Review: BMW F06 6-Series Gran Coupe (2012-18)

BMW F06.I 6-Series Gran Coupe (2012-14)

Overview

Released in July 2012, the BMW F06 Series I (F06.I) 6-Series Gran Coupe was a four-door sedan with a coupe-like profile. Manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, the rear-wheel drive F13 6-Series Gran Coupe range initially consisted of the 640i, with the 650i and 640d following in September 2012 and March 2013, respectively; for all of these models, however, an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with steering wheel gearshift paddles was fitted as standard.

EfficientDynamics

The 6-Series Gran Coupe was fitted with BMW’s ‘EfficientDynamics’ technologies such as electric power steering, on-demand operation of ancillary components, low-rolling resistance tyres and ‘Brake Energy Regeneration’ which controlled alternator output to charge the battery when the vehicle was braking or coasting. For the 640i Gran Coupe, these technologies also included Auto Start Stop (engine shutdown when stationary), Air Vent Control and an ECO PRO driving mode which modified the engine management, accelerator mapping and the shift characteristics of the transmission for greater fuel economy.

Dimensions

Compared to the F13 6-Series Coupe , the F06 6-Series Gran Coupe was 111 mm longer (at 5007 mm), 23 mm taller (1392 mm) and had a 113 mm longer wheelbase (2968 mm). Inside, the Gran Coupe had ‘4+1’ seating, such that the middle rear seat was only intended for occasional use.

Suspension

The 6-Series Gran Coupe was fitted with double wishbone front suspension and an ‘Integral-V’ multi-arm rear axle. Dynamic Damper Control, which continually varied the damping forces accord to road conditions and driving style, was also fitted as standard for the 650i.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the F06 6-Series Gran Coupe included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, cornering brake control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Features

Standard features for the 640d and 640i included 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 R19 front and 245/35 rear run-flat tyres, a nine speaker HiFi sound system with a CD/DVD player, 12GB hard-drive, MP3-compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB/iPod) and Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, four-zone climate control air conditioning, power adjustable and heated front seats, Dakota leather upholstery, BMW’s ‘Professional’ satellite navigation system with a 10.2-inch display, active cruise control, LED headlights and front fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a full-colour head-up display, a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, Internet connectivity, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and heated mirrors with folding function, power adjustable steering wheel, power-operated glass sunroof, tyre pressure monitors, front seat memory settings, courtesy lights, three 12 volt power outlets, an electrochromatic door and rear vision mirrors, a power-operated park brake, glass sunroof, an alarm and immobiliser.

The 650i was further equipped with a premium sound system, ventilated front seats, front- and side-view cameras, winged front headrests, keyless start, soft-close door function and a TV tuner.

Related links

• Press Kit: BMW F06 6-Series Gran Coupe (May 2012)
• Specifications: BMW F06 6-Series Gran Coupe (April 2014)

BMW F06.II 6-Series Gran Coupe (2015-18)

Overview

Officially released in Australia in June 2015, the F06 Series II (F06.II) 6-Series Gran Coupe introduced cosmetic updates, a revised interior and increased torque for the 650i.

The F06.II 6-Series Gran Coupe could be identified by its redesigned kidney grille and front and rear aprons; the 640i was also fitted with larger tailpipe finishers. Furthermore, the F06.II 6-Series Gran Coupe was offered with five new paint finishes: Jatoba metallic, Cashmere Silver metallic, Glacier Silver metallic, Mediterranean Blue metallic and Melbourne Red metallic.

Inside, the F06.II 6-Series Gran Coupe introduced new high-quality surfaces, the latest generation BMW Head-Up Display (HUD) and the availability of bi-colour leather trim as an option.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the F06.II 6-Series Gran Coupe were extended to include BMW’s ‘Driving Assistant Plus’ which included:

• Forward Collision and Pedestrian Warning system with city braking function: used a camera to monitor traffic and obstacles up to 50 metres ahead of the vehicle. If the distance to an object ahead decreased such that there was a risk of collision, the driver would receive warnings (visual and audible) and the braking system would be primed. At speeds between 10 km/h and 60 km/h, the ‘city braking’ function could autonomously apply the brakes and apply maximum braking force to prevent or minimise the severity of a collision;
• Lane Departure Warning: operating at speeds above 70 km/h, Lane Departure Warning used a camera to monitor lane markings ahead up to a distance of 50 metres. If the system detected that the vehicle had unintentionally crossed a marking, the driver would be warned via steering wheel vibrations; and,
• Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function: operating at speeds between 30 km/h and 210 km/h, Active Cruise Control used three radar sensors to maintain a pre-set distance from the vehicle ahead. With the Stop&Go function, the vehicle could apply the brakes to bring the vehicle to rest and, once the traffic ahead began to accelerate, automatically accelerate if the vehicle had been stationary for a period between 1 and 3 seconds. If the vehicle had been stationary for longer than 3 seconds, the driver would need to briefly press the accelerator or a button to initiate acceleration up to the previously set cruising speed.

Features

Standard features for the F06.II 6-Series Gran Coupe were extended to include DAB+ digital radio tuner, BMW’s ‘Surround View’ camera system (previously limited to the 650i), soft-close doors (also previously limited to the 650i) and sunblinds for the rear side windows and rear windows. The F06.II 6-Series Gran Coupe was also fitted with BMW’s ‘Parking Assistant’ which used ultrasonic sensors to identify parallel parking spaces and could then steering the vehicle into the space while the driver operated the accelerator and brake.

The 650i Gran Coupe was further equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels.

2016 BMW F06 640i Gran Coupe Individual

Released in Australia in January 2016, the BMW F06 640i Gran Coupe was specified with the following BMW Individual features:

• Fine-wood trim in Piano Black;
• Extended Merino leather upholstery in Platinum;
• Tanzanite Blue paint finish; and,
• High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim.

Otherwise optional features that were fitted as standard for the BMW F06 640i Gran Coupe Individual included 20-inch double spoke M alloy wheels, a Harman/Kardon surround sound system, BMW’s ‘Comfort’ front seats, active seat ventilation, ceramic surrounds for controls and ‘M Sport’ package. Australian deliveries of the BMW F06 640i Gran Coupe Individual were limited to five (5) vehicles.

Related links

• BMW Australia: BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe
• Wikipedia.org: BMW F06/F12/F13 6-Series