Shortly after unveiling the 6-Series Gran Coupe at the end of 2011, BMW has started testing the most powerful version in the series: the M6 Gran Coupe. Today, after about one year of testings, the M6 Gran Coupe finally made its official debut today.

As with any other M6 model in BMW->ke178's lineup, the Gran Coupe will be distinguished by a more aggressive and sportier look compared to the standard model. The list of changes will include more aggressive front and rear fascias with the usual M-type elements, larger, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels, and, of course, a quad-exhaust system. The interior will also be updated with the same usual M elements: sports seats, a new M cockpit, lots of Alcantara and carbon fiber.

UPDATE 12/17/2012: BMW has unveiled a new video (above) revealing the interior features of its new M6 Gran Coupe. The model will come with M sports seats with integral belt guides, Merino leather upholstery and much more.

Updated 06/19/2013: BMW U.S.A announced today prices for the M6 GranCoupe. Click past the jump to see how much you have to pay for one.

2014 BMW M6 GranCoupe

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 BMW M6 GranCoupe
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 560 @ 6000
  • Torque: 502 @ 1500
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and interior

Just like with all the other BMW M models, the new M6 Gran Coupe will feature the usual M design elements that will distinguish it from the rest of the 6-Series Gran Coupe models. Up front, the model receives large air intakes, adaptive LED headlights and a kidney grille designed especially for this M model.

The new Gran Coupe version is clearly distinguished from the M6 Coupe thanks to its added rear doors and the 113 mm (4.44-inch) longer wheelbase. The C-pillars have also been redesigned to further accentuate the car’s dynamically stretched silhouette.

At the rear, the M6 ran Coupe has an integrated apron and a new diffuser made from carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), plus twin exhaust tailpipes positioned on the outer edges of the rear apron. Other distinctive M elements include: new M gills, aerodynamically optimized exterior mirrors, standard BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line package and exclusive 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in a double-spoke design.

The car’s roof is made of carbon fiber combined with an anthracite-colored Alcantara roof liner on the interior. In here BMW also installed a distinctive M cockpit, M sports seats with integral belt guides, plus a Merino leather upholstery with extended features.

Standard features:

-20-inch M light-alloy wheels

-Leather trim

-Heated driver and front passenger seats

-Automatically dimming rear-view and exterior mirrors

-Alarm system

-BMW Professional radio with hi-fi loudspeakers

-2-zone automatic climate control or a 4-zone system with a control panel in the rear compartment - offered as an alternative

Optional features:

-M multifunction seats

-Heated rear seats

-Comfort Access

-Heated steering wheel

-Soft Close Automatic function for the doors

-Electrically operated sun blinds

-New-generation Professional navigation system

-Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System

BMW ConnectedDrive features:

-M-specific BMW Head-Up Display

-Park Distance Control

-Rear-view camera

-High Beam Assistant

-Speed Limit Info

-Lane Change Warning,

-Lane Departure Warning

-Surround View

-BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition

Engine

Under the hood, BMW installed a 4,395 cc (4.4-liter) V-8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology that delivers a total of 560 horsepower between 6,000 and 7,000 rpm and a peak torque of 502 pound-feet between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. This powerhouse of an engine sprints the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The M6 Gran Coupe boasts a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). With the addition of the optional M Driver Package, the M6 Gran Coupe’s top speed jumps up to 189 mph.

The engine is mates to a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with a Drivelogic electronic management system that ensures the right gear is selected for optimum traction.

This engine-transmission combination nets the M6 Gran Coupe a combined fuel consumption rating of 9.9 liters per 100 km on the EU test cycle. That equates out to a 28.5 mpg in the U.S. Keep in mind, however, that the EPA’s testing process is more strenuous, so the fuel economy will likely fall to the 16 mpg range, like the M6 Coupe. In terms of emissions, the M6 Gran Coupe puts out a respectable-for-a-performance-sedan 232 g/km of CO2.

Drivetrain Specifications :

Engine

4.4-liter V-8 TwinPower Turbo

Engine Horsepower

560 horsepower at 6,000 to 7,000 rpm

Engine Torque

502 pound-feet at 1,500 to 5,750 rpm

Transmission

7-speed M Dual Clutch Transmission

Acceleration (0-60 mph

4.1 seconds

TopSpeed

155 mph (electronically limited)

Fuel Economy (EU test cycle)

28.5 mpg combined

CO2 Emissions

232 grams per 100 km


Braking and Handling

The new M6 Gran Coupe is equipped with double-wishbone front axle, plus an M-specific version of the Dynamic Damper Control system and hydraulic variable-ratio, rack-and-pinion steering with the M Servotronic function.

Prices

On the U.S. market the M6 GranCoupe is priced from $116,150. Customers can also opt for the competition package which adds another $6,000 or for an executive package priced at $5,500.

Competition

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG

The CLS 63 AMG comes in with a 525-horsepower, 5.5-liter bi-turbo V-8 engine that punishes the concrete with 515 pound-feet of torque. It zips to 60 mph between 4.3 and 4.4 seconds, depending on whether it has the AMG Performance Package or not. While it punishes the concrete on the outside, the CLS 63 AMG papers your hind end with Nappa leather and keeps you pleased with its all-around luxurious interior. Sure, it’s not as fast as the M6 Grand Coupe, but is just as – if not more – luxurious.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S.

The Porsche Panamera Turbo S smashes up concrete with its 4.8-liter V-8 turbocharged engine that produces 550 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. This rockets the Panamera’s shooting brake body to 60 mph in only 3.6 ticks of the second hand and to a 190 mph top speed. We’ll call the Panamera Turbo S’s interior “nice” by $175K car standards. In no way is it as luxurious as the Bimmer or Benz, but it is acceptable for its cost. The Panamera is really more for someone that wants raw performance with some class and a set of rear seats.

Conclusion

The M6 Gran Coupe is sharp, don’t get us wrong, but choosing it over the CLS 63 AMG and Panamera Turbo S is a hard decision to make. In terms of price, the M6 looks like the sure bet, but if you want a little more exclusivity, go with the Benz or Porsche – that latter more that the former, obviously. Plus, if you are just looking for raunchy performance, stick with the Porsche, it’ll blow your mind in ways you never thought possible…