BMW M6 Gran Coupé F06: the four-door M6, V8 specs and buying guide

The BMW M6 Gran Coupé is the first four-door M6. Built from 2013 to 2018 and based on the F06 6 Series Gran Coupé, it combines a 560 hp twin-turbo V8, a seven-speed M DCT gearbox and rear-wheel drive with one of the most elegant BMW body shapes of its time.

In this guide we look at where the BMW M6 Gran Coupé came from, how the S63 engine and chassis work, its performance and design, the full specifications and the most important checks before you buy one.

Where the BMW M6 Gran Coupé came from

The 6 Series has always been BMW's elegant grand tourer. When the third-generation 6 Series arrived in 2011, BMW added a new body style a year later: the 6 Series Gran Coupé, code name F06, a long four-door coupé with frameless windows and a sloping roofline.

BMW M had already presented the new M6 Coupé (F13) and M6 Convertible (F12) in 2012. At the beginning of 2013, the M6 Gran Coupé followed. It was the first M6 with four doors and, for many people, the most beautiful car of the whole range.

The idea was simple: the technology of the F10 M5, with the same twin-turbo V8, in a lower, longer and more exclusive body. The M6 Gran Coupé was positioned above the M5 in price and aimed at buyers who wanted a fast, stylish car for long journeys with up to four people.

Production ended in 2018, when the 6 Series coupé and convertible were replaced by the new 8 Series. In 2019 the M8 Gran Coupé took over the role of the four-door M grand tourer. Our article on BMW M6 history explains all M6 generations from the E24 onwards.

The S63 twin-turbo V8

The M6 Gran Coupé uses the S63 engine, a 4.4-litre V8 with two twin-scroll turbochargers placed inside the V between the cylinder banks. BMW calls this layout hot V. It keeps the exhaust paths short and helps the turbochargers respond quickly.

In standard form, the engine produces 560 hp (412 kW) between 6,000 and 7,000 rpm, and a maximum torque of 680 Nm from 1,500 rpm. Compared with the naturally aspirated V10 of the previous M6, the V8 has much more torque at low engine speeds and uses less fuel.

The Competition Package raised the power to 575 hp, and later versions of the package offered even more power. The engine also has a cross-bank exhaust manifold, Valvetronic variable valve lift, double VANOS and a cooling system designed for track use.

Our article on the BMW S63 engine explains how this V8 developed over the years, from the first X5 M and X6 M to the latest M cars.

M DCT gearbox, chassis and brakes

In most markets the M6 Gran Coupé uses a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic. It changes gear very quickly and lets the driver choose between comfortable and sporty shift programmes. Our article comparing manual, SMG, DCT and Steptronic gearboxes explains how the M DCT works.

Power goes only to the rear wheels, through the Active M Differential, which can lock the rear axle progressively to improve traction. Our article on the BMW Active M Differential explains this system.

The chassis is much stiffer and lower than that of a normal Gran Coupé. It has M-specific suspension, adaptive M dampers, M Servotronic steering and wider tracks. The driver can adjust the engine, gearbox, steering and dampers and store two favourite set-ups on the M Drive buttons.

The standard M compound brakes are large and powerful. As an option, BMW offered M carbon ceramic brakes, which are lighter, resist fading and are easy to recognise by their gold callipers. Our article on BMW carbon ceramic brakes explains their pros and cons.

Performance on the road

According to BMW, the M6 Gran Coupé reaches 100 km/h from standstill in about 4.2 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, or 305 km/h with the optional M Driver's Package. With the Competition Package, acceleration is slightly quicker.

These are impressive figures for a four-door car of about five metres in length and around 1.9 tonnes. The twin-turbo V8 pulls hard from low engine speeds, so the car feels effortlessly fast on the motorway and when overtaking.

On winding roads, the M6 Gran Coupé is stable and precise, but its size and weight are noticeable. It is a grand tourer first and a sports car second. Many owners say it feels best on long, fast roads, where it combines speed, comfort and a deep V8 sound.

Our article on the BMW M Driver's Package explains how the higher top speed and the driver training work.

Design and interior

The M6 Gran Coupé is based on the elegant 6 Series Gran Coupé, but BMW M made it wider and more muscular. It has a front bumper with large air intakes, M side gills, M mirrors, wider wheel arches, a rear diffuser and four exhaust tailpipes. Some cars also have carbon fibre exterior details.

The four frameless doors and the long, low roofline give the car its special look. The Gran Coupé has a longer wheelbase than the M6 Coupé, so rear passengers have more legroom. Rear passengers sit in two comfortable individual seats.

Inside, there are M sport seats, the M leather steering wheel with M Drive buttons, M instruments and a high-quality leather interior. Many cars have a head-up display, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, soft-close doors and ventilated seats.

The 2015 facelift brought new LED headlights, small styling changes and an updated iDrive system.

