For now, the Gran Coupe will only be available in one trim level, the 650i, until the M6 Gran coupe comes out later in the year. Powering this vehicle is a twin turbocharged, 4.4L V8 that produces a ton of power: 443 hp. That is more horsepower than the old 2005-2010 M6 when it was not in ‘power mode’, and at 479 lb-ft of torque, it has nearly 100 lb-ft more thrust than the previous M6. Coupled to this engine is an eight-speed automatic that sends power to all four wheels in the Gran Coupe. This is good enough for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint of just 4.5 seconds, which I find to be accurate, even though the 2,015 kg sedan coupe sedan exhibits little drama in doing so.
Since my test vehicle came equipped with non-stock winter tires, the Gran Coupe’s handling was diluted, so we cannot assess or judge its full potential. But I can say that even with the skinnier, softer winter tires, traction was always there in abundance. It would take a lot to produce momentary slippage of the rear tires, but then the xDrive all-wheel-drive system would kick in and send the power forward without any issue. Even in Sport Plus mode, I could ham-fist the 650i and not get the chassis upset.
   2013 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe. Click image to enlarge |
As with any good German vehicle, the 650i Gran Coupe can be well optioned, and I mean well optioned. Think eight-plus pages of options. My test vehicle came equipped with $31,300 worth of options that brought the $99,800 base price to $131,100. That may seem like a lot of money, but those in the market for a vehicle like this won’t find this too steep. Bringing the total to over $130K were options that included the M Sport Package, Executive Package, Technology Package, Premium Seating Package, Vision Package, BMW Apps Package and the Bang and Olufsen Sound System, the latter costing an eye-watering $5,900. These packages bring all the latest gee-whiz technologies like Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Crash Detection, Adaptive Cruise, Rear View Camera, Surround View, Heated/Cooled Seats, Massage Seats and Active LED Headlights.
The most impressive option has to be the night vision. It works exceedingly well for pedestrian detection, just as I found during my review of the 2013 BMW M6 Cabriolet last summer. However, what I didn’t know then was that if a pedestrian steps too closely in front of your car, a red pedestrian image flashes on the head-up display and gauge cluster, just like the crash detection warnings. Other driver aides include a steering wheel that will vibrate when the driver engages a turn signal while another vehicle is in, or close to, the Gran Coupe’s blind spot. This is a good feature as the 650i features a tiny, gun-slit rear window and sloping rear window lines, compromising all-around visibility.
Although many will argue that there is no room for the 6 Series Gran Coupe in the BMW lineup, I personally find it far more attractive and appealing than their other mid-size four-door sedan; the BMW 5 Series. I have a feeling that there will be enough interest in this vehicle to rationalize its existence in the BMW portfolio and the fact it may be the most attractive luxury ‘four-door coupe’ on the market will only help its cause.
Pricing: 2013 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe
Base price: $99,800
Options: $5,700 (M Sport Package), $5,400 (Executive Package), $4,900 (Technology Package), $4,900 (Premium Seating Package), $4,200 (Vision Package), $300 (BMW Apps Package), $5,900 (Bang and Olufsen Sound System)
A/C tax: $100
Freight: $2,095
Price as tested: $133,195
Competitors
2013 Audi A7
2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
2013 Porsche Panamera
Crash test results
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
