BMW M6

Summary

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is undoubtedly the most stylish vehicle introduced by the German marquee. M Series M6 Gran Coupe has recently been launched in the Indian automotive industry by BMW India. This vehicle is doing quite well in Indian markets as well as globally. The series saw few upgrades to its exterior appearance in the year 2013. Moreover, the present model has come up with some other exteriors updates making it look sleeker. This high performance variant is based on 6-series Gran Coupe platform. It is a blend of super luxurious elements and excellent performance.

Exteriors

This 6-Series Gran Coupe comes with a lot of special exterior features. The front of 6-Series Gran Coupe is decorated with chrome plated 'M' Kidney Grille having M6 badge embossed on it. Its sleek headlight cluster is fitted with four LED based daytime running light rings and adaptive LED headlamps. The front bumper is incorporated with an air dam in the centre and a pair of huge air ducts for better air intake apart from providing rugged look to the front. In order to protect the vehicle from minor damages, the automaker has fixed a glossy black protective cladding. Coming to the side profile, it is sleek and comes equipped with M light and 5-double spoke alloy wheels. The window sill and A, B, C pillars are treated with glossy black colour. On the other hand, the exterior wing mirror caps and the door handles come in body colour. Its rear profile is absolutely stunning as its front and side. It has got elegant taillight cluster, a muscular bumper and sleek boot lid. Apart from this, a carbon diffuser is equipped in the rear which offers great down-force at high speed levels. This model series is available in four new sparkling exterior paints including Cashmere Silver, Glacier Silver, Mediterranean Blue and Melbourne Red.

Interiors

This series boast of its luxurious seating arrangement and ample leg space as well as head room. The BMW individual roof liner is decorated with Alcantara leather upholstery accompanied with carbon fibre finish of the cabin. Its wide and well-cushioned seats are covered with leather merino and are garnished with a colour combination of Orange and Black. The cabin comes equipped with a modern looking cockpit which houses an elegant dashboard along with a central console. It is integrated with a multi-functional M leather steering wheel that works with gearshift paddles. In terms of comfort features, it has got many including air conditioning system with rear AC vents, interior mirrors with anti-dazzle function and ambient light with mood lights. Other advanced features include soft-close function for doors, M multi-functional seats for driver as well as co-passenger, BMW night vision with person recognition, smoker’s package and automatic start/stop button. Not only this, this vehicle is equipped with a BMW ConnectDrive function that features BMW Apps, a Bang & Olufsen high-end surround sound system, hands free Bluetooth, heads-up display with M view and USB connectivity. An iDrive touch system with handwriting recognition has also been integrated in this vehicle. This system has 25.9CM colour display, professional navigation system with 3D maps, hard drive for maps &audio files as well as front and rear view camera for ease of parking.

Engine and Transmission

For breakthrough performance, a highly sophisticated V8 4.4-litre petrol engine has been incorporated in this luxurious vehicle. This engine comprises 32-valves, 8-cylinders and a twin-turbo charger that allows the vehicle to generate a maximum power output of 560Bhp and a peak torque output of 680Nm. This powerful engine is backed by a 7-speed M double clutch transmission gearbox along with Drivelogic function.

Performance and Handling

The torque output is evenly distributed to the rear wheels in the 50:50 load distribution ratios and let the vehicle deliver a mileage of 10.10 Kmpl. This vehicle has the capacity of achieving a top speed of 250 Kmph and breaching a 100 Kmph speed mark from the scratch in approx. 4.2 seconds.

Braking System

Talking about the braking mechanism of this vehicle, the automaker has incorporated inner vented, high performance and perforated compound disc brakes to front and rear wheels, which work simultaneously with sophisticated brake callipers. The BMW M Series M6 Gran Coupe is also backed by anti-lock braking system (ABS) accompanied with brake assist as well as cornering brake control system. For further reinforcement of the overall braking mechanism, traction control and stability of the vehicle, a dynamic stability control with M Dynamic Mode has been incorporated. In addition, the front axle of this luxury car comes with double-joint spring strut type system whereas integral rear axle along with M Specific set up is mounted on the rear axle.

Mileage

The 4395 cc Petrol - powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 6 kmpl in city and 8 kmpl on highways.

Safety Features

In terms of safety, the Gran Coupe is equipped with various protective functions. These includes active front headrests, alarm system, active protection with attentiveness assist, electronic vehicle immobilizer, electric parking brake with auto hold, crash sensor, ISOFIX child seat mounting, side impact protection, airbags and warning triangle with first aid kit.

Verdict

The super luxurious and powerful Gran Coupe is a much desired vehicle among the car enthusiasts. It has comfortable interiors and spacious cabin which is fitted with advanced elements. The exteriors are very classy and breath-taking. However, the vehicle is a few steps behind in terms of fuel efficiency. Nevertheless, it comes with superior braking system and reliable suspension mechanism.

Competitors

The BMW M6 Gran Coupe competes with Audi RS7 and Audi A8.

Pros

1. Exterior appearance is captivating
2. Comfortable interiors
3. Safety features are quite impressive
4. Power-packed performance
5. Presence of advanced and luxury features

Cons

1. Expensive cost of ownership
2. Need to improve on the mileage
3. High cost of maintenance