BMW M6 Gran Coupe: Hotness, Slightly Modified

For all the “four-door coupe” nonsense floating around these days, it turns out that the 6-series Gran Coupe was a great idea. Stretching the wheelbase of the handsome (and proper) 6-series coupe to accommodate an extra pair of portals imparted stunning proportions, and the resulting car has resonated well with buyers. Of course, it wasn’t long before BMW stuffed the beautiful shape with the most aggressive engine available in the 6er lineup, thereby creating the M6 Gran Coupe. This particular model was already fresher than the 6-series coupe, therefore very little has changed for this midterm facelift.

And that's a good thing, as the M6 Gran Coupe is both better to drive and better to look at than the related M5 sedan. Fitted with the familiar 560-hp twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8, it delivers "monstrous performance" according to the carmaker's press release. Zero to 60 takes a claimed 4.2 seconds—we achieved a 3.7-second time with the 2014 model—and top speed is limited to 155 mph even though the car likely could reach about 200 mph without a governor. There is a standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, but we hear that you’ll still be able to opt for a six-speed manual.

The M6 Gran Coupe is a rear-wheel-drive car, and the Active M Differential helps put the power to the ground in effective or spectacular ways—it’s your choice. This car likes to play and offers excellent transitional and dynamic behavior. The standard brakes are quite strong, but response and fade-resistance are even better with the optional carbon-ceramic brakes.

While the M6 Gran Coupe keeps its unique "jet fighter" front air intake and its sculpted carbon-fiber roof, there is one clearly visible exterior change: new LED headlights, which also see the turn signals moved from the bottom of the units to the top.

What else is new? Well, the GoPro-compatible application is now available, the telematics and infotainment systems have been slightly upgraded, and there are new interior and exterior colors. Oh, and "stylistic accents in classy black chrome." While the regular 6-series Gran Coupe gets new mirrors, a new grille, and a new lower air intake, none of these changes carry over to the M6 GC.

In fact, the M6 Gran Coupe may have received the most modest midcycle update we've ever seen. Of course, that's the only modest thing about a model that takes the fight to the Audi RS7 and the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG.