Re: Into the Blue / BMW M6 Gran Coupe

sammykwan

Category : Tested

Following the demise of the first generation E24 6 Series in 1989, there was quite a time gap till BMW reintroduced the model in 2003. The slightly rotund E63/E64 variants soon received the M treatment, powered by a revvy, naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V10 mated to a 7-speed SMG transmission. 2011 saw the current F12/F13 generation come to life, followed by the four-door Gran Coupe in 2012. While Mercedes-Benz started the whole four-door coupe trend with its stylish CLS back in 2004, it is only recently that its rivals decided to go down that route, BMW with this and Audi with the A7. And with the boys at AMG hammering out mighty twin-turbo variants of the CLS, could the folks at BMW M be far behind? And so the Gran Coupe, like its two-door siblings, receives a potent engine and a host of specifically chosen goodies aimed to take performance to a different level.
On the outside, what differentiates the top-spec Gran Coupe from its regular brethren are bigger air intakes, standard adaptive LED headlights and a unique M Chrome kidney grille at the front. These are accentuated by flared wheel arches (to accommodate the exclusive 20” M light alloy wheels shod with 265/35 R20 tyres at the front and 295/30 R20 tyres at the rear), characteristic M gills and a quartet of exhaust pipes at the back. CFRP, or Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic, is also employed liberally, for instance, the roof and rear diffuser are constructed from this material.
Powering the M6 Gran Coupe is the same 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 you’ll find in the two-door models. Making 560hp and 680Nm of torque, which are routed to the rear wheels via a 7-speed double-clutch ‘box, the car hits 100km/h in a bit over 4 seconds, going all the way to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Though peak torque is available from as low as 1,500rpm, don’t think the V8 is a lazy monster, as it revs happily all the way to 7,200rpm! And yes, the transmission also offers you Launch Control for those impeccable drama-free starts.
On our particularly spirited drive to the absolutely fantastic Jebel Jais, via the sleepy emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, the M6 Gran Coupe impressed with its pace and ability to cosset occupants. Ridiculous speeds are reached at the blink of an eye, while the sublime suspension and nifty tech make sure you have a near magic carpet ride. It was only while attacking the curvy bits that we felt the girth of the car (it weighs nearly 2 tons!) and the fact that it had probably way too much power than these sort of narrow roads warranted. Be a fool with the throttle and the car will send you sideways, and probably over a cliff, but use it prudently and the Active M Differential at the rear axle will let you power out of most corners with ease, distributing power between the individual wheels to maximum traction. Its electronically controlled multi-disc limited-slip differential works together with the Dynamic Stability Control system and splits drive between the right and left rear wheels quickly and precisely as the situation demands. The specially tuned variable dampers do a great job adjusting ride and handling on the fly, but the steering, while precise and weighty, feels a bit artificial at times. Braking is competent and, though you do get carbon ceramic brake discs as an option, we’re not sure of the added benefit in real-world driving. But yes, they look mighty cool.
The cabin is typical BMW, a tight blend of luxury and sportiness, set a notch higher in this case with Alcantara headlining, standard M Sport seats for the driver and passenger. Arranged around the gearshift lever on the centre console are buttons for configuring the adjustable powertrain and chassis functions. The DSC mode, engine performance characteristics, Variable Damper Control mapping, M Servotronic responses and M DCT DRIVELOGIC shift program can be selected independently of each other, which lets you put together a detailed set-up that can be stored on one of the two M Drive buttons. Standard and optional equipment are aplenty, including sat nav, four-zone climate control system, soft closing doors, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, numerous safety tech and much more.

Engine: 4395cc V8 twin-turbo
Layout: Front engine / RWD
Power: 560hp @ 6000-7000rpm
Torque: 680Nm @ 1500-5750rpm
Transmission: 7-speed M double-clutch
- See more at: http://www.performancemag.net/Te ... thash.hDqwLki1.dpuf