Mercedes CLS and Audi A7 gain new rival: BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe [Presentation]

Half a dozen years ago, talking about “coupes saloons” would have forced us to squint. But what kind of specimen is this?! The first brand to venture down these paths was Mercedes with the launch of the CLS. A kind of cross between an E-Class and a CL.

The concept's success translated into expressive sales figures, so it wasn't long before other brands tried to appeal to the hearts of buyers who want to enjoy the comfort of a luxury saloon without giving up a more hot design.

The latest brand to join this “fashion” was BMW, perhaps because its 5 Series saloon was never known for lack of Salero. But still, BMW did not want to be left out of this niche and launched a new Serie 6, which has nothing to do with its predecessor and which appears to fill this gap in the propeller brand's range. Result? Based on a happy marriage between elements of the “5” and “7” organ bank, another competitor is born for the Mercedes CLS and Audi A7. Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide are a bit out of line with this trio, if only because of the symbols they display on the grid.

As for engines, the 6 Series will use the same blocks we find in the 5 Series with the exception of the four-cylinder blocks, not for lack of “juice” but for lack of nobility. We will thus be able to count on the “filet mignon” of the Bavarian brand present in the new “six”.

Among the “filet mignon” the 640i model stands out, which will be served by a 3.0-liter bi-turbo six-cylinder in-line engine with 320hp and 450Nm of torque. A motorization that, although accessing the range, allows to catapult the “six” from 0-100km/h in just 5.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 250km/h electronically limited. Not bad…

But for those who aren't too much, BMW has reserved the 650i. A version that uses the Bavarian brand's 4.4litre twin-turbo V8, delivering 443hp and producing 650Nm of torque. Enough power to break the 5 second barrier in the 0 to 100km/h sprint (more precisely 4.6 seconds) and cause excruciating pain to less-trained necks.

BMW has not forgotten those who have a relationship, let's say “disputed” with gas stations and created a Diesel version, the 640d, which uses a block of 6 cylinders and 3.0liters with an expressive 309hp and 630Nm. Despite being the “weaker” engine, it doesn't lack muscle: 5.4 seconds from 0-100km/h!

But enough of the conversation, check out some of the videos that BMW has reserved for us:

A ride with the new "six":

Inside:

The outside:

Text: Guilherme Ferreira da Costa