Balancing Sustainability with the "Joy of Driving"

As the 4-door version of the "6 Series," it debuted at theGeneva International Motor Showin March, and the6 Series Gran Coupe" has finally arrived in Japan, with sales commencing on June 5th. This marks BMW's first luxury 4-door coupe.

At the launch event held in Tokyo, President Roland Krüger highlighted the company's strong performance, announcing that in 2011, BMW brand sales reached 3.5 million units globally, and MINI brand sales reached 280,000 units. He attributed this success to the effective implementation of their customer-centric "Strategy Number One." Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of sustainability for maintaining their position as a premium brand, stating that BMW balances its slogan "The Ultimate Driving Machine" with environmental considerations through its "EfficientDynamics" suite of technologies. Indeed, two-thirds of their current lineup already qualifies for eco-car tax reductions.

New 4.4-liter V8 Engine

The 6 Series Gran Coupe models introduced to Japan are the "650i Gran Coupe" featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, and the "640i Gran Coupe" with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. The 650i's engine is newly developed, offering a 10% increase in maximum output and an 8% increase in maximum torque compared to the previous 4.4-liter V8, while simultaneously achieving a 16% improvement in fuel efficiency. Naturally, it incorporates the aforementioned "EfficientDynamics" technologies, including high-precision direct injection, Valvetronic, Double VANOS, an 8-speed automatic transmission, brake energy recovery, and an engine auto start/stop function – all cutting-edge environmental technologies found in the latest BMW models.

The exterior retains the flowing silhouette from the coupe, from the long front nose to the rear. However, accents such as the "Gran Coupe" lettering at the base of the C-pillar and chrome detailing below the fog lights have been added to enhance its luxurious feel. The wheelbase has been extended by 115mm compared to the coupe, to 2,970mm. This increase is reflected in the overall length, which now exceeds 5 meters at 5,010mm.


The interior is characterized by a driver-oriented, asymmetrical design for the front cabin. The rear seats are designed for three occupants, with each appearing as an individual seat. However, the center seat, despite having a seatbelt, is compromised by a thick center console, suggesting it is intended for occasional use. The trunk, like the coupe's, is deep and offers a capacity of 460 liters (VDA standard). The rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split to expand cargo space, and a pass-through for long items is possible by folding down the center rear armrest.

An optional "M Sport Package" is available to enhance the sporty appearance, along with the "BMW Individual" customization program, allowing for a more exclusive finish through bespoke tailoring.

The 640i Gran Coupe is available only with right-hand drive and is priced at 9.86 million yen. The 650i Gran Coupe can be specified with either left- or right-hand drive and costs 12.57 million yen. Deliveries for the 650i are scheduled to begin in October.

BMW 640i Gran Coupe | BMW 640i Gran Coupe
Engine | Inline 6-cylinder DOHC with Twin-scroll Turbocharger
Displacement | 2,979 cc
Max Output | 235kW (320ps) / 5,800 rpm
Max Torque | 450Nm (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
Ground Clearance | 125 mm
Trunk Capacity | 460 ℓ (Max 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

BMW 650i Gran Coupe | BMW 650i Gran Coupe
Engine | V8 DOHC with Twin Turbocharger
Displacement | 4,394 cc
Max Output | 330kW (450ps) / 5,500 rpm
Max Torque | 650Nm (66.3kgm) / 2,000-4,500 rpm
Length x Width x Height | 5,010 x 1,895 x 1,390 mm
Wheelbase | 2,970 mm
Tread (Front/Rear) | 1,595 / 1,635 mm
Vehicle Weight | - kg
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.5 m
Ground Clearance | 125 mm
Trunk Capacity | 460 ℓ (Max 1,265ℓ with rear seats folded)
Transmission | 8-speed AT
Seating Capacity | 5
Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | - km/ℓ