The wraps are off BMW’s sensational Gran Coupe. The stunning concept was unveiled at an exclusive Design Night event in Beijing, and is intended to show the future design direction of BMW’s styling boss Adrian Van Hooydonk.
And while previous design chief Chris Bangle shocked the BMW faithful with his controversial flame surfacing design language, the new man’s style is more restrained, using the firm’s trademark design cues for a more conservative elegant look.
At the front, the kidney grille features razor-like vertical strakes, and sits proud of the headlights, just like the new 5 Series. But unlike the exec saloon, the Gran Coupe’s full LED headlights are much more aggressively raked, while the bumper features gaping air intakes with integrated daytime running lights.
In profile, again all the BMW hallmarks are present and correct – there are short overhangs front and rear, a long wheelbase and a coupe-like roofline which is a full 10cm lower than a 7 Series. The C-pillar features a new interpretation of the Hofmeister kink, which is outlined in chrome.
At the rear, the L-shaped LED lights, angular tailpipes and concave bootlid add style, while the third brake light runs across the full length of the top of the rear windscreen just as on a Bentley Continental GT.
A spokesman for BMW confirmed that while the concept’s elaborately creased nose and tail may not make production, the four-door layout is production ready. This means that just as the 5 Series range has been swollen by the arrival of the 5 Gran Turismo, the 6 Series range will gain a Mercedes CLS-rivalling four-door, as well as new versions of the two-door coupe and convertible.
The 5- 6- and 7-Series share modified versions of the same underpinnings, so when the 6 Series Gran Coupe enters production, it will use BMW’s latest direct injection 3.0-litre turbo petrol and diesel engines, as well as a flagship V8 petrol. The hybrid system which debuted in the 5 Series hybrid concept at Geneva is also likely to be offered.
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