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The M6 Gran Coupe is a four-door supercar that packed a 552 horsepower twin-turbo V8 and had to be limited to 155mph.
Before the dawn of controversial kidney grilles, the BMW M6 Gran Coupe was one of the most elegant models to have come out of Bavaria in the last decade. Indeed, the M6 Gran Coupe is not the only four-door coupe in this segment but arguably the most attractive out there, even today. What’s more, It’s more appealing than its M6 Coupe stablemate.
Unveiled in 2012 at the Geneva Motor Show, the M6 Gran Coupe became BMW's full-fat M car. This immensely capable German machine was also one of the fastest sedans in the automotive world. Essentially the Gran Coupe is a practical alternative to the conventional M6 Coupe with extra doors and more room. Importantly, it retains the monstrous performance of the two-door version and its streamlined silhouette.
To all intents and purposes, it bridges the gap between the M5 sedan and the M6 Coupe. Moreover, It’s BMW's answer to the Audi RS7, Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, and Porsche Panamera. With the M6 range no longer in production, this high-performance super sedan is now living in the shadows of BMW's luxurious flagship, the M8 Gran Coupe.
That said, it makes a cheaper alternative to the expensive M8 model from BMW, which is ultimately reserved for those with deep pockets. Prices of the M6 GC, when new, started at $115,225, that’s around $6000 more than the coupe version. According to Classic Cars, the average price of a used M6 Gran Coupe is around $54,000. No doubt, the ultimate expression of luxury and German muscle. Now cheaper to buy than a new M3!
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Aesthetically, the Gran Coupe design is distinctive and stands out from the crowd with an imposing road presence. Notably, its dramatic low-slung profile and descending roofline accentuate its sportier intentions. Measuring over five meters in length, the Gran Coupe’s wheelbase is 113mm longer than the coupe variant.
As with the Coupe, the M6 GC comes with a stunning carbon fiber reinforced plastic roof (CFRP), which reduces the weight of the car and lowers the center of gravity. At first glance, the M aerodynamic body styling complements the sleek lines of the M6 Gran Coupe. From the signature M side gills and distinct M chrome grille to the larger air intakes at the front, all add to the BMW M exterior.
In keeping with its unique sense of style, the flared wheel arches accommodate the enormous 20-inch light alloy wheels on each corner, showing off the mammoth carbon ceramic discs. While the double twin exhaust tailpipes and carbon fiber diffuser at the rear, denote the vehicle's high-performance potential.
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The luxurious cabin of the M6 GC bares all the hallmarks of a flagship BMW, combining a blend of style, quality, and high-tech equipment. What’s more, the use of premium quality materials is apparent throughout the cabin, with sumptuous Merino leather seats, Alcantara roof lining, and contrasting piano-black and carbon fiber accents on the trim.
Furthermore, the stylish dash curves around the driver with two large analog gauges behind the M sport multi-function steering wheel. Indeed, a perfect example of good ergonomics. In addition, there’s also a massive widescreen display mounted on top of the center dash, which is intuitive and easy to navigate.
As expected, the sophisticated BMW comes well-equipped with a full range of safety features, including an M-specific BMW Head-Up Display, airbags, and driver aids. While there’s no shortage of space at the front of the M6, the rear headroom is, somewhat, compromised for taller passengers due to the sloping roofline. Granted, it’s not as roomy in the rear as a BMW M5, however, there’s much more room to be had than the Coupe version.
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Without a doubt, the M6 is all about performance. Under the long sleek hood sits a mighty twin-turbo 4.4 liter V8 power plant churning out 552 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, the high-revving V8 propels the ferocious M6 to 60 mph in a mere 4.2 seconds. No doubt, impressive for a car weighing 4299 lbs.
With a top speed limited to 155 mph, the M6 GC feels it can cruise at high speeds on the Autobahn, swallowing up big distances effortlessly, all day, every day. However, the top speed limiter can be removed with the addition of the M drivers pack, transforming the car into a 189-mph missile. Furthermore, the 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) is impressive.
You can even select how fast you would like the gear changes to be. However, for those seeking a pure M experience, an ultra-rare, six-speed manual was available. In addition, the M Competition Pack adds an extra 40 horses with 700 NM of torque and is even quicker off the mark, though bordering on indecency.
The V8 transmits its monumental force to the massive wide tires at the rear (295 section), while the carbon ceramic brakes provide superior stopping power, although were an eye-watering $9000 option! It’s true to say, the M6 Gran Coupe has somewhat of a Jekyll and Hyde personality. Most of the time, a perfectly mannered comfortable cruiser, then a ferocious hot rod with relentless pulling power.
Due to its large dimensions, the M6 super sedan is less of a hooligan than the M5 and its M6 two-door stablemate, though it’s difficult to distinguish between the three cars. Indeed, the M5 and the M6 Coupe have a slight weight advantage and feel tauter on the road, however, the Gran Coupe feels every bit as dynamic in terms of balance, performance, and agility.
No doubt, the ultimate Autobahn stormer!
Waheed is an automotive writer and enthusiast with a vast knowledge of the motor industry. Having acquired a passion for cars at a very young age, he knows pretty much all there is to know about classic German sports cars.