The Past and Present of the "Even-Numbered Series"

BMW's "even-numbered series" are interesting right now. The "2 Series", which recently co-starred with the "2002" in a TV commercial, is one example, as is the "Gran Coupe" of the "4 Series". They have undoubtedly given us, the customers, new choices. This is the reason the "3 Series Coupe" was separated into the 4 Series. We can expect further developments in the future.

Looking back, the even-numbered series have included some very interesting models. Do you remember the "Z8"? This V8-powered two-seater roadster was truly an object of desire, widely known for its appearance as a Bond car. Perhaps because of this background, it evokes a sense of "sophistication".

However, being a niche model, it had a short lifespan. In that sense, the undisputed center of the even-numbered series has been the "6 Series".

While the 6 Series has previously been offered as a two-door coupe and convertible, the "Gran Coupe" is undoubtedly the most talked-about. Its coupe-like styling, despite having four doors, has garnered significant attention.

I still vividly remember attending the overseas test drive event for this car in Sicily, Italy, several years ago. Bathed in the southern Italian sunset, the Gran Coupe was a true work of art, like a sculpture. It felt as though BMW's cool side was expressed through its entire body.

BMW M6 Gran Coupe
BMW 4 Series Coupe

BMW's Even-Numbered Series Are Exciting Right Now (2)

The "Gran Coupe": A "Leading Man" Combining Elegance and Practicality

Of course, the Gran Coupe is a later entrant in the four-door coupe genre. Models like the Mercedes-Benz "CLS-Class", the Volkswagen "CC", and the Jaguar "XF" arrived earlier. However, this is BMW, and it fully demonstrates its "distinctive character." It's not often that you find a car that is both practical and possesses such striking good looks.

Among them, the "M6 Gran Coupe", which sits at the pinnacle of the 6 Series Gran Coupe lineup, is particularly noteworthy for its distinctive interior. Looking at it, I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels a sense of "elegance" from this car.

So, what about the driving experience?

Although the Gran Coupe has a longer wheelbase than the two-door coupe, there's no negative impact. A slight turn of the steering wheel prompts an immediate response from the body, changing direction. This sensation is not much different from the two-door. The M6 Gran Coupe has a wheelbase of 2,965mm (the Gran Coupe is 2,970mm), while the two-door measures 2,855mm.

Incidentally, recent BMWs tend to have longer wheelbases. While this naturally aims to create a more spacious cabin, the primary goal is to reduce the weight on the outer edges of the tires. This helps in controlling yaw.

BMW M6 Gran Coupe
BMW 4 Series Coupe

BMW's Even-Numbered Series Are Exciting Right Now (3)

Handling That Makes You Forget Its Size

I believe another characteristic of the M6 Gran Coupe is its high-speed stability. The ride comfort at high speeds is exceptionally flat, with shocks from bumps being absorbed by the suspension. It's impressive how it doesn't transmit imperfections in the road surface directly into the cabin, even on rougher patches. Furthermore, the way the car seems to settle slightly before accelerating when you press the throttle is exhilarating. This is sure to stir the sporting spirit of the driver.

Despite its length of 5,015mm and width of 1,900mm, the M6 Gran Coupe doesn't feel its size on winding roads. It's so adept that you almost forget it has rear seats – truly impressive.

The M6 Gran Coupe is powered by a 4,394cc V8 engine, delivering a maximum output of 412kW (560ps) and peak torque of 680Nm (69.3kgm). This is paired with a 7-speed M DCT Drivelogic (dual-clutch transmission).

Meanwhile, the non-M Gran Coupe models are equipped with the familiar 3-liter inline-6 (640i) and 4.4-liter V8 (650i) engines. The former produces 320ps and the latter 450ps, both paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the engine differences are reflected directly in the specs, I personally prefer the 3-liter inline-6 in the 640i. Its fuel economy of 12.4 km/ℓ (JC08 mode) is also appealing. For comparison, the M6 Gran Coupe achieves 9.0 km/ℓ. For those who prioritize handling, the M6 is the clear winner.

BMW M6 Gran Coupe
BMW 4 Series Coupe

BMW's Even-Numbered Series Are Exciting Right Now (4)

The 4 Series' Tight, Comfortable Driving Position

After test-driving the M6 Gran Coupe, I also got behind the wheel of the "4 Series Coupe". The tight driving position immediately gave me the feeling of "Yes, this is BMW!". The dimensions, exemplified by the 3 Series, seem to be the image leader. Having driven the 3 Series for a long time, this size feels more settled.

Furthermore, the body rigidity after starting to drive is exceptional, clearly superior to the 6 Series and even the 3 Series sedans. The sense of unity between the body, suspension, and driver is something not easily experienced. Considering this, perhaps BMW's true forte lies here.

BMW's "even-numbered series" possess a very strong "distinctive character".

BMW 640i Gran Coupe
Engine | Inline 6-cylinder DOHC Twin-Scroll Turbocharger
Displacement | 2,979 cc
Maximum Output | 235 kW (320 ps) / 5,800 rpm
Maximum Torque | 450 Nm (45.9kgm) / 1,300-4,500 rpm
Length x Width x Height | 5,010 x 1,895 x 1,390 mm
Wheelbase | 2,970 mm
Tread (Front/Rear) | 1,600 / 1,665 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,860 kg
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.5 m
Minimum Ground Clearance | 125 mm
Trunk Capacity | 460 ℓ (1,265ℓ with rear seats folded)
Transmission | 8-speed AT
Seating Capacity | 5
Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 12.4 km/ℓ
Price | 10,240,000 yen

BMW M6 Gran Coupe
Engine | V8 DOHC Twin-Turbocharger
Displacement | 4,394 cc
Maximum Output | 412 kW (560ps) / 6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 680 Nm (69.3kgm) / 1,500-5,750 rpm
Length x Width x Height | 5,015 x 1,900 x 1,395 mm
Wheelbase | 2,965 mm
Tread (Front/Rear) | 1,630 / 1,610 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,990 kg
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.9 m
Minimum Ground Clearance | 110 mm
Trunk Capacity | 460 ℓ (1,265ℓ with rear seats folded)
Transmission | 7-speed M DCT Drivelogic
Seating Capacity | 5
Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 9.0 km/ℓ
Price | 17,960,000 yen

BMW 435i Coupe M Sport
Engine | Inline 6-cylinder DOHC Twin-Scroll Turbocharger
Displacement | 2,979 cc
Maximum Output | 225 kW (306ps) / 5,800 rpm
Maximum Torque | 400 Nm (40.8 kgm) / 1,200-5,000 rpm
Length x Width x Height | 4,670 x 1,825 x 1,375 mm
Wheelbase | 2,810 mm
Tread (Front/Rear) | 1,545 / 1,575 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,620 kg
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.4 m
Minimum Ground Clearance | 130 mm
Trunk Capacity | 445 ℓ
Transmission | 8-speed AT
Seating Capacity | 5
Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 12.7 km/ℓ
Price | 8,030,000 yen

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