BMW's M cars are always an occasion for celebration. Each new launch is always accompanied by fanfare and debates surrounding the car, its worth, and how it compares to the previous most excellent M car.
The 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe cannot be measured against its predecessor, as it does not have one. Perhaps this is why accepting the ultimate version of the 6 Series based Gran Coupe was so easy. Actually, this car need not be discussed, only driven and admired.
In our four-door coupe compare test, the BMW M6 Gran Coupe may not have won overall, but it captured my heart. Mind-bogglingly beautiful, powerful enough to stop your heart in its tracks and an incredible event to be part of when wedged solemnly in the driver's seat at the helm of this rocket, the M6 Gran Coupe has currently hoisted itself to the top of all M cars. Read on.
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What is a BMW M6 Gran Coupe?
The Gran Coupe is the four-door version of BMW's lauded 6 Series two-door coupe. Its reason for being is nothing short of making a statement, and it does.
The 2014 M6 Gran Coupe is aimed squarely at those seeking elegance and performance in one sleek package.
2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe Price and Specs
The 2014 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe has a starting price of $87,900. Skipping to the M6 tacks on no less than $40,000.
The M6 features BMW's twin-turbocharged 90-degree 4.4L V8. Here, as in the M5 and M6 Coupe, it generates 560 horsepower between 6,000-7,000 rpm. Torque is rated at 500 lb-ft between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. Between this delectable piece of sweet German muscle and the rear wheels lies BMW's 7-speed MDCT transmission.
The M6 also features BMW EfficientDynamics that consists of the Auto Start-Stop function brake energy regeneration. So, BMW's got you covered “green-wise” despite the 560 stomping horses under the bonnet.
This particular 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe was, in a word, perfect. Included in the $160,950 price were the optional M carbon-ceramic brakes, Bang & Olufsen sound system, Executive package, and Frozen Brilliant white paint.
Driving the 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe
Of the four cars in our comparo test, this is the one that got my palms sweatiest. The Audi RS 7 made me act out against the elements the most, but it was the M6 that truly spoke to me.
It all begins the second the V8 barks to life. The reverberations from the V8 and colossal
braaapp that exits the quad rear tailpipes makes big strong men collapse from the goodness of sound...
My excitement was palpable when I got behind the wheel of the 2014 BMW M6. Pulling the less-than-cool shifter into “D” makes it all happen. Despite the terrible weather and driving conditions, the M6 Gran Coupe beat the winter driving conditions into submission.
OK, sure, all will point out that the rear Pirelli winter tires were severely struggling for grip, but it had nothing to do with me. I swear... When the snow was replaced with wet tarmac, the BMW would demonstrate its breadth. The acceleration was massive, titanic, and brain numbing. The accompanying melody of backfires following instantaneous super-shifts from the box would do to me what I imagine the effects of cocaine would. More! More! More!
As with any BMW M car, the M6 Gran Coupe is fantastically sharp in every aspect of its drive. Steering is the complete opposite of vague, really fast and rewarding. Without a doubt equal to the V8's goodness are the ceramic brakes. With enough power to halt a runaway freight train, these stoppers are well worth the $6,750 entry fee. Pedal feel is positive and delicate, just the way I like it.
On a handling course, I'm positive the 2014 BMW M6 would have been seriously impressive. I test drove the car in winter and therefore was able to explore its drifting abilities. It's good. On the highway, stability and control are the orders of the day; high rates of speed are expected.
The wheel-mounted “M” buttons make it all the more badass. True story.
Inside and Out of the 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe
As with the engine, the 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe's inside and out are breathtaking. In fact, I like it better than any other M car, including the svelte M3 and monstrous M5.
The M6 reminds me of a feline's skull. It's sleek, thin, profiled, and fast. The only downside to the M6 Gran Coupe's profile is getting in and out of the rear seats. Make sure you duck your head. A note on the carbon fibre roof panel: I like.
The car's passenger quarters are equally special. Between it and the Porsche Panamera's, I'm not sure which I prefer. The Porker's is more business-like whereas the Bimmer's is all a go-fast affair. The driving position is low and extremely intimate -- making friends with the M6 is easy.
The perches, covered in full Merino leather ($5,900); touch the occupants in all the right ways. The dashboard is complex, but everything is within reach. Those controls that are especially important are the steering, suspension, and transmission response, nestled neatly to the left of the shifter.
The “M” steering is especially nice with great grip and look. What can I say about the gauges? Classic and perfect.
Comparing the 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe
The comparison test in which the 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe participated was one of the toughest we've ever had to judge. Although one car failed to fully ignite our senses, the other three all delivered immense sensory-pleasing mojo. The M6 was my personal favourite, but the conditions made the RS 7's Quattro AWD system impossible to resist.
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