The design: A new dimension in aesthetics BMW 6 Series

The design: A new dimension in aesthetics BMW 6 Series

First four-door Coupe in the history of BMW. Aesthetic appeal, harmonic proportions and the characteristic design language of the BMW 6 Series. Luxurious interior with distinct driver orientation, spaciousness, standard 4+1 seating. The exterior design of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe reflects the characteristic design language of the BMW 6 Series as applied to […]

By Gerald Ferreira29 June 20124 min read

First four-door Coupe in the history of BMW.

  • Aesthetic appeal, harmonic proportions and the characteristic design language of the BMW 6 Series.
  • Luxurious interior with distinct driver orientation, spaciousness, standard 4+1 seating.

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe 2012

The exterior design of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe reflects the characteristic design language of the BMW 6 Series as applied to create a unique four-door Coupe. The harmonic proportions, precision lines and the smooth contoured surfaces are among the elements that lend the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe its remarkable appeal. In terms of length (5,007 millimetres) and wheelbase (2,968 millimetres) this car is 113 millimetres longer than the BMW 6 Series Coupe. This accounts for the comfort experienced by passengers seated in the rear. The Gran Coupe is 1,894 millimetres wide, with a height of 1,392 millimetres.

The driver-oriented cockpit, the front passenger area enclosed by elegantly curved surfaces and the spaciousness of the rear passenger compartment contribute to the dynamic look and feel of the vehicle and also ensure sophisticated and luxurious interior comfort in all driving scenarios.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe offers ample space for four passengers, in addition to an unusually high degree of interior versatility for a vehicle in this segment. For short journeys, the so-called 4+1 seating configuration can accommodate three passengers in the rear compartment.

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe badge

Up front: A bold presence and road-hugging stance.

The large air intake vents, the trademark BMW kidney grille extending slightly forward and positioned between the characteristic dual round headlights, plus the V-shaped converging contours of the long bonnet, express a bold aura of self-confidence. The design of the kidney grille is broad and deep, with a slight angle along the upper edges that creates a shark-nose effect. Xenon headlights are standard equipment on the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.

Adaptive LED Headlights are offered optionally as an alternative. The Adaptive LED Headlights for the low and high beams feature white LED corona rings as parking lights and daytime driving lights. These are flattened at the bottom and overlapped at the top edge by an accentuating light also featuring LED technology.

This adds a new dimension to the deep and sharply concentrated look typical of BMW automobiles, almost as if the car were intensely focusing its “eyes” on the road ahead by day and by night. Both low-beam and high-beam headlight illumination is produced by both light rings, further underscoring the characteristic BMW dual-headlight front design.

The light sources are LED units that are positioned on horizontal ribs across each of the light rings, projecting their light on the reflectors facing them. The three-dimensional design of the lights, which includes a transparent and illuminated extension of the light rings, impressively highlights the LED technology when viewed from the side. Even the direction indicators and brake lights feature LED technology.

Powerfully flared wheel arches emphasise the vehicle’s wide track, which can be further enhanced with optional LED fog lights neatly positioned at the front corners. The lower air intake is comprised of three sections. Prominent L-shaped chrome elements, exclusive to the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, highlight the recessed air intake in the front apron. They take up the lines of the bonnet flowing forward toward the BMW kidney grille to further enhance the dynamic and self-confident overall expression of the front.

BMW 6 Series interior

Side view: Lean elegance and sporty flair.

With its long, boldly contoured bonnet, the set-back passenger compartment, its elegant Coupe roof line flowing into the rear end, not to mention the extended wheelbase and short overhang, the proportions of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe reflect the heritage of the BMW family in an all-new manner. The four doors, combined with the extended wheelbase and more spacious passenger compartment, clearly distinguish the Gran Coupe from other models in the BMW 6 Series. Similarly, the flat, elegant and smooth roof line, which gently flows into the rear end, creates an individual and exceptional silhouette that makes the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe easily recognisable from any perspective.

The combination of sportiness, luxury, exclusiveness and sophisticated functionality is especially evident when looking at the side profile. The set-back passenger compartment appears low and smoothly stretched because the window silhouette extends deep into the C pillar. In addition, the elongated side windows optimise the incidence of light to enhance the feeling of spaciousness in the interior. The windows themselves can be enhanced with optional exterior chrome trim. The characteristic Hofmeister kink that flows into the C pillar encompasses exclusively embossed “Gran Coupe” lettering behind the glass in the lower corners of the rear windows to denote the fascinating elegance and personality of this automobile.

Bold lines extending along the entire length of the vehicle, sweeping from the front and flowing into the artfully contoured rear quarter panels, accentuate the sharp profile and sporty personality of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.

