(February 17, 2012) The world premiere of the sleek 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will occur next month at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show while at the same time signaling its advance into a new vehicle segment.

Despite the name, the Gran Coupe has four doors and is technically a sedan. But the Gran Coupe's sultry looks and low, sloping roofline instantly distinguish it from a traditional sedan design.

Aside from the revised sheetmetal and the addition of two doors, the new model is essentially a close twin of the 6 Series coupe and convertible models that are already on sale.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is a 4-seater that offers generous travel comfort at the rear, too. A third seat is available as standard which can be used for shorter journeys. Thanks to folding backrests, the 460-liter luggage compartment can be extended to a volume of 1,265 liters.



The Gran Coupe shares almost all of its mechanical components with the 6 Series coupe and convertible, starting with its choice of two engines. The 640i employs a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six rated for 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, which can be had only with rear-wheel drive. BMW says the car can reach 62 mph in 5.4 seconds.

Meanwhile, the 650i uses a version of BMW's twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine -- upgraded with Valvetronic variable valve timing -produces 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft, gains of 45 horsepower and 30 lb-ft over the same engine in other 6 Series variants. BMW says the rear-wheel-drive 650i will sprint to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive 650i xDrive will do the deed in 4.5 seconds. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Gran Coupe will make its U.S. debut in April at the New York Auto Show.