
and rear passengers. High-quality materials, carefully coordinated colors and
meticulously sculpted surfaces combine to produce an ambience defined by luxury,
sweeping style and Teutonic functionality. A hallmark BMW element of the
interior design is the driver-oriented cockpit layout. The central section of
the instrument panel, containing the iDrive system's Central Display, the air
vents and the controls for the audio system and air conditioning, are all angled
slightly towards the driver. Added to which, the gearshift lever and the
switches for the parking brake and Driving Dynamics Control are located on a
surface that opens out towards the driver and is set lower than the front
passenger side of the center console.
The front passenger area is bordered by a surface curving elegantly from the
armrest over the side edge of the center console, upwards and outwards into the
instrument panel and then horizontally into the door trim. This provides a
harmonious surround for the front passenger area, creating a feeling of
exclusive security. The contour of the rear waistline surface, which extends
slightly into the interior between the head restraints, highlights the
individual seat layout of the rear.
The black-panel instrument cluster of the Gran Coupe combines the traditional
sports car circular instruments with state-of-the-art display technology. The
Navigation system, telephone and entertainment functions are operated using the
iDrive control system, whose Central Display boasts an innovative design. The
on-board monitor takes the form of a freestanding display with a flatscreen
look. The high definition display measures 10.2 inches across and features a
high-quality galvanized chrome surround. The shallow depth of the display gives
it a modern character. Trans-reflective technology ensures the display remains
easy-to-read in bright sunlight. The new arrangement of the Central Display -
which now reaches further into the passenger compartment -influences the
architecture of the instrument panel, which rises steeply in front of the driver
and front passenger. This impression is further enhanced by the structure of the
door trim panels. Their surfaces have a powerfully taut look and, like the black
waistline surface, pull in and rise up to create a smooth transition into the
instrument panel, giving the interior the effect of wrapping around the driver
and front passenger.
The optional Luxury Seating Package adds ventilated multi-contour, active seats,
sunshades on both the rear side and rear windows and a four zone climate control
system with additional controls located between the rear seats. While the Gran
Coupe is primarily designed as a four seater, a fifth person can be accommodated
in the rear compartment.
The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe can be ordered in a choice of nine metallic exterior
paint shades and three non-metallic colors. Other exclusive paint finishes are
available as part of the BMW Individual range and in conjunction with the M
Sport package. The colors and materials available for the interior, meanwhile,
have been selected to enhance the feeling of elegant sportiness and luxury, and
can be tailored to the customer's personal style. The standard Dakota leather
can be ordered in a choice of three colors, the optional Exclusive Nappa leather
is available in four different shades and extended Merino leather is available
in five varieties (in combination with the Individual Composition or M Sport
Packages). The instrument panel, door trim and center console are also finished
in Nappa leather with contrasting stitching when the Nappa Leather option is
selected. Customers can also choose from four interior trim variants and
optional ceramic applications for the gear selector, iDrive Controller and other
controls. Additional exclusive trims are available as part of the BMW Individual
range and in conjunction with the M Sport package.
BMW Individual Range
Also available from launch is the BMW Individual range of products, which allows
customers to tailor the exterior and interior of their BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe
precisely and exclusively to their personal style. The four BMW Individual paint
shades are joined in the range by BMW Individual special paint finishes and a
selection of matt paint finishes. For example, the BMW Individual matt finish
Frozen Bronze metallic is available exclusively for the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.
BMW Individual light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design can be specified in 19 and
20-inch format. Those looking to give the interior of their car a particularly
exclusive aura, meanwhile, may like to add BMW Individual fine-grain Merino full
leather trim, an Alcantara BMW Individual roof liner, BMW Individual interior
strips and the BMW Individual wood inlay for the steering wheel.
One of the highlights of the BMW Individual range of interior options is the
Opal White full-leather trim specially developed for the BMW 6 Series Gran
Coupe, combined with the interior color Amaro Brown. Here, the leather-covered
instrument panel and Alcantara BMW Individual roof liner are also presented in
Amaro Brown. The selection of materials, combinations of colors and a quality of
workmanship showcase the exclusive character of the BMW Individual range. White
contrast stitching for the instrument panel, armrest and door trim match the
Opal White seats and door panels, while Amaro Brown seat stitching and piping
complements the effect on the seats and door panels. In addition, BMW Individual
Ash Grain White fine wood trim adds a particularly high-quality touch to the
interior and fits in seamlessly with the overall color concept.
