2012 BMW 640i coupe

This is the third-generation 6-series coupe. The upmarket two-door, previewed in near-production-ready guise as a concept at last year's Paris motor show, is set to follow the recently introduced second-generation 6-series convertible into North American showrooms in October as a 2012 model.

It's not the last of the new 6-series models to arrive here, though. BMW is planning next year to debut a four-door derivative to rival the Audi A7 and the Mercedes-Benz CLS, with styling first previewed on the GranCoupe concept car.

The new 6-series is based on the same underpinnings as the latest 5-series, complete with a new double-wishbone front suspension and an electromechanical steering system. Among the long list of options is a rear-wheel steering system dubbed "Integral Active Steering," and "Dynamic Damper Control," both of which we recommend to anyone seeking heightened levels of response.

As with its open-top sibling, the new 6-series coupe initially will be offered with the choice of two turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engines--the familiar 315-hp, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder unit that powers the 640i and a 401-hp, 4.4-liter V8 in the range-topping 650i.

BMW also developed a model running a 308-hp version of the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine, but it is not planned to join the North American lineup anytime soon.

What we can expect, however, is a new M6 running the same 552-hp turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine revealed in the new M5.

Both gasoline engines come mated to a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 640i comes as standard with rear-wheel drive. But in a first for BMW's big coupe, buyers will be able to choose between rear- or four-wheel drive with the 650i.

As part of an effort to improve fuel consumption, the new model gets automatic stop/start, brake-energy recuperation, aerodynamic-enhancing flaps behind the grille that close on part throttle to smooth air flow, and ancillary engine functions, including on-demand oil and water pumps that draw energy only when required.

What is it like to drive?

The new 6-series coupe is a highly competent car--so competent over a wide range of dynamic disciplines, in fact, that it can seem a little clinical at times. Look beyond this characteristic, though, and you discover a car that is capable of devouring large distances with ease in the best grand-tourer tradition.

The car's best work is done on the highway, where it cruises serenely with impressive refinement while imparting a feeling of always having a good deal of reserve at typical North American speed limits.

Despite tipping the scale at 3,660 pounds, the 640i is quick in a straight line. Its engine throws out 332 lb-ft of torque at just 1,300 rpm, so you don't need too many revs before tapping into a solid stream of performance.

BMW claims a 0-to-62-mph time of 5.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph.

The electromechanical steering, with BMW's variable assist setup as optional, gives the 640i astonishing agility for such a big and heavy car. Despite the weight, it carves through corners, even at high speeds, in a flat and unflustered manner, relying on the abundance of grip to ensure that the driver rarely needs to correct the line. An armada of driver aids also ensures any wayward action is quickly handled. And with the Dynamic Damper Control providing continuous adjustment of the stiffness of the car's suspension, it also rides in a firm but well-controlled manner.

BMW's designers have placed a great deal of effort into lifting the appeal of the car's cabin, which receives a stylish, driver-oriented dashboard, the latest version of BMW's iDrive system and the same controls as those found in the latest 5-series.

With a 2.8-inch increase in length and a 1.5-inch gain in width, the new car offers greater levels of accommodation up front, broader seats have more substantial back rests. A 3.0-inch stretch in the wheelbase also added space in back, although the individual rear seats are still best suited to children.

Do I want one?

No doubt about it, the 640i is an impressive machine--from its high level of quality through to its elegant new styling, eager performance and improved everyday practicality. It is a more rounded rival to cars such as the Mercedes-Benz E-class coupe and the Jaguar XK than the previous 6-series coupe. However, it lacks the engagement of true sports car such as the Aston Martin Vantage and the Porsche 911--the latter of which BMW chassis engineers suggest served as a benchmark throughout the new car's development. Think of it more as a traditional grand tourer, and you'll be on the right track.

2011 BMW M3 "Frozen Black" Special Edition

How can something get hotter when it’s frozen? Easy: when it’s a “frozen” BMW M3. Like the 30 Frozen Gray Edition M3s that BMW offered last year, the Frozen Black Edition is a limited-run two-door, although just 20 will be served up this time around. Every Black will be equipped with the Competition package, BMW’s M-DCT dual-clutch transmission, and a black leather interior with red stitching. The paint is a matte-finish metallic black, accented by red brake calipers and gloss black wheels and body trim (grille inserts, window moldings, exhaust tips).

