Joining the existing Coupe and Convertible body styles of the M6 series is a third variant based on the so-called Gran Coupe, which is BMW talk for a sportier looking sedan model.
A few hours after we shared the first pictures of the M6 Gran Coupe, BMW came out with more photos and full details on its latest offering that will arrive in European dealerships in May, 2013, with a starting price of €128,000 (about US$167,000) in Germany, which places it between the Coupe (€124,000) and the Convertible (€131,400 ) M6s in terms of pricing.
North American sales will begin in the summer of the same year, with pricing to be announced, though, if BMW’s German pricing strategy is anything to go by, it should cost around US$110,000.
As the sedan version of the M6 Coupe and Convertible series, the Gran Coupe features the same mechanical and aesthetic upgrades as the two other models with the added weight and practicality that comes with the two extra doors and 113mm (4.45 inches) longer wheelbase.
Pop up the hood and you will find BMW M’s familiar S63Tü 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 from the M5 sedan and M6 Coupe and Cabriolet models. The force-fed unit delivers an output of 553hp (560PS) between 6,000 and 7,000 rpm and a peak torque of 680Nm (501 lb-ft) on tap between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm.
A standard seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic that also offers a Launch Control function for maximum acceleration, Low Speed Assistance for extra comfort and the Auto Start-Stop function to improve efficiency, drives the rear wheels through an electronically controlled multi-disc limited-slip differential.
BMW quotes a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.2 seconds (0-60mph in 4.1 seconds), which matches the M6 Coupe and Convertible models’ time, while improving upon the M5 saloon’s 4.3 seconds run to 100km/h (62mph).
Top speed is electronically governed at 250km/h (155mph), but can be increased to 305km/h (189mph) with the optional M Driver’s Package.
Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle stands at 9.9lt/100km (23.8mph US or 28.5mpg UK) and CO2 emissions are 232g/km.
Like the two-door models of the M6 series, the Gran Coupe features an upgraded chassis with M-specific version of the Dynamic Damper Control system and hydraulic variable-ratio rack-and-pinion steering with the M Servotronic function, and can optionally be fitted with M carbon-ceramic brakes. It rides on standard 20-inch M light-alloy wheels.
An M aero styling kit along with a uniquely trimmed interior that features a sports steering wheel and seats plus different gauges on the instrument panel, are also included in the package.
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