Review: BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe (2012 – 2018)
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Rating:
Four-door version of the 6 Series is an alternative to the Audi A7 Sportback. Available with the excellent 640d engine.
Prices start at more than £60k.
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BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe (2012 – 2018): At A Glance
- Insurance Groups are between 47–50
- On average it achieves 78% of the official MPG figure
On looks alone the 6 Series Gran Coupe has been worth the wait. The three premium German car makers seem locked in a battle to invent new niches and when one of them finds success the others quickly wheel out a rival. It's a tad surprising then that BMW has taken this long to launch what appears to be a competitor to the stylish Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7 Sportback.
On paper, the Gran Coupé is just a 6 Series Coupe with 113mm extra metal in the wheelbase to accommodate rear doors. However, it proves to be a highly successful transformation, marrying the aggressive detailing of the two-door model's lights and front grille with an elegant side profile and squat rear view.
There are plenty of detail changes though, including a full-width high level brake light positioned at the top of the rear window, chrome finishing around the front air intakes and discreet 'Gran Coupé' badging behind the glass towards the back of those new rear doors.
Unsurprisingly, the quality, tactile interiors of other 6 Series variants are carried over - and rear occupants are not treated like second-class passengers. The attention to detail, fit and finish are exemplary. Is it as spacious in the back as a 5 Series? No, but there's far more room than in the rear of the two-door variant and it's on a par with the Mercedes-Benz CLS in that regard.
All versions are generously equipped with leather, sat nav, parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, keyless start and electrically adjusted and heated seats. SE and M Sport specifications will be offered, the latter adding more aggressive body styling, larger alloys and a sportier interior for a premium of just under £5000.
What does a BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe (2012 – 2018) cost?
| List Price from | £43,910 |
|---|---|
| Buy new from | £33,918 |
| Contract hire from | £404.44 per month |
What's the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe (2012 – 2018) like to drive?
- Engines range from 640i to 650i Automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 30–46 mpg
While the turbocharged straight-six petrol engine of the 640i does a fine job, the 640d is a far more appealing car. Its six-cylinder diesel engine is fed air by two turbochargers, resulting in peak power of 313PS. That figure isn't as important as the maximum torque output, which is rated at 630Nm, produced from just 1500rpm. This endows the car with effortless performance regardless of the speed. If it is extended it sounds just as sporting as any petrol car.
The diesel model eclipses the entry-level version for outright speed, yet it's also significantly more efficient - it averages 50.4mpg with CO2 of 148g/km according to the official figures.
This achievement was made possible partially by inclusion of stop-start, but also by the standard fitment of the latest generation eight-speed automatic gearbox. In default guise it's smooth and relaxing, keeping the engine at low revs, though it allows for more hurried driving with various modes to choose from.
If tied into the optional Adaptive Drive system this is managed centrally, along with the throttle sensitivity, damping and level of traction control. It's an option worth having, as it allows limousine levels of bump absorption in Comfort+ mode, while permitting the driver to engage with the car more in Sport and Sport+. It does a good impression of a sports car in these settings.
Irrespective of the mode, the Gran Coupe feels very different to a 5 Series saloon on the road, mainly due to the low seating position and wide stance. Yet it's a more resolved car than the two-door 6 Series Coupé, which is likely to be due to the extra stability afforded by the longer wheelbase.
Vitally, the Gran Coupe feels special. That's just as well, as it's more expensive than the equivalent cars from BMW's main adversaries. However, the four-door is less than £2000 more than the 6 Series Coupé, which could make that car all but redundant.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 640d | 50–50 mpg | 5.4 s | 148–149 g/km |
| 640d Automatic | 50–51 mpg | 5.4 s | 148–152 g/km |
| 640i | 36 mpg | 5.4 s | 181–183 g/km |
| 640i Automatic | 36–38 mpg | 5.4 s | 181 g/km |
| 650i | 32 mpg | 4.6 s | 206 g/km |
| 650i Automatic | 32 mpg | 4.6 s | 206 g/km |
Real MPG average for a BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe (2012 – 2018)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
78%
Real MPG
30–46 mpg
MPGs submitted
61
Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.
What have we been asked about the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe (2012 – 2018)?
Every day we're asked hundreds of questions from car buyers and owners through Ask Honest John. Our team of experts, including the nation's favourite motoring agony uncle - Honest John himself - answer queries and conudrums ranging from what car to buy to how to care for it as an owner. If you could do with a spot of friendly advice before buying you're next car, get in touch and we'll do what we can to help.
Which luxury car is the wisest financial decision - Ferrari, Bentley or Aston Martin?
What Cars Are Similar To The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe (2012 – 2018)?
Key attributes of the this model are: Comfortable seats, Diesel engine, Luxury finish, Motorway cruiser, Petrol engine and Luxury.
Unclear on what your