The all-new vehicle is a sedan with a sleek, coupe-like profile, and it's BMW's answer to the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and Audi A7. It's based on the 6 Series coupe but is 4.4 inches longer and, according to BMW, can seat five passengers comfortably.
The base price is for the 640i version, which is powered by a 315-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. Other versions will be offered: The 650i and 650i xDrive will be equipped with a 445-hp, twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 and all-wheel drive in xDrive trim.
Both engines will feature BMW's EfficientDynamics system, which uses regenerative braking and an auto start-stop functionality to save fuel. The 2012 640i is rated at 21/31 mpg city/highway; no word on fuel-economy estimates for the Gran Coupe.
Pricing for the V-8 models has not yet been announced.