As in other BMW 6 Series models, the structure of the lines creates an appearance that is at once classic, precise and dynamic. The swage line begins at the gill element on the front wheel arch and extends through the door handles along the side of the vehicle before flowing into the rear, thus contributing to the athletic and elegant side profile of the vehicle. The area below the swage line near the rear wheels features convex contours that express the character of a powerful and robust automobile that seems to hug the road.

The curvature of the front wheel arch creates a further characterising line, which after flowing downwards between the side gill element and the door, finally continues horizontally back to the rear. The seamless and smooth profile line in the area of the doorsills enhances the muscular appearance of the car.

Rear styling: Horizontal lines and clear surface profiles.

Clearly structured surfaces and horizontal lines accentuate the powerful grace of the rear section, which expresses the stability and sportiness of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. The rear silhouette is considerably wider at the bottom and V-shaped lines guide the eye downwards in the direction of the apron and road surface.

The contoured wheel arches also enhance the vehicle’s wide stance. Optically the centre of gravity appears to be especially low when the car is viewed from the rear. The design of all rear elements is flat and wide. Noticeably flared wheel arches emphasise the wide track and the horizontal dimensions of the rear section.

BMW 6 Gran Coupe

When compared with other BMW 6 Series models, the surface and lines between the boot lid and the rear apron have a more stretched appearance. The clearly outlined profile of the apron underlines the overall volume of the rear section and also draws attention to details such as the rear lights and the chrome exhaust ports.

The contoured shape of the split L-shaped tail lamps is typical of the BMW 6 Series, and the lamps each have two LED light banks that create the familiar BMW night-time look. The third brake light is integrated in the roof line and stretches across the entire width of the back window.

Interior: Driver orientation, luxurious ambience.

The cockpit of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe has a distinctive driver orientation typical of all BMW vehicles and the interior features create a luxurious ambience for all passengers. The centre section of the instrument panel slopes slightly toward the driver. The elegantly curved centre console gives the driver convenient access to the gear selector of the automatic transmission, the Driving Experience button and the button for the parking brake.

The standard iDrive control system includes an on-board monitor with an exclusive flat-screen design. In combination with the BMW Professional navigation system, the new BMW Series 6 Gran Coupe is equipped with a 10.2-inch display, surrounded by an eye-catching chrome frame that highlights the monitor.

Long and flowing horizontal lines extending throughout the interior of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe serve to optically unite the front and rear seating compartments and add to the spacious feeling inside the vehicle. The characteristic design of BMW 6 Series door panels and trim, with elegant lines that stretch from front to back, even incorporate the B pillar in the seamless and harmonious look of the premium interior. The centre console extends into the rear passenger compartment and is also shaped in a manner that further enhances the roomy look and feel of the car.

Sportiness and spacious rear seating.

The interior of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe conveys a sensation of sportiness and tailor-made exclusiveness during the driving experience. The sweeping lines of the exterior roof profile are immediately recognisable in the contours of the interior roof liner. The rear seats are comfortable and roomy, offering passengers firm side support and good visibility in all directions. Adjustable air vents incorporated in the extended centre console also contribute to the comfort of the rear passengers. To optimise versatility for short journeys, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe features 4+1 seating, which means that there is even space for a third passenger in the rear compartment.

Eight metallic finishes and two non-metallic colours are available for the exterior of the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. Additional exclusive paintwork can be ordered in conjunction with the BMW Individual and the M Sports packages. For the sporty and luxurious interior, a rich choice of colours and premium materials is offered to satisfy individual customer preferences.

The standard Dakota leather upholstery is available in three colours, whereas the optional exclusive Nappa leather is offered in four. If desired, the instrument panel, door panels and the centre console can also be enhanced with exclusive Nappa leather. Instead of the raised felled seams in black, double-felled seams are also available in colours that contrast appropriately with the seat surfaces. There is also a choice of four interior trim lines. Exclusive ceramic applications for the gear selector, the iDrive Controller and other cockpit controls can be ordered as options.

Comments

Sign in to comment.Sign in

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

BMW 6 SERIES WORLD DEBUT NAIAS DETROIT AUTO SHOW
31
17,363
ArticleDecember 12, 2014

BMW 6 SERIES WORLD DEBUT NAIAS DETROIT AUTO SHOW

BMW 6 SERIES AND BMW M6 CONVERTIBLE TO MAKE WORLD DEBUTS AT THE 2015 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW IN DETROIT. The BMW 6 Series and BMW M6 will make their world debuts at the 2015 North American International Auto Show on Monday, January 12, at the BMW Stand at 10:50 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. […]

BMW M6 Gran Coupe
10
0
ArticleApril 18, 2013

BMW M6 Gran Coupe

The scene is now set for the BMW M car driving experience at its most exclusive. The BMW M6 Gran Coupe high-performance sports car is a vision of poise and assurance, combining supreme performance with captivating aesthetics and luxurious elegance.

