Have US$76,895 to spare? For that coin, you can get in the brand new 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe, which is the initial model of the Bavarian firm’s sports saloon that arrives in the U.S. showrooms early this summer.

The 640i Gran Coupe is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six gasoline engine delivering 315hp at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and 330 lb-ft of peak torque on stream between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. Power channeled to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

BMW says the 4+1 seater model is capable of delivering a 0 to 62 mph (0-100km/h) sprint time of 5.4 seconds and an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). EPA fuel economy ratings have not yet been announced, but in the EU cycle, the 640i Gran Coupe is rated at 7.8 lt/100km (30.1 mpg).

Later in the summer, BMW will enhance the range with 445-horsepower 650i Gran Coupe in both RWD and xDrive (AWD) flavors with pricing to be announced at a later date.

Back to the 640i Gran Coupe, with a starting price of US$76,895 (including $895 Destination and Handling Charge), BMW demands a $3,295 premium over the 640i Coupe ($76,300).

More importantly, the 640i Grand Coupe costs $16,000+ more than the base version of the Audi A7 Sportback ($60,125 including DH fee) that’s powered by a 310hp 3.0-liter supercharged V6, and $10,440 more than the range-topping “Prestige” trim level with the same engine.

The BMW model is even more expensive than the new Mercedes CLS550, which comes with a 4.6-liter turbocharged V8 producing 402 horses and a starting price of $72,175 (including a $875 destination and handling fee).

It is however priced very close to the base Porsche Panamera saloon, which is powered by a 300hp 3.6-liter V6 and costs $75,200.

We should note than in these types of vehicles, one should also take into consideration the standard features when comparing prices.

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