In short: the BMW 640d Gran Coupe

With the introduction of the four-door coupe to the market, BMW has missed an eternity compared to the Mercedes CLS. We are used to reacting quickly if the market reaction in a particular segment is positive. Remember the quick reaction to the explosion of the SUV market? So why have they waited so long with the four-door coupe?

Probably not worth saying that this is a technological product. In fact, there are no significant differences in this area compared to the conventional coupe and convertible. The powertrains are the same too. That is, a significant difference lies in the body structure and the adaptation of the car to an additional pair of doors and two comfortable seats (three forces) in the second row. Eleven inches of extra length is for indoor use only. Even the 460-liter boot is unchanged from the coupe. The smaller doors make it difficult to access the two rear seats. The seats are comfortable, with good side bolsters and a slightly reclined backrest. Once again, the Gran Coupe is rated for five passengers, but the center seat in the back is more for power. Unlike the coupe, there is also the option to lower the rear bench by a ratio of 60 to 40.

Of course, the interior is no different from what we're used to at BMW. That's not to say that BMW designers didn't get paid - most of the moves are well known, but they still carry so much recognition that even a stranger will quickly realize that he's sitting in one of the most prestigious BMWs. This is evidenced by the materials: leather on the seats and doors and wood on the dashboard, doors and center console.

The engine is very smooth, has enough torque even at the lowest rpms, so it has no problem with the very fast movement of this coupe limousine. And because the transmission of power to the rear pair of wheels is provided by an eight-speed automatic, everything happens quickly and without bumps.

The adjustable chassis is a little stiffer than the sedans of this brand, but still not too rigid, and with the suspension in the Comfort program, even on bad roads it seems that they are good. If you choose dynamics, the suspension, like the steering wheel, gets stiffer. The result is a sportier and more fun driving position, but experience shows that you will sooner or later return to comfort.

Given that BMW has had models for some time that could serve as the basis for a four-door coupe, it's interesting that they've been nagging the Gran Coupe for so long. However, it is like food: the longer it rumbles on the stove, the more likely we will like it.

Text and photo: Sasha Kapetanovich.

BMW 640d Grand Coupe

Basic data

Technical information

engine:	6-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - displacement 2.993 cm3 - maximum power 230 kW (313 hp) at 4.400 rpm - maximum torque 630 Nm at 1.500-2.500 rpm.
Energy transfer:	the engine is driven by the rear wheels - 8-speed automatic transmission.
Capacity:	250 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5,4 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 6,9/4,9/5,7 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 149 g/km.
Mass:	empty vehicle 1.865 kg - permissible gross weight 2.390 kg.
External dimensions:	length 5.007 mm - width 1.894 mm - height 1.392 mm - wheelbase 2.968 mm - trunk 460 l - fuel tank 70 l.