2019 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

The 2019 6 Series Gran Coupe is part of the third-generation 6 Series, but in isolation has been around since 2012. It's the four-door version of the 6 Series Coupe, which has since been discontinued, leaving the 6 GC alone in isolation to battle against the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7 Sportback. The Gran Coupe offers a more practical way to get the same stunning coupe looks, power, and refined interior of its two-door predecessor, albeit at a higher cost. There are four trims in total and two engine options. Two powertrain options are available, each split into either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. The entry-level models badged as 640i derivatives, fitted with a 315-horsepower turbocharged inline-six paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The top-end trims feature a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 that makes 443 hp and 479 lb-ft. Now nearing its official demise with the new 8 Series Gran Coupe on its way, is it still good enough to warrant our attention?

Unlike many of BMW's other offerings with cookie-cutter styling, the 6 Series Gran coupe is unmistakable for anything else. The unique diamond-shaped headlights set the tone and flank the usual BMW kidney grille. The side profile is long and sleek, culminating in a clean-cut rear with aggressive twin exhaust outlets. The wraparound tail light clusters suit the angular lines of the parting view. The 6 Series Gran Coupe is certainly one of the more handsome cars in the BMW lineup, exuding charm and elegance by the bucket load. The base models ride on 18-inch alloy wheels in various designs, while standard on the 650i and optional on the 640i are 19-inch alloys. An M Sport package is available for both, which adds darker exterior styling elements and M Sport specific bumpers and badges.

It may be called a coupe, but the dimensions of the 6 Series Gran Coupe are comparable to a large sedan. All trims have a length of 197.1 inches, set on a 116.9-inch wheelbase that originates from the old 5 Series. With a height of 54.8 inches and a width of 74.6 inches, it is on the larger side of the segment. Curb weights range from 4,165 lbs to 4,420 lbs, with the entry-spec 640i being the lightest, and the xDrive 650i as the heaviest. All models sport a ground clearance of five inches which is closer to the tarmac than the original five series.

There's a wide array of colors available for the 6 Series Gran Coupe comprising both metallic and non-metallic options. Standard non-metallic options are the familiar Jet Black and Alpine White, which both come at no extra cost. A vibrant palette in the metallic range includes Carbon Black, Black Sapphire, Space Gray, Melbourne Red, Glacier Silver, Mediterranean Blue, Jatoba Brown, Sonic Speed and Mineral White which can be had without adding to your total price. For more exclusive colors, BMW Individual options offer Frozen Bronze and Frozen Brilliant White at a $3,600 premium. Other premium metallic options in the range include the striking Moonstone, Tanzanite, Citrin Black, and Ruby Black cost an extra $1,950.

BMWs are meant to be driver's cars, and the 6 Series Gran Coupe encapsulates that concept by offering immense performance in both of the available powerplants. BMW has also been courteous to their fanbase by offering both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive. The 640i variants with the 315 hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and eight-speed auto transmission are obviously the more subdued of the two models, but shouldn't be written off as being sluggish. They deliver a fantastic balance of power and fuel economy while still easily pushing the car around. A 0 to 60 mph time of 5.1 seconds isn't to be scoffed at either, for this hefty vehicle. Both 650i variants get the turbocharged 443-hp 4.4 liter V8, with its growling exhaust soundtrack and aggressive performance; the 650i's are much more fun to drive, hitting the 60 mph mark in just over four seconds too.

While nobody can argue that driving the 6 Series Gran Coupe is particularly exciting, the entry-level models can be a little disappointing because they are more expensive than the rival Mercedes CLS and Audi A7, while having less power. The entry-level A7 makes 335 hp while the entry-level CLS starts out at 363 hp.

BMW has stuck to a tried and tested formula with the 6 Series Gran Coupe. Both engines have been successful in a number of other models, and the eight-speed auto is their go-to transmission. Both 640i variants get the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder which makes 315 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. It might seem diminutive compared to its bigger brother in the 650i, but it still offers smooth and effortless acceleration, with no lack of enthusiasm. It's no wonder why BMW has used the same reliable engine in other models like the 3 Series and 5 Series

The 650is both feature the exceptional turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 which pushes out 443 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Driving a 650i means getting thrown back into your seat with a smile on your face, while that exhaust note overpowers all other sounds in the car. BMW uses the eight-speed automatic transmission in most of their cars these days, and why not. It has smooth, quick shifts and manages to time the revs almost perfectly. It's so good that there's hardly any clamor for a manual transmission these days, and it is perfectly suited to the luxurious, cruising temperament of the Gran Coupe.

