Inspired by the BMW CS Concept, the BMW Gran Coupe was created to compete against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class as well as the Audi A7 Sportback. It was also created to slot alongside the 7 Series, although the Gran Coupe is positioned as a more stylist alternative to the more conservative flagship sedan.
Whatever the case, we have the juiced up sibling here. The M6 Gran Coupe is the third high-performance car that joins the M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible. And you know what they say - third time's a charm.
Exterior
Sleek, taut and muscular, this car is easily one of the most stunning cars we've seen of late. Essentially a four-door 6 Series with all the M go-fast bits bolted on, the M6 Gran Coupe is arguably better looking than the BMW M5, although little separates the two cars.
Whatever the case, we have the juiced up sibling here. The M6 Gran Coupe is the third high-performance car that joins the M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible. And you know what they say - third time's a charm.
Exterior
Sleek, taut and muscular, this car is easily one of the most stunning cars we've seen of late. Essentially a four-door 6 Series with all the M go-fast bits bolted on, the M6 Gran Coupe is arguably better looking than the BMW M5, although little separates the two cars.
The M6 GC sits close to the road, sports deeper front bumper with big cooling ducts, flared wheel arches and quad exhaust outlets - all of which add up to form a decidedly aggressive package that is hard to ignore.
Similar to the M6 Coupe and Convertible, an M6 badge is added to the kidney grille that pays homage to the original 1987 M6. It's such attention to details that make this steroidal car feel more special than the lesser version of the 6 Series.
Unlike the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, where it feels almost uninteresting to look at, the BMW M6 GC has an appearance that is packed full with competence and character, driving it ahead of the rest of the pack in its class.
Similar to the M6 Coupe and Convertible, an M6 badge is added to the kidney grille that pays homage to the original 1987 M6. It's such attention to details that make this steroidal car feel more special than the lesser version of the 6 Series.
Unlike the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, where it feels almost uninteresting to look at, the BMW M6 GC has an appearance that is packed full with competence and character, driving it ahead of the rest of the pack in its class.
Interior
While it's considerably longer than the M5, the M6 Gran Coupe has a wheelbase measurement of 2,964mm - almost similar to the M5's 2,968mm. As a result, rear occupants are able to enjoy ample legroom.
The only setback here is the M6 GC has just four seats (maybe an occasional five with the centre occupant spreading his legs to sit in place) while the M5 gets a proper five-seat layout.
Leather-covered dashboard is standard fare here, with finely finished and intuitive controls and buttons that are arranged around the gearshift lever on the centre console - most of which are used to configure the driving modes, steering and chassis functions independently.
While it's considerably longer than the M5, the M6 Gran Coupe has a wheelbase measurement of 2,964mm - almost similar to the M5's 2,968mm. As a result, rear occupants are able to enjoy ample legroom.
The only setback here is the M6 GC has just four seats (maybe an occasional five with the centre occupant spreading his legs to sit in place) while the M5 gets a proper five-seat layout.
Leather-covered dashboard is standard fare here, with finely finished and intuitive controls and buttons that are arranged around the gearshift lever on the centre console - most of which are used to configure the driving modes, steering and chassis functions independently.
But as with all M cars, the driver can put together a detailed and personal drive setup and store the settings on two M buttons - M1 and M2 - on the multifunction steering wheel.
Clad in sporty and feisty red leather, the benches are snug and supportive but never overly soft. Electric adjustability is more than sufficient, which even includes thigh support that's missing on other such cars.
The trunk space is surprisingly generous with the rear seats in place. At 460 litres, you'll be able to waft to the driving range comfortably for a couple of practice swings and still make it back for dinner on time. Knock the 40:60 seats down and space will increase a couple of notches to a rather impressive 1,265 litres.
Clad in sporty and feisty red leather, the benches are snug and supportive but never overly soft. Electric adjustability is more than sufficient, which even includes thigh support that's missing on other such cars.
The trunk space is surprisingly generous with the rear seats in place. At 460 litres, you'll be able to waft to the driving range comfortably for a couple of practice swings and still make it back for dinner on time. Knock the 40:60 seats down and space will increase a couple of notches to a rather impressive 1,265 litres.
The Drive
The M6 GC uses the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre petrol V8 powerplant and the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that were unveiled in the latest M5. The difference lies in their weight, and expectedly, the performance figures. Despite the M6 GC weighing heavier than the M5, the car finishes the century sprint in 4.2 seconds - 0.1 second faster than the M5.
On empty stretches of roads, the M6 GC has no problems reaching bewildering heights of performance. With 560bhp and 680Nm of torque on tap, there is no doubt about the car's ability to swallow distance in a wild and formidable delivery.
The V8 powerplant has buckets of power throughout the rev range, with very little lag associated with turbo engines. The effect, of course, is a dramatic exhaust note that will put a smile on all but the most demanding driver's face.
For a car that's over five metres long, it's impressively agile too, thanks to a talkative and accurate steering. It does get too unnecessarily heavy in Sports Plus mode, although we enjoy the firm damping and taut body control that help a fair bit in its handling.
The M6 GC uses the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre petrol V8 powerplant and the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that were unveiled in the latest M5. The difference lies in their weight, and expectedly, the performance figures. Despite the M6 GC weighing heavier than the M5, the car finishes the century sprint in 4.2 seconds - 0.1 second faster than the M5.
On empty stretches of roads, the M6 GC has no problems reaching bewildering heights of performance. With 560bhp and 680Nm of torque on tap, there is no doubt about the car's ability to swallow distance in a wild and formidable delivery.
The V8 powerplant has buckets of power throughout the rev range, with very little lag associated with turbo engines. The effect, of course, is a dramatic exhaust note that will put a smile on all but the most demanding driver's face.
For a car that's over five metres long, it's impressively agile too, thanks to a talkative and accurate steering. It does get too unnecessarily heavy in Sports Plus mode, although we enjoy the firm damping and taut body control that help a fair bit in its handling.
In Sports mode, though, is where we are able to find a sweet spot. Ride firmness is down a notch but no less dynamic, with an acceptable steering weight and a sharp throttle response. Comfort mode, in contrast, puts the mapping of the engine, gearbox, steering and damping in a more relaxed state.
Conclusion
The BMW M6 GC is remarkably pliant and refined and certainly effortless when the time calls for it, which is perfect for buyers who are looking for a fast car as an everyday drive.
The M6 GC is more than just a raised eyebrow and has the sexiest vital statistics. It's one of the quickest four-door cars in existence that strikes a sweet balance between everyday usability, power and style. Now how often can you say that about fast cars?
Conclusion
The BMW M6 GC is remarkably pliant and refined and certainly effortless when the time calls for it, which is perfect for buyers who are looking for a fast car as an everyday drive.
The M6 GC is more than just a raised eyebrow and has the sexiest vital statistics. It's one of the quickest four-door cars in existence that strikes a sweet balance between everyday usability, power and style. Now how often can you say that about fast cars?