BMW 6 Series for Model Year 2014
177,126
25,557
ArticleMarch 25, 2013

BMW 6 Series for Model Year 2014

New Frozen Brilliant White Edition Convertible leads iconic 6 Series into new model year. New 640i Gran Coupe available with xDrive all-wheel drive Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – March 25,  2013 . . . The BMW   6 Series Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe models will enter the 2014   model year with a stronger line-up than […]

BMW M6 Gran Coupe
15
6,691
ArticleDecember 12, 2012

BMW M6 Gran Coupe

A supreme combination of high performance and luxury: The BMW M6 Gran Coupe. Information from editor: The recommended retail price Germany of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe is 128.800 €, including 19 % VAT. Market launch will be in May 2013.

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe Production
102,269
14,186
ArticleJune 29, 2012

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe Production

Production: Optimised processes for uncompromising quality Joint production of the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, the BMW 5 Series, 6 Series and 7 Series at the BMW Dingolfing plant. Process and component communalities guarantee efficient production and luxury-class quality standards. Longstanding expertise in the production of large sedans, Coupes and convertibles. Like the two […]

BMW 6 Series: Equipment features – Exclusive, sophisticated, unmistakable
6
9,147
ArticleJune 29, 2012

BMW 6 Series: Equipment features – Exclusive, sophisticated, unmistakable

Exceptionally extensive range of standard equipment including leather seats, hi-fi loudspeaker system, 2-zone automatic climate control. Exclusive options: Active seats, Comfort Access, 4-zone climate control, electrically operated roller sunblinds, Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System. M Sports Package and BMW Individual features immediately available at market launch. The exclusive experience of driving the BMW 6 Series Gran […]

BMW 6 Series: Bodywork and safety – State-of-the-art functionality and complete protection
210,138
22,624
ArticleJune 29, 2012

BMW 6 Series: Bodywork and safety – State-of-the-art functionality and complete protection

Outstanding comfort when on the road and excellent functionality: A third seat in the rear, through-loading facility, folding rear seatback. Intelligent lightweight construction thanks to the targeted use of high-strength and ultra-high-tensile steels, aluminium and plastics. Adaptive LED Headlights and LED fog lights optional. The back seat of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe accommodates […]

BMW ConnectedDrive in the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe
223,443
15,889
ArticleJune 29, 2012

BMW ConnectedDrive in the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

BMW ConnectedDrive in the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe: A richer experience thanks to intelligent networking. Unique position in the competitive environment: networked driver assistance systems and mobility services, such as the BMW Head-Up Display, Parking Assistant, Internet and Apps. Speed Limit Info, Lane Change and Lane Departure Warning. Combined camera and radar-based collision warning […]

The driving experience: BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe
7
13,821
ArticleJune 29, 2012

The driving experience: BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

Straight six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Premiere for the new V8 engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology featuring VALVETRONIC; all engine variants with Auto Start Stop function and ECO PRO mode. Integral Active Steering, Adaptive Drive, optional intelligent four-wheel drive system BMW xDrive. Powerful straight six-cylinder and V8 engines with […]

The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe: Inspiring elegance in motion
196,879
18,403
ArticleJune 29, 2012

The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe: Inspiring elegance in motion

Once again BMW is advancing into a new vehicle segment with the introduction of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. Following the convertible and the Coupe in the BMW 6 Series, this new exclusive model is the true embodiment of aesthetics, sportiness, comfort and luxury in perfect form. The lean elegance of this vehicle, the […]

The new BMW M6 Convertible
82,680
11,483
ArticleJune 29, 2012

The new BMW M6 Convertible

New edition of the BMW M6 Convertible; generous dose of M feeling combined with alluring design aesthetics, a luxurious aura, seating for four and innovative equipment features; high-performance sports car with superior performance attributes and extremely exclusive character;

THE NEW BMW 6 SERIES GRAN COUPÉ
186,673
20,008
ArticleMay 29, 2012

THE NEW BMW 6 SERIES GRAN COUPÉ

BMW’s first four-door coupé Elegant and sporty classic grand tourer Stretched wheelbase improves cabin space Third model joins the 6 Series range Two petrol and one diesel engine to be offered New 450hp twin-turbo V8 heads engine line-up BMW will expand the 6 Series range to three models in June 2012 with the introduction of […]