There's no doubt the 6 Series Gran Coupe is a large car, but that doesn't get in the way of the driving experience; it still feels comfortable around corners and takes winding roads in its stride. The ride is firm but by no means harsh, keeping in line with BMW's luxury image. The brakes are strong, stopping the car in no time and have a firm and responsive feel to them. For the 2019 Gran Coupe, there are four drive modes available, including Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Eco Pro. Comfort is the most balanced setting, optimizing the 6 Series Gran Coupe for everyday driving and find the sweet spot between performance and comfort. Sport mode switches the throttle response times up and leads to higher RPM gear shifts. Sport+ is similar to Sport mode, but turns off the traction control, and allows more movement before the stability control kicks in. Eco Pro optimizes the car for fuel economy, and while it has its uses, it's unlikely to be used often on the 6 Series Gran Coupe.

The 6 Series Coupe inspires confidence in the driver with its performance, and while the 640i feels good, it doesn't come close to the top-end model. The 650i is always raring to go and tempts the driver to put their foot flat to experience its rocket-like kick. BMW has done a terrific job of maintaining a coupe-like sporty feel to the 6 Series Gran coupe despite its four doors and massive size.

In the past, fuel economy on large performance cars was an afterthought, but things have changed thanks to new technology as well as stricter emission laws. The most efficient model in the range is the 640i, with estimated EPA figures of 20/29/23 mpg. Opting for the all-wheel-drive version brings these estimates down just a little to 19/28/22 mpg. The least economical in the range is the 650i xDrive with figures of 17/25/20 mpg, with its rear-wheel variant doing only marginally better (18/26/21 mpg).

All models have an 18.5-gallon fuel tank and based on the combined figures, the most frugal trim, the 640i, can travel 425 miles on a full tank of gas, while the thirstier 650i xDrive will need to refuel after 370 miles.

The interior offers a mix between sedan space and coupe styling. Despite having four doors, the rear space is still rather cramped. The front occupants get more than enough room, although all passengers are treated to a plush interior. The 6 Series Gran Coupe follows a similar design language to many of the other current BMWs - it has fantastic attention to detail with a mix of hard and soft-touch materials put together with fine contrast stitching. The Alcantara headliner looks lovely and perfectly complements the leather and fine wood and carbon fiber trims. The integrated door speakers are absolutely beautiful in silver and add to the overall appeal. While the interior is great in its standard form, there's the option to add ceramic controls, power sunshades, and more to further enhance the appeal.

It may look like a sedan, but the name says it all. This is a grand Coupe, and realistically only four people can sit comfortably. Front occupants get more than enough space with a massive 40.6 inches of headroom and 42.1 inches of legroom - perfect for even the tallest passengers. Rear occupants don't fare as well with only 37 inches of headroom and a meager 35.3 inches of legroom, meaning the rear is better suited to kids. The center console literally ends at the rear seat and prevents a fifth passenger from fitting at all, and the sloping roofline problematically impedes entry and exit to the rear seats.

In comparison, the rival CLS gets 36.9-inches of headroom and 41.9 inches of legroom in the front and 35.9 inches of headroom and 35-inches of legroom in the rear, offering surprisingly less space than the Gran Coupe.

BMW has always used premium quality materials for its interiors, and the 6 Series Gran Coupe continues this fine tradition. The whole interior, including the dashboard, seats, and even the roof and buttons, are covered in quality materials. Dakota leather is standard in the 640i in a variety of colors including Cinnamon Brown, Black, and Ivory White, which come at no extra cost. Nappa leather is standard on the 650i in Vermilion Red, Ivory White with Black, Cognac with Black, and Black are also available at an extra cost of $3,000 on the 640i. For a more bespoke experience, Merino leather is also offered in Canyon Brown, Champagne, Opal White with Amaro Brown, Opal White, and Platinum with Black at a price of $5,000.

In addition to upholstery options, there is also a range of interior trims available, including carbon fiber, brushed aluminum, and wood finishes like Fineline Brown, Gray Poplar, and Piano Black, which come at no extra cost. Premium trims include Dark Red Sycamore and White Ash Grain at a premium of $1080.

Trunk space isn't one of the 6 Series Gran Coupe's strongpoints, but it is a coupe after all, and that's to be expected. The opening is wide, but the actual loading area is shallow and narrow, with only 13 cubic feet of space. Thankfully, there is also a pass-through for longer objects to fit.

In the cabin, there's an average-sized glove box, front cupholders, and door pockets. The center console storage box is lockable with a double lid opening. Rear passengers get small and large door pockets, as well as cupholders and a storage box on the rear armrest. There is also front seatback storage.