The Frozen Black Edition comes loaded with pretty much everything else on the M3 options list, including the Premium Package 2 (power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, universal garage-door opener, power front seats, carbon leather interior trim, interior mirror with compass, BMW Assist with Bluetooth), the Convenience package (alarm system, keyless entry, rear park-distance control, voice-activated navigation, iPod and USB inputs), heated front seats, satellite radio, and the BMW Individual Enhanced premium sound system. The package, BMW says, is intended to celebrate the arrival of a whole line of “Frozen” paint colors to the BMW Individual customization program.

Want one? Get on the horn to 1-800-245-4269 at exactly 11:30 a.m. Eastern on Thursday, June 16, and be prepared to shell out $81,825. If you’re one of the lucky 19 to get through—one example is being held back for possible sale at a later date; hello, auction!—by the end of the summer, you may have one of the coolest E90 M3s ever built.

2013 BMW 6-series Gran Coupé Spy Photos - Future Cars

If you liked the BMW Concept Gran Coupé at the Beijing auto show last April, prepare your checkbook: The Bavarians are readying it for a production launch next year. Our spy photographers caught what will be called the 6-series Gran Coupé looking remarkably showroom ready, with only a few camo stickers plastered over the side and rear.
Actually, BMW had plans to launch a large, elegant four-door a few years ago. Previewed by the Concept CS from 2007, the “four-door coupe”—a marketing phrase that makes as much sense as ”fixed-roof convertible”—was going to be longer, wider, and lower than a 7-series, and propelled by super-powerful V-8 and V-12 engines. But the project was killed when the economy turned turtle, and the man in charge, BMW M development guru Gerhard Richter, retired.

BMW Concept Gran Coupé

But the idea of a graceful, low four-door lived on at BMW. In Beijing last year, the company showed the Concept Gran Coupé, a sedan with the basic shape of the 6-series coupe. Aside from the number of doors and stretched roofline, it varied from the coupe only in minor details: larger air intakes, smaller side mirrors, a metal accent strip on the front fender, and rectangular exhaust pipes. Close inspection of the prototype seen in these shots shows that all of these details are gone. The front fascia is interchangeable with that of the 6-series coupe and convertible, and this car has a regular 6-series exhaust system.
Heavy Metal
A large panoramic sunroof is new, and hopefully doesn't add too much weight to the top of this already heavy car. The lightweight future that BMW loves to talk about will have to wait: Even though the company uses aluminum and composite materials for some exterior panels, we expect the Gran Coupé to tip the scales at around two tons. The previous 6-series was more consistent in its use of lightweight materials, with a complex front structure made entirely from aluminum.
Under the skin, the Gran Coupé shares virtually everything with the 6-series coupe and convertible— and, of course, the 5-series, which serves as the technological basis for the 6. Thanks to those roots, the Gran Coupé could theoretically be equipped with a large number of engines, including numerous inline-sixes and the super-powerful twin-turbo V-8 from the recently announced M5. But we suspect the lineup will be limited to remain in character with this model's elegant and discreet personality. Likely choices are the 300-hp, 3.0-liter, single-turbo inline-six; the 400-hp, 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V-8; and—in Europe—a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel six. Eight-speed automatics will be standard. The U.S. might get a six-speed manual, although we expect that option will remain confined to the two-door 6-series and the M5. All-wheel drive is technically possible, but unlikely.
Recently, BMW has ventured into perhaps a few too many niches—the so-called 5-series “Gran Turismo” comes to mind. But the Gran Coupé is a beautiful entry in a burgeoning segment that offers style and sophistication without the ostentation of a full-fledged luxury flagship like the 7-series. Direct competitors will include the Audi A7, Jaguar XF, and Mercedes-Benz CLS, while fully loaded Gran Coupés will encroach upon the territory of the Maserati Quattroporte and Porsche Panamera. Even in these spy photos, we can see that BMW's offering in this chic class will come with very few aesthetic compromises.