The Verdict
BMW's more sporting and dynamic alternative to the 7 Series sees high class, luxury flagship amenities fitted to a striking new four-door coupe that's saturated with technology, class, and a tremendous attention to detail. A truly world-class look and cabin set this one apart -- as does performance from the recently enhanced engine.
The Premise
Big flagship sedans like the
S-Class, A8 and 7 Series are stately and traditional, which is exactly why there's a younger generation of shoppers demanding a more youthful and dynamic alternative.
Answering their call are machines like the
Porsche Panamera,
Mercedes CLS and
Audi A7. These turn in high-speed, high-luxury transportation for business-y types who don't want to pilot a conventional land yacht. In this new breed of machinery, you're more likely to be mistaken for a sports star than a real estate agent.
That's perhaps especially true in the latest entry from BMW: the 650i Gran Coupe. Though confusingly named in light of its massive size and four-door body, the latest 6 Series deviation sees sleek, swoopy, and quietly aggressive looks applied with a level of visual energy uncharacteristic of a traditional flagship sedan.
World-class cabin
A sunny Sunday afternoon photo shoot with my photographer pal was meant to be spent enjoying the spring weather while capturing the 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe, digitally. Behind the lens, layer upon layer of engaging shapes, curvaceous panels, and daring intersections presented themselves.
Wood, aluminum, stitching, and ceramic dials blend with various contrasting textures, colours, and materials. Here's a cabin that begs inspection with the eyes and fingertips -- and the camera lens, if you're so inclined.
My photography partner got clicking away inside the 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe, and after a few moments advised me that we could be there a while.
Thanks, in large part, to an options list priced similarly to a top-line Honda Accord, the features list is just as impressive. Though I've insufficient space to list them all, night vision, circulation-enhancing massage seats, a heads-up display, sunshade blinds, and self-sealing doors should prove an adequate cross-section of the available features.
Included was a $5,900 stereo upgrade with components from Bang & Olufsen: a company made famous for loudspeaker equipment for concerts. This is one of the cleanest, brightest-sounding stereos I've ever heard in a car; and the pop-up centre channel on the dash is a curiously interesting touch.
All said, the 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe is like the business lounge at a luxury hotel, with a giant stereo, and a twin-turbo V8.
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| Thanks, in large part, to an options list priced similarly to a top-line Honda Accord, the features list is just as impressive. (Photo: BMW) |
Discreetly aggressive
Said V8 is BMW's 4.4L unit that was recently fitted with the brand's “Valvetronic” system for a healthy increase in horsepower to 443. The tester's sports exhaust sounded lovely, even if surprisingly prevalent at times given the otherwise quiet and laid-back nature of the Gran Coupe.
Low-end torque is remarkably robust and lets the 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe waft past slower traffic without a downshift from the 8-speed automatic. Shifts in either direction, via the shift paddles or gear lever, are executed with literal imperceptibility.
At full throttle, meaty V8 sounds saturate the cabin as the 650i Gran Coupe increases its velocity at an almost alarming rate. Though far from a machine designed for rambunctious hooliganism, it's more than capable of getting lead-footed owners into trouble.
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| At full throttle, meaty V8 sounds saturate the cabin as the 650i Gran Coupe increases its velocity at an almost alarming rate. (Photo: BMW) |
Driving notes
Despite the massive size, the 2013 BMW 650i feels more like a big coupe than a big sedan. The roof is low, and all seating positions are surrounded by thickset doors and dash panels. Front seats offer near infinite adjustability, and the rears are pillow-y and deep.
In all, the BMW 650i Gran Coupe isn't cramped (unless you're big and tall), but this isn't a car you're going to stretch out in. Visibility out the rear window is very limited, but no fewer than four body-mounted cameras and several radar alert systems help prevent “oopsies” in tight quarters.
The size and weight at play translate into typical big-BMW dynamics while driving. Regardless of shock absorber and steering stiffness dialed in by the drive-mode selector, the underlying feel is one of solid, precise confidence. Though the Gran Coupe will rip around bends with hefty athleticism, it's ultimately a big, heavy car and drives that way.
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| The roof is low, and all seating positions are surrounded by thickset doors and dash panels. (Photo: BMW) |
Success?
At the end of the day, this latest four-door 6 Series is every bit as luxurious, comfortable, and classy as a 7 Series -- but in a package that's more personal, concentrated, and passionate.
Given the price, the list of complaints was as short as expected. Aside from potential issues for taller passengers and limited visibility, I noted slightly higher than expected levels of at-speed wind noise in the 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe. Ultimately though, here's a car that feels, and especially looks, the part of its price tag.
Selection is key in this price range, too; so you can have the 6 Series in a regular two-door coupe, the Gran Coupe or a ragtop or a fire-breathing M6 variant of either of the latter. Test-driving each 6 Series variant -- as well as comparable Audi, Mercedes, and Porsche models -- is recommended for decision-making purposes. Having to choose one of these is a nice problem to have.
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