The 6 Series Gran Coupe has a wide range of standard features, as well as the ability to further upgrade with a multitude of optional packages and individual add-ons. The 640i, at the entry point of the range, has heated 10-way power-adjustable seats with memory settings, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, cruise control, and wireless charging. It also has a sport-tuned suspension, adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beams, power-folding mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. The 650i gets upgraded to 19-inch wheels, 20-way power-adjustable seats with memory settings, adjustable side bolsters, and thigh support. It also gets BMW concierge services.

No modern car is complete without the latest technology features, and the 6 Series Gran Coupe does deliver on this front. The 640i starts out the range with a 10.2-inch display connected to BMW's iDrive controller, which is renowned as one of the best in the business. It also comes with Bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM radio, nine-speakers, a CD player, HD radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a one-year subscription, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging, and onboard navigation. The 650i upgrades to a Harman Kardon sound system, which is also available on the 640i as an optional extra. Sadly Android Auto isn't available at all, and Apple Carplay is only available for free for the first year, after which it has to be paid for annually - a rather strange concession for a vehicle of this caliber.

The 2019 6 Series Gran Coupe has had no recalls, and no complaints are logged for the vehicle either. It has a slightly above-average predicted reliability rating of three and a half out of five by J.D. Power.

The 6 Series Gran Coupe is covered by a four-year/50,000 mile basic warranty and powertrain warranty, and an unlimited warranty on perforation and corrosion. The BMW Ultimate Care service plan runs for three years/36,000 miles, and there's also a four-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance package included.

There is currently no test data available from either the NHTSA or the IIHS for the 2019 6 Series Gran Coupe. The similar 6 Series GT scored an impressive best-possible five-star rating with the European NCAP, which the 6 Series Gran Coupe is expected to emulate it, although this rating pertains to European vehicles only.

The 6 Series Gran Coupe has most of the safety features that are expected in a car in this class. This includes stability control, traction control, emergency braking assist, four-wheel ABS, tire pressure monitoring, adaptive headlights, and emergency braking assist. It also has six airbags including dual front, front side, and side curtain airbags; a rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors complete the factory-fit settings. It's a pity that there aren't more standard driver aid features, and blind-spot warning, a head-up display, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking are all optional extras requiring more cash outlay.

Compared to the rival CLS and A7, the entry-level 640i models are very expensive and deliver far less performance. On the plus side, the 650i variants are far more powerful than what the competition has on offer. Judging the 6 Series on its own merits, there are many reasons why it's so appealing. In a world where so many cars in a range look similar, the 6 Series Gran Coupe breaks the mold with distinctive styling and stunning looks. Both engine options are fun to drive, although not thrilling by any stretch of the imagination, and while the 640i is more relaxed, it is still a pleasure to drive and cheap to run with good fuel economy. The 650i is a little more exciting to drive due to the increase in power but overall offers the same features as the entry-spec version. The downside of owning the Gran Coupe is the lack of rear seating space, expensive add-ons for necessary driver-aids, and its total cost, which is higher than most rivals in the segment. However, these gripes can't detract from the fact that the 6 Series Gran Coupe is a good car - maybe not great, but at the very least, you won't regret buying it.

The entry-level 640i has a high starting price of $81,500, while the 640i xDrive costs $84,500. The upper trim 650i is slapped with an even higher sticker price of $93,100 with its xDrive derivative priced at $96,100. These prices exclude the licensing, taxes, and registration fees as well as the destination charge of $995.

It's worth mentioning that the entry-level Audi A7 3.0-liter TFSI has a starting price of $68,000, while the base Mercedes CLS starts at $69,200. The 6 Series Gran Coupe is thus in excess of $12,000 more expensive at entry-point to the range than the Audi, although the Porsche Panamera is closer in pricing, at $87,550.

There's a total of four trims in the 6 Series range. The 640i and the 640i xDrive are both powered by a 315-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the only difference being the rear-wheel-drivetrain on the former, and all-wheel-drive on the latter. The 650i and 650i xDrive are similarly configured and have a 4.4-liter V8 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 443 hp.

Both 640i and 640i xDrive models share the same features including 18-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, 10-way power-adjustable seats, Dakota leather upholstery, ambient lighting, a sport-tuned suspension, adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beams, power-folding mirrors, and front and rear parking sensors. They also have a 10.2-inch touchscreen with BMW's iDrive system, a CD player, nine-speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a one-year subscription, and HD radio. Other infotainment features include a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging, a rearview camera, and onboard navigation.