Living with an M6 Gran Coupé

Despite its performance, the M6 Gran Coupé is a comfortable car for everyday use and long trips. The adaptive dampers have a comfortable setting, the cabin is quiet at speed and the boot is large enough for holiday luggage.

There are some compromises. Rear headroom is limited because of the sloping roof, and the car is long and wide, which makes parking in tight city spaces difficult. The large wheels and low-profile tyres can make the ride firm on poor roads.

Fuel consumption is high, especially in town and in fast driving. Tyres and brakes are large and expensive, and they wear quickly when the car is driven hard. Insurance and taxes are high in many countries.

For owners who want a beautiful, fast and exclusive four-door car, the M6 Gran Coupé offers a combination that few other cars can match. Buyers who want something more relaxed may also consider the 650i Gran Coupé. Our F12 6 Series buying guide covers the standard models.

Buying a used BMW M6 Gran Coupé

The M6 Gran Coupé has lost a lot of value since new, which makes it tempting. But it is a complex car, and repairs can be very expensive. These are the main points to check:

• Service history: complete and on time, with the correct oil. The S63 needs regular maintenance and shorter oil change intervals if driven hard.
• Engine: check for oil leaks, smoke on start-up, rough running and fault codes. Ask about software updates, recalls and any work on the timing chains, injectors or valve stem seals.
• M DCT gearbox: smooth gear changes, no jerks at low speed and no warnings.
• Brakes: large discs and pads are costly. Carbon ceramic brakes should be checked by a specialist.
• Tyres and wheels: check the wear, matching tyres and kerb damage.
• Suspension: listen for knocks and check the adaptive dampers for leaks and warnings.
• Electronics: test the displays, cameras, head-up display, soft-close doors and comfort functions.
• Modifications: original cars with full documents are usually the safest choice.

Our complete checklist for buying a used BMW M car explains these checks in more detail. A pre-purchase inspection by an M specialist is strongly recommended.

Running costs and is it a future classic?

The M6 Gran Coupé is expensive to run. Fuel, tyres, brakes, servicing and insurance all cost more than for a normal 6 Series. Our article on BMW M car running costs explains how to plan a realistic budget, and an extended warranty can be worth considering for a used car.

Is it a future classic? There are good reasons to think so. It was the first four-door M6, it was built in relatively small numbers, and its design is still admired today. Cars with the Competition Package, rare colours and full history are especially interesting for collectors.

At the same time, it is not a simple car, and poorly maintained examples can become very costly. The best approach is to buy the best car you can find, keep it well serviced and enjoy it on long journeys, which is exactly what the M6 Gran Coupé was built for.

For drivers who love elegant design and V8 performance, the M6 Gran Coupé remains one of the most desirable M cars of its time.

BMW M6 Gran Coupé specifications

Specification	Value
Model	BMW M6 Gran Coupé (F06)
Production	2013–2018; facelift 2015
Body	4-door coupé with frameless windows
Engine	S63 4.4-litre V8, two twin-scroll turbochargers
Power	560 hp (412 kW) at 6,000–7,000 rpm
Torque	680 Nm from 1,500 rpm
Competition Package	575 hp at launch, more in later versions
Gearbox	7-speed M DCT with Drivelogic (most markets)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive, Active M Differential
0–100 km/h	About 4.2 s (BMW figure, standard car)
Top speed	250 km/h limited; 305 km/h with M Driver's Package
Weight	About 1.9 tonnes (depending on equipment)
Length	About 5 metres
Brakes	M compound brakes; M carbon ceramic brakes optional
Related models	M6 Coupé (F13), M6 Convertible (F12), M5 (F10)
Successor	M8 Gran Coupé (from 2019)

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the BMW M6 Gran Coupé have?

The standard M6 Gran Coupé has 560 hp (412 kW) and 680 Nm of torque from its 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. The Competition Package raised the power to 575 hp, and later versions offered even more.

How fast is the BMW M6 Gran Coupé?

BMW quotes about 4.2 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h for the standard car. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h, or 305 km/h with the M Driver's Package.

Is the M6 Gran Coupé the same as the M5?

It uses the same twin-turbo V8 and much of the technology of the F10 M5, but it has a lower, longer coupé-style body with frameless doors and a more exclusive interior.

When was the BMW M6 Gran Coupé built?

It was built from 2013 to 2018, with a facelift in 2015. The M8 Gran Coupé took over its role in 2019.

Is the M6 Gran Coupé practical?

Yes, for a performance car. It has four doors, a large boot and good legroom, although rear headroom is limited by the sloping roof.

Is the 3D car on this site an official BMW model?

No. The 3D car is a creative model for this site and not an official BMW file, so small details may differ from the real car. All facts in the text refer to the real BMW M6 Gran Coupé.

Sources

• BMW Group PressClub – BMW M6 Gran Coupé (F06) press kits
• BMW M – history of the BMW M6
• BMW Group Classic – model information
• BMW M6 Gran Coupé (F06) owner's handbook and technical data