BMW will join the fray in Detroit to formally introduce the new M6 Gran Coupe.
BMW has been signaling for some time plans to add an M version of the well-reviewed new 6-Series Gran Coupe. And it’s giving us a first look ahead of the new models debut at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show.
The M6 Grand Coupe will fill one of the few blank spaces left in the Bavarian maker’s performance line-up. Of all its wide range of offerings, BMW has said it has no intention of adding an M7 – instead turning to Alpina for a performance version of its flagship sedan.
The new M6 Gran Coupe shares powertrains with the M5 and M6 models, drawing power from a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 producing a neck-snapping 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque – which hits its peak at just 1,500 RPM, BMW notes. That’s enough to launch the 4-door variant of the 6-Series coupe from 0 to 60 in just 4.1 seconds – on the way to a limited top speed of 155 mph.
A look at the new BMW M6 Gran Coupe's twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8.
Power is pumped through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that is also borrowed from the M5 and M6 Coupe/Convertible models. The M6 Grand Coupe also gets an Active M Differential meant to maximize traction.
Other mechanical upgrades include beefed up brakes – with six-piston calipers and 15.7 inch rotors front and 15.6 inches in the rear.
On the visual side, there are the classic M upgrades, from a carbon fiber roof panel to painted brake calipers, 20-inch wheels, and M-sill plates.
The interior gets a distinctive M 3-spoke steering wheel, leather-wrapped sports seats, Alcantara trim and still more carbon fiber accents, and new buttons on the steering wheel.
Tap M1 and you’re in Sport Mode, which tightens up the suspension, makes the gearbox and throttle more responsive and adjusts the stability control and other brake intervention systems for more aggressive driving. M2 turns things up another notch for those ready to risk the $100,000-plus M6 Gran Coupe on the track.
BMW notably excluded pricing from its release, though it’s expected to carry a stiff premium above the current top-line model, the BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe, which comes in at $90,395 – meaning, expect something nudging into six figures.
Expect to see final numbers on pricing – and on fuel economy – closer to the official on-sale date next summer.