BMW buyers who can't decide between a spacious luxury sedan and a sexy coupe have a third option. The BMW 640 Gran Coupe offers the possibility of having it all. Or at least, a compromise. Essentially full-size in dimensions, this fastback four-door blends practicality with stunning looks, as well as the expected talent for effortless touring and BMW-brand handling expertise.
What's New for 2017
Last year brought several equipment and upholstery changes. Now, for 2017, wireless charging and a wi-fi hotspot are standard, along with the latest iDrive control (5.0). Smartphone integration is no longer offered, because its functions are part of the new wireless charging. The M Sport Edition remains available.
Choosing Your BMW 640 Gran Coupe
In the Gran Coupe, a turbocharged 3-liter six-cylinder engine produces 315 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with Launch Control. An adaptive sport suspension and 18-inch wheels are standard. BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system is available, substituting for rear-drive.
Fuel economy is estimated at 20/29 mpg (city/highway) with rear-drive, and 19/28 mpg (city/highway) with xDrive.
A sizable standard equipment list reflects the Gran Coupe's position, toward the upper end of the luxury car market. Every example features Dakota leather-upholstered seating surfaces and interior trim, with a driver’s memory system. Also standard are hard drive-based navigation, front and rear parking sensors, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, and adaptive LED headlights. The nine-speaker audio system includes HD radio and satellite radio.
An available Executive package adds an extra measure of luxury, courtesy of such features as automatic soft-closing doors, four-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, a head-up display, Harman Kardon surround-sound, and concierge services. The M Sport Package enhances the Gran Coupe's sporting nature with larger (19-inch) wheels, more aggressive styling elements inside and out, and an M steering wheel.
For safety, BMW offers a Driver Assistance Plus package: a bundle of advanced safety technology including lane-departure warning, frontal collision warning, blind-spot detection, speed-limit information, and a surround-view camera system. Adaptive cruise control with automatic braking and accelerating is an option. The Cold Weather package adds heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. A Black Accent package (starting at $4,000) features a choice of interior trim materials and finishes, as well as special 19- or 20-inch wheels.
Finally, BMW offers an M Sport Edition of the Gran Coupe, which includes contents from the Executive and M Sport option packages.
Individual options include an upgraded suspension, infrared Night Vision, and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system.
Of all the optional equipment you could add to the 640 Gran Coupe, which starts at $79,800, we consider the Driver Assistance Plus package to be the most valuable. It's quite reasonably priced, too, starting at $1,700. If you want even more in the way of luxury or sportiness, we recommend upgrading to the M Sport Edition. Priced at $5,300, it’s a comparative bargain in this league.