The latest BMW 6 Series has even stronger six appeal as the Coupe, Gran Coupe and Roadster versions have been refreshed and re-engineered for 2015.
The new 6 Series range will again consist of three distinctly individual takes on a common theme – the sportily stylish classic Coupé, the exclusive all-seasons Convertible and the elegant longer-wheelbase four-door Gran Coupé.
In all there are 12 versions using a range of six or eight cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
Almost 80,000 versions of the outgoing range have been sold globally in three years with the Gran Coupé now claiming over half of 6 Series sales in the UK since it went on sale in 2012.
A rethink of the options and equipment means some items are now standard and based on what customers were specifying when ordering. The new BMW 6 Series models have external styling revisions giving more purposeful and more powerful stance.
At the same time the interiors take on a more sporting and luxurious look with new trim materials, centre console surfaces and lighting, and there is a wider range of standard and personalisation features.
The BMW ConnectedDrive navigation and infotainment package is fitted to every model, while Concierge Services accessed through an embedded SIM card allow drivers to set up a bespoke supply of information and connected-car services the owners can download if they need them.
All petrol models now have a sports exhaust system with a switchable valve which adds a more intense timbre to the engine soundtrack, while aerodynamic improvements along with the extensive package of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies mean the six-cylinder models – petrol and diesel – are even more fuel-efficient than before.
Through features such as Dynamic Damper Control, Active Drive and Integral Active Steering, owners are now able to create a made-to-measure driving experience, while the latest BMW Head-Up Display and Driving Assistant Plus with Active Cruise Control minimise distractions and supplement the driver’s reactions to enhance safety.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Among the supercars you can buy, the BMW M6 version of the Gran Coupe four door, four seater is enigmatic. It’s packed with engineering and technology which most would find bewildering or baffling, but once you spend time with the car, it all starts to make sense, and then you discover something new and the learning process restarts.
The best selling Gran Coupe carries a hefty price tag of £94,750 but it has few rivals at this level of sophistication and performance. Lesser powered Gran Coupe models start from £62,375.
We were impressed at how effortlessly the M6 version covered endless road miles in refined luxury and comfort, how responsive it was for such a big car and felt this is one of the last true Grand Tourers money can buy.
Away from the long open roads where the car is in its element either for business trips or leisure motoring, the Gran Coupe is also easy to drive trundling around town, commuting into a city but its size makes it not an easy parking experience.
I loved the wrap-around seats in front, and the ride quality was firm but comfortable, while the handling was surefooted and it steered and stopped sharply, helped by very expensive F1-type ceramic brakes on the test car.
Despite all the engineering technology in the powertrain we couldn’t better 19.2mpg overall, so it’s not an economical big four-seater, but it’s so enjoyable if you ignore the expensive purchase or lease and running costs.
Milestones:
BMW M6 Gran Coupe 4.4
Price: £94,750 (as tested £106,150)
Mechanical: 4.4-litre, V8, 560hp, petrol, 7-speed auto
Max speed: 155mph (restricted)
0-62mph: 4.2sec
Combined mpg: 28.5mpg but only 19.2mpg on test
CO2 emissions: 231gkm
VED road tax £870 First Year rate then £490 Year Two onwards.
BIK rating: 37%
Insurance group: 50
Warranty: 2yrs/ 100,000 miles
For: Performance, powertrain, steering and optional ceramic brakes, refinement, handling. Against: Boot space and rear legroom, expensive options, fuel economy, high emissions and taxes. Robin Roberts Miles Better News Agency
