It probably happens all the time. A BMW shopper stands frozen with indecision in the middle of a showroom. To his left sits the 5-series sedan. On his right, the 6-series coupe. The two share a platform and several powertrains, the 6 having more attractive sheetmetal, and the 5er being the practical choice. If only there were a product that took the average of these two, a sort of 5.5-series. Enter the 6-series Gran Coupe.
Previewed first by the Concept CS and more recently by the Concept Gran Coupe, this addition to the 6-series lineup swells a market sliver first split off by Mercedes’ CLS-class. Where the Gran Coupe differs from the CLS and the newcomer Audi A7 is in the rear seat: BMW calls its offering a 4+1, as the back row includes a third seat. It’s actually more of an armrest with a seatbelt; the center floor console continues all the way up to the bottom cushion’s edge. That ought to set the BMW apart in a now-crowded segment of stylish sedans. (It will certainly set middle passengers' legs apart, but we digress.)
The Gran Coupe rides on the 5-series’ 116.9-inch wheelbase (4.5 longer than the two-door 6’s), but is about four inches longer than a 5 sedan or 6 coupe and shares its width with its 6-series counterparts. It is nearly identical to the two-doors from the A-pillar forward, and its interior mimics those of the coupe and convertible, albeit with the different seating arrangement and more rear legroom. Per the usual style-over-practicality trade-off, expect less headroom back there than in the more traditional four-door 5-series.
Thanks to: Car and Driver
0 comments:
Post a Comment