PressClub Canada · Article.
The new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo.
Wed Jun 14 00:00:00 CEST 2017 Press Release
• Excellence and Luxurious long-distance comfort with innovative functionality. • BMW EfficientLightweight technology uses intelligent lightweight construction with increased use of aluminum and high-strength steels. • Improved aerodynamics with BMW Active Kidney Grille, Air Curtains, Air Breathers and active rear spoiler. • Award winning BMW TwinPower Turbo technology provides dynamic performance.
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BMW Group
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Author.
Robert Dexter
BMW Group
Richmond Hill, ON. BMW is pleased to announce the all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, which will be available at BMW Retailers this fall, offered exclusively as a BMW 640i xDrive model.
Its distinct coupe-inspired aerodynamic design excites from every angle and combines the long-distance comfort of a luxury sedan with the aesthetic appeal of a coupe. The intelligent lightweight chassis construction paired to the standard 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters, improved aerodynamics featuring BMW Active Kidney Grille, Air Curtains, Air Breathers and active rear spoiler, a double wishbone front suspension, standard rear air suspension, and the award winning 6-cylinder engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology create a sporty and dynamic experience. Pricing for the all-new BMW 640i xDrive Gran Turismo will be announced closer to the fall market launch.
Vehicle concept and design. Unparalleled progressive appeal and practicality.
The all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo design embodies a rigorous process of development which has elevated both the functional strengths of this concept and the car’s sense of sporting elegance. A generously-sized, flexible-use interior, striking looks, ride comfort, and a luxurious and spacious feel are amongst the features that make this vehicle unique. These attributes have been honed for the all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo and are complemented by stretched proportions, dynamic lines and a muscular look.
“The all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo is geared towards discerning customers who place great importance on individuality. It is an eye-catching statement, packaged into a flowing, sculptural design language which gives the car a modern and sporty feel. The raised seating position ensures an imperious brand of driving pleasure, and the luxurious levels of space provide everything you need for a relaxing journey,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design.
Dynamically stretched proportions.
The all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo showcases dynamically stretched proportions. In combination with a roofline that flows deep into the rear end, the proportions ensure an elegantly sporty appearance. Thanks to optimization of the cabin’s packaging, the interior offers ample rear headroom (978 millimetres). Among the other characteristic features of the all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo are its long trunk, the set-back positioning of the cabin, wheelbase of 3070 millimetres, doors with frameless windows, and a slim window graphic that leads into a more vertical interpretation of the signature BMW “Hofmeister kink”.
The front end: distinctive, eye-catching and powerful.
The large BMW kidney grille underlines the muscular presence of the front end. The headlight housings extend all the way to the kidneys, creating a continuous band that accentuates the car’s width.
The standard Icon Adaptive Full LED Headlights feature hexagonal LED tubes for the daytime running lights that extend to meet the kidney grille, reinforcing the broad and dynamic presence of the front end.
The flanks: flowing lines, precise surfaces.
When the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo is viewed from the side, its elongated proportions and precise surface design catch the eye. A single crease in the upper section of the side surfaces sends light rushing to this section of the body. Above the powerfully flared wheel arches, a second horizontal line worked smoothly into the surface, generates an effective interchange between light and shadow, which lends the car extra lightness and elegance. Its ground clearance is emphasized by the shaded surfaces above the side skirts. The Air Breathers and side skirts form a single unit and team up with another crease in the surface work to enhance the stretched feel of the silhouette.
The heavily raked A-pillars of the all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo are linked with the roofline reaching its highest point at the top of the B-pillar, flowing like a coupe’s into the rear. The distinctive elegance of the silhouette is also accentuated by the sweeping side window graphic, which is no longer broken up by an extra window guide strip through the rear passenger door windows.
The rear end: width enhances sporting presence, sculptural light design.
Horizontal lines, sharp edges and heavily tapering surfaces help to magnify the width of the rear and therefore the sporting stature of the all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo. It is an impression strengthened by the slim rear window and rear lights positioned well to the outside. In addition to the customary BMW L-shape, the light units also display a unique three-dimensional surface design. The taillight covers over the LED units to add a bold and classy accent with their attractively sculpted design.
Aerodynamically optimized – from Active Kidney Grille to the active rear spoiler.
The low-slung silhouette of the all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo also benefits its aerodynamic efficiency, which has been improved with a host of other measures. BMW’s Active Kidney Grille system opens moveable slats behind the vertical, fixed kidney grille slats when more cooling air is required, but otherwise keeps them closed to optimize aerodynamic efficiency. The underbody section is almost fully enclosed. Air Curtains in the lower air intake at the front of the car and Air Breathers behind of the front wheels reduce turbulence in and around the wheel arches all improving aerodynamic efficiency. The active rear spoiler, which automatically extends when the car exceeds 75 mph and retracts again when it slows below 50 mph, helps to reduce lift and improve the drag coefficient (Cd).