In the same way, the 650i and 650i xDrive models build on the existing features but have 19-inch wheels instead. Additionally, a premium 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is added, Nappa leather seats are equipped with 20-way power adjustability in the front; passenger seat memory settings, adjustable side bolsters, as well as thigh support are fitted. This model also gets BMW concierge services additionally.

BMW offers many packages to upgrade the 6 Series Gran Coupe further, and some of them can be quite expensive, leading overall costs to rise exponentially. Available packages include the Parking Assist Package at $700, which adds a surround-view camera, and BMW's parking assistant.

Two Driving Assistance Packages are available, with the basic version priced at $1,700 and comprising blind-spot monitoring, active driving assistant, a head-up display, and speed limit information. The Driving Assistance Plus version costs $1,200, and adds adaptive cruise control with stop/go and extended collision mitigation systems which incorporate lane departure, forward collision warning, and pedestrian detection.

A pricy $3,000 or $3,500 (depending on which trim it is being equipped to) Executive Package allows for the addition of soft-close doors, power sunshades, ventilated front seats, contrast stitching, four-zone automatic climate control, Nappa leather instrument panel, and the Harman Kardon surround sound system.

The M Sport Package is also available, and at $4,400 includes exclusive 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels, an M steering wheel, an aerodynamic kit, Shadowline exterior window trim, increased top speed, and an Alcantara headliner in the Anthracite color.

Other packages include the BMW Individual Composition at $6,000, the Cold Weather Package for $450, and the Black Accent Package priced between $1,400 and $4,000 depending on trim. There are also individual add-on options available such as the Bang & Olufsen sound system at $3,700, ceramic controls at $650, and active front seats at $1,000. Standalone driver aids can be fitted $500 for blind-spot monitoring, and night vision at $2,300.

Both engine variants have something to offer, and since both trims are equipped with the same features, it really boils down to what you want under the hood. The 640i is great for daily driving and offers a great mix of performance and economy in one lovely package. On the other hand, the 6 Series is listed as a Gran Coupe, and that means it should have some performance aspects intertwined with the lifestyle joys. So, there's no point settling for less when there's an insane 443-hp V8 available to blow you away with good performance, underscored by the wonderful soundtrack. Both the all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drivetrains have their uses, but unless you are living in an area where all-wheel-capability is really needed, the rear-wheel-drive will do just fine. In that case, the 650i is the one to go for.

The Audi A7 is much newer than the 6 Series Gran Coupe, with the latest model arriving in this year with a mild-hybrid powertrain to boot. It's powered by a turbocharged 335-hp 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electric hybrid assist system. Being a newer car, the Audi has a far more modern interior than the BMW with LED screens throughout. At $68,000 for the entry-level model, it starts off much cheaper than the 640i at $81,500. The Audi offers an exceptional balance of luxury, performance, and great handling. At the lower tiers, the Audi is the better buy all round. However, there's nothing in the A7 range yet to touch the 650i with its 445 horsepower. While the 650i might look and feel dated in comparison to the Audi, it still has enough thrills to make it more of a driver's car.

The CLS was the car that started off the four-door coupe trend way back in 2004. It's now in its third iteration and has been newly designed for 2019. Both inside and outside, it is far more modern than the 6 Series Gran Coupe and has a jaw-dropping interior that's light years ahead of the BMW. It also has a high level of onboard technology and offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The CLS has a turbocharged 3.0-liter engine with a mild-hybrid boost, and that can produce either 363 hp or 429 hp. The top of the range 6 Series Gran Coupe has a starting price of $93,100 while the top of the range AMG CLS 53 starts at $79,900. At over $10,000 cheaper, the Mercedes is far better than the BMW, despite having slightly less power. It is more modern and offers a better all-round driving experience.

Closer to each other in terms of pricing, the Porsche Panamera and the 6 Series Gran Coupe differ by around $5,000 with the Porsche being more expensive. With similar powertrains too, the Panamera kicks out 330 hp and 332 lb-ft, while the Gran Coupe makes only slightly less horsepower (315 hp), but similar torque. The Panamera maintains the upper hand by virtue of its status, firstly, but also in size, cargo volume, and driving pleasure. Available in all-wheel-drive as well, the Panamera can also be had with a bigger engine or a hybrid option. Although it does classify as a large luxury sedan, it's a worthy competitor, and we would rather fork out the additional $5k for the baseline Porsche than spend over $95,000 on the top-spec 6 Series Gran Coupe.