All the items in the BMW Individual range can also be ordered as individual
options. And the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is also available with a BMW Individual
composition of products in a perfectly judged combination of colors and
materials.
HiFi Stereo System
The standard HiFi audio system in the new Gran Coupe comes with an HD Radio
receiver, MP3-compatible CD drive, AUX-IN connection, and a HiFi loudspeaker
system with nine speakers. The available Premium Sound Package adds SiriusXM
satellite radio with a 1-year subscription, iPod and USB adapter, and the
Premium HiFi system comprised of 12 loudspeakers and a digital amplifier. It
features DIRAC signal processing and model-specific equalizing.
Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System
When it comes to delivering audio pleasure of the highest order, the Bang &
Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System designed especially for the new BMW 6
Series Gran Coupe hits all the right notes. Jointly developed by the Danish
audio specialists and BMW, this system produces an exceptionally natural sound
from 16 speakers distributed around the cabin. It is a fully active system
featuring digital signal processing, which means the two bass speakers, seven
mid-range speakers and seven tweeters all have individual amplifiers. This
technology enables the targeted modification of any sound reflections inside the
vehicle. The Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System uses Dirac
DimensionsT technology to recreate the acoustics of a reference listening room
in the passenger compartment. All vehicle occupants therefore enjoy the same
high-quality sound stage wherever they are sitting.
The electrical signals are converted into precisely defined sound waves using
neodymium magnet drivers, and the mid-range speakers feature extremely stiff
Hexacone diaphragms. The outstanding quality of the Bang & Olufsen High-End
Surround Sound System is underlined by exclusive design features. The form and
color of the advanced all-aluminum speaker grilles have been tailored precisely
to the interior design of the new Gran Coupe. The special perforation pattern of
the grilles is created using a very sophisticated drilling technique. The grille
mounts are not visible from the outside, ensuring that the grilles stand out
from their surroundings by appearing to float in a slightly raised position
above the surface. This exclusive ambience is further enhanced by a discreet
lighting effect, which showcases the contours of the sound sources with a subtly
impressive effect. The B&O Acoustic Lens Technology element in the center of the
instrument panel area adds both a visual feature and is an acoustic innovation.
As soon as the audio system is activated, the central element containing the
integrated mid-range speaker pops up, prompting the tweeter lens to be extended
at the same time. The tweeter lens distributes its signals evenly at 180 degrees
throughout the interior. This extraordinarily harmonious horizontal dispersion
of sound is achieved through the special design of the lens, which also
minimizes unwanted vertical sound dispersion.
Rear-View, Top View, and Side View Cameras
To supplement the standard Park Distance Control, which uses ultrasonic sensors
to monitor distance from objects in front or behind, the Gran Coupe also
features a standard rear-view camera. The camera is integrated in the trunklid
under the BMW "roundel" badge, which protects it from dirt. When the rear-view
camera is activated, the roundel badge pivots up out of the way to expose the
camera lens. The perspective-corrected color images are relayed to the Central
Display. Superimposed on the images are interactive tracking lines which
indicate the optimal steering angle for parking, as well as the tightest turning
circle.
The optional Top View system with Side View provides an even more comprehensive
picture. In addition to the rear-view camera and the PDC sensors, this system
also uses a fish-eye camera in each of the side mirrors. The data acquired by
Top View is relayed to a central computer which generates a bird's eye view of
both vehicle and surroundings and presents the image in the Central Display.
This view allows the driver to maneuver precisely in confined spaces.
The Side View function uses two cameras integrated in the front fenders to
provide an improved view of cross-traffic at speeds below 10mph. These images
are relayed to the Central Display where they may give the driver an early idea
of what is happening on the road to the left and right of the car when pulling
out from narrow and concealed gateways or car park exits.
The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe: Production in Dingolfing, Germany
The new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is built alongside its other 6 Series siblings
at the BMW plant in Dingolfing, Germany. Also rolling off the assembly line at
the BMW Group's largest production plant are the BMW 7 Series and BMW 5 Series
models. The flexible and efficient processes at the plant combine
state-of-the-art production technology with a standard of quality defined by
meticulous craftsmanship in the manufacture of premium cars configured to
customer order and satisfaction.
BMW 640i Gran Coupe: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications