BMW confirms four-door CLS rival

By Tom Phillips

28th July 2010

It’s rare for BMW to be caught napping. But the German firm has only just given the green light to its stunning four-door Gran Coupe, which will take aim at the Porsche Panamera, Mercedes CLS and Audi A7.

Product development chief Klaus Draeger announced the decision at BMW’s Design Night in Munich, where the Gran Coupe concept made its European debut.

The car will be positioned in the range close to the new 6-Series, and aimed both at those who would like a more practical version of the 6-Series two-door, and at owners considering a 7-Series, but who prefer to drive themselves.

Styled by BMW design chief Adrian van Hooydonk, the Gran Coupe doesn’t have a hatchback like the Audi or Porsche. Instead, the firm has opted for a saloon bodystyle, which is preferred in the Chinese market, where this car is expected to be well received.

Buyers will have to wait until 2012 for the Gran Coupe to debut. It will share the same engines and front end styling as the new 6-Series, which debuts next year. So expect the usual 3.0-litre six cylinder petrol and diesel units, as well as a version of the 4.4-litre V8 found in the X5 M.

A hybrid version is currently being considered. Draeger said, "Since we use the same drive architecture as the Five, Six and Seven, we are able to bring a hybrid version."

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