BMW Gran Coupe Approved for Production

While Mercedes-Benz is prepping to introduce the next-generation of its highly successful CLS sedan, competitors are just getting into the game.

Yes, there has been copycats like the Volkswagen CC and even the Hyundai Sonata, but there has yet to be a true luxury competitor for the CLS emerge.

Audi is hoping to change that on Monday with the introduction of the Sportback. At the Beijing Auto Show, BMW showed a four-door coupe concept dubbed the Gran Coupe. Now, production has been confirmed.

It seemed a bit of a no brainer that it would be produced, especially given the Gran Coupe's production-ready look, but you never know for sure.

It is also interesting that the news comes just ahead of rival Audi's four-door coupe launch. The news has been reported by BMW Blog. They said the look of the concept car will remain nearly intact for production, with frameless windows and B-pillar.

As for a name, like previously speculated, the car will wear a Series Gran Coupe badge. This positioning makes sense, as the 6-Series name is already well-known as a coupe model.

The car will be a direct competitor to the Audi A7 Sportback and the Mercedes-Benz CLS. BMW Blog also says the Gran Coupe previews some design cues of the 6-Series Coupe, which is forthcoming.

The Gran Coupe is still a way off however, with an introduction pegged for summer of 2012.