2013 BMW Gran Coupe

It took BMW 20 months from the presentation of the Concept Gran Coupe at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show in April of 2010 to present the production version of its foray into the premium four-door coupe segment., the all-new 6-Series Gran Coupe.

The new model is essentially a four-door version of the latest 6-Series Coupe and will allow the Bavarian automaker to compete head on with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, Audi A7 Sportback and Porsche Panamera sports saloons.

Given that the original concept was production ready, it doesn’t come to much of a surprise that the only styling changes made concern the lower part of the front bumper, the re-positioned reflectors on the rear bumper and the different tail pipes.

The Gran Coupe’s exterior styling builds on 6 Series Coupe adding an extra pair of doors while keeping the low-slung appearance.

Measuring 197 inches (5,007mm) long with a wheelbase of 116.8 inches (2,968 mm), the Gran Coupe is 4.4 inches (111mm) longer than its 2-door coupe sibling, with most of the extra length going towards the rear passengers.

The 6-Series Gran Coupe is also 74.6 inches (1,894 mm) wide and stands 54.8 inches (1,392 mm) tall. For comparison purposes, the Gran Coupe is 4.0 inches (102mm) longer, 1.3 inches (34mm) wider and 2.8 inches (72mm) lower than the BMW 550i sedan.

For the most part, the interior design is identical to the 6-Series Coupe, though BMW has used exclusive materials and trims while the seating position is slightly higher. The German company describes the Gran Coupe as a “4+1″ as the center tunnel extends to the rear seat. The luggage compartment has 16.24 cu. ft (460-liter) of space, which is exactly the same as the 6-Series coupe.

The new Gran Coupe will launch with three engines, all linked to a standard 8-speed automatic transmission. The 640i comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six petrol delivering 320HP, while the 640d features a 3.0-liter turbo diesel with 313HP. Finally, the 650i gets a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 gasoline engine that churns out 450-ponnies. The 650i will be available from launch in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive flavors.

BMW said that in the States, the series would launch with the 640i early in the summer of 2012, with the 650i and 650i xDrive to be available a couple of months later.

More engines, including a twin-turbocharged V8 with around 560 horses linked to a dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox for the flagship M6 Gran Coupe, will join the lineup down the line.

The Gran Coupe will make its world premiere at the next Geneva Motor Show in March of 2012.