Interior and equipment.
The versatility of the vehicle concept behind the all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, the dynamic character of the car and its luxurious levels of long-distance comfort are reflected in the design of the interior. A cockpit tailored to the driver, the extremely generous, variable-use space for occupants and luggage, high-quality design, and carefully selected and precisely worked materials provide all the ingredients for a characteristic BMW driving experience, relaxed traveling and unbeatable practicality within a luxurious ambience.
The all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo comes standard with Dakota leather upholstery, which can be specified in a range of different colors. The optional Nappa leather with decorative quilting pattern is available in three colors – Ivory White, Black and Mocha.
Precisely formed, seamlessly fitting surfaces and meticulously incorporated chrome trim elements highlight the exclusive character of the interior. The contour of the interior trim strips in the door panels traces the elegant flow of the roofline. Electrically operated sunshades for the rear side windows can be added as an option.
Raised seating position and driver-focused cockpit design.
Horizontal surfaces lend structure to the instrument panel and interior door trim. In the cockpit, the lines rise dynamically towards the driver and mark out their workplace with unmistakable clarity. The raised seating position enhances the driver’s view out over the road and, together with the ergonomically optimal arrangement of the controls, sends out a statement of imperious driving experience. The iDrive operating system’s Control Display now takes the form of a freestanding touchscreen.
The BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo is fitted as standard with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with shift paddles and a sport leather steering wheel including multifunction buttons for the infotainment, communication and cruise control functions.
Rear compartment offers luxurious comfort over long distances.
The rear compartment of the all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo has three full-size seats with ample legroom and headroom. LATCH attachment points in the outer seats make it easy to secure the child seats in place. The newly designed rear seat bench helps to improve long-distance traveling comfort and optimize soundproofing. Indeed, acoustic comfort has been enhanced by soundproofing in the roof, doors and rear seat backrests.
Multi-contour seats, active seat ventilation and a massage function can be ordered for the driver and front passenger. The optional electrically adjustable comfort seats for the rear passengers feature powered adjustment of the backrest angle at the touch of a button.
Flexible-use space and modern functionality.
The door pockets for all the seats offer extra storage room for travel items such as regular sized bottles. In the front cabin, there are an additional two cupholders, a roomy glove compartment and a large compartment under the armrest of the center console. The folding center armrest in the rear offers two cupholders.
The large, variable-use interior and contemporary functionality of the all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo highlights its qualities when it comes to accommodating luggage. A single-piece tailgate opens and closes electrically as standard, with Comfort Access as standard equipment, this process can be initiated hands-free with a gentle forward-backward kicking motion of the foot underneath the center of the rear bumper.
The load sill has been lowered by more than 5 centimetres. The 40 : 20 : 40 split rear seat backrest can be folded down not only from the passenger compartment, but also by means of electric remote release using a button in the trunk. This expands the available storage space to 1800 litres. The rigid two-section luggage cover can be stored away in a compartment underneath the trunk floor.
The standard panoramic moonroof features a two-section glass surface with an overall length of 1065 millimetres and a width of 900 millimetres. The two-layer roller-type cover made from acoustically optimized material, runs along side-mounted rails, helps to effectively soundproof the cabin.
The all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo is equipped with automatic climate control, which allows individual control of the temperature and ventilation intensity for the driver and front passenger. The standard Extended Ambient lighting provides particularly harmonious interior illumination using LED units in the instrument panel and doors. The color and brightness of the light can be configured as desired. In addition, a light carpet uses illumination sources integrated into the side skirts to generate a striking light graphic by the driver and passenger door.
The optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System features a fully active 10‑channel amplifier with an output of 1,400 watts, plus dynamic sound equalizing, and 16 partially illuminated speakers, produce an exceptionally precise and wonderfully rich sound.
Powertrain, driving experience and BMW EfficientLightweight. A fine balance of sporty performance and ride comfort.
The 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine for the all-new BMW 640i xDrive Gran Turismo has been selected from the latest generation of the BMW Group portfolio. The remarkable effectiveness of the engine paired to the 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with shift paddles, optimized aerodynamics, and its weight-saving construction make the all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo a sporting performer with the highest level of efficiency.
More powerful gasoline engine.
The engine features an aluminum construction, optimized thermodynamics and cutting-edge BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The package of technology is made up of TwinScroll turbocharging, High Precision Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve lift control and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing. New engine encapsulation reduces noise and accelerates warm-up.
The 3.0-liter 6-cylinder inline gasoline engine under the hood of the all-new BMW 640i xDrive Gran Turismo generates maximum output of 335 hp and peak torque of 332 lb-ft between 1,380 and 5,200 rpm, enabling a sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds.
Intelligent networking optimizes dynamics and efficiency.
With the help of intelligent networking, the 8-speed Steptronic transmission can adapt its shift strategy to the current driving situation. Utilizing the map database from the standard Navigation system Professional, the intelligent transmission management takes its cues from the upcoming route. For example, on the basis of navigation data it can perform an early downshift when approaching an intersection, in order to take full advantage of the engine braking effect. It also allows unnecessary gear changes to be prevented when taking two bends in quick succession. If ECO PRO mode is selected using the Driving Dynamics Control switch, the coasting function decouples the powertrain whenever the driver lifts off the accelerator between 50 and 160 km/h.
Intelligent networking also improves the efficiency-boosting effect of the Auto Start Stop function. The control unit uses data from the navigation system and the driver assistance systems’ cameras and radar sensors to prevent the engine being switched off at moments where it would be counterproductive for efficiency – for example when pausing briefly at intersections or traffic circles.
Cutting-edge chassis technology, rear-axle air suspension as standard.
Thanks to a rigorous round of chassis development, the all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo offers lively agility and, at the same time, unbeatable ride quality. The double-wishbone front suspension and five-link rear suspension underpin a smooth balance between dynamic sharpness and comfort. The front suspension decouples the wheel location and damping functions to avoid compromising comfort under high lateral acceleration, allowing the steering to remain as unaffected as possible by bumps in the road.
The rear suspension uses light-metal components in the five-link rear suspension, and optimized elastokinematics ensure precise wheel location and excellent directional stability. The large mounting and supporting system also plays an important part in ensuring good acoustic insulation between the powertrain and suspension. Standard specification includes rear-axle air suspension with automatic self-levelling, which maintains a constant ride height regardless of driving situation or payload, while at the same time controlling vibrations.
The electromechanical steering system with standard Servotronic function (for speed-sensitive power assistance) offers unbeatable precision in dynamic cornering situations and high levels of comfort when maneuvering in tight spots such as parking lots. The optional Integral Active Steering is likewise electromechanical. Controlled steering of the rear wheels allows it to provide extra agility when cornering, sure-footed responses when changing lanes and easy maneuverability around town.
Adaptive suspension and Active Roll Stabilization deliver ride comfort and sporty performance.
The Dynamic Handling Package offers an extra dose of sportiness. It complements Dynamic Damper Control and the two-axle air suspension with Active Roll Stabilization and Integral Active Steering.
Adaptive suspension with Dynamic Damper Control and two-axle air suspension uses electronically controlled dampers to improve ride and suspension comfort while at the same time sharpen the car’s dynamics. An electrically powered compressor with pressure reservoir supplies the suspension with air and because the air supply is controlled individually for each wheel, it is even possible to compensate for an unevenly distributed load.
The two-axle air suspension enables owners to set the car’s ride height manually. Ground clearance can be raised by 20 millimetres at the touch of a button for driving on rough ground or up steep ramps. Once the driver accelerates beyond 35 km/h, the self-levelling system automatically reverts to the standard setting. A 10 millimetre drop in ride height can be initiated by pressing a button. This happens automatically at speeds over 120 km/h and when SPORT mode is selected using the Driving Dynamic Control switch.
Active Roll Stabilization works using electric swivel motors and takes fast, precise action to counteract body roll during dynamic cornering, while also improving comfort in straight-line driving by actively countering bump disturbances affecting only one side of the car.
Driving Dynamics Control switch with ADAPTIVE and COMFORT+ mode.
As well as ECO PRO mode, the standard Driving Dynamics Control toggle switch is also used to activate the COMFORT and SPORT settings. These different modes, selected at the press of a button, modify the accelerator and steering mapping, the shift characteristics of the Steptronic transmission and the responses of the electronic dampers, if specified. Choosing the Dynamic Handling Package also adds the COMFORT+ and ADAPTIVE modes. These allow drivers to select a particularly comfort-biased set-up or one that responds automatically to their driving style. In ADAPTIVE mode, navigation data from the Navigation system Professional is used to proactively adjust the car’s responses when approaching intersections or curves.
BMW EfficientLightweight technology allows for optimized weight distribution and low body weight.
Intelligent lightweight construction and the increased use of aluminum and high-strength steels for body and chassis components has optimized the weight of the all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo. The doors, the trunk and the car’s tailgate are made from aluminum. The engine cross-member, spring struts and rear trailing arms are among the chassis components made from lightweight metal. Reducing unsprung mass in the wheels and brakes make the all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo even more agile.
A steel/aluminum compound construction, galvanized, hot and cold-formed steel plates with a zinc/magnesium coating are all used to improve stiffness and passive safety, and reduce weight. Among the latest innovations in manufacturing technology registered under the BMW EfficientLightweight banner are a laser welding technique for the aluminum door shells and glass-fiber reinforced plastic acoustic shielding for the inner door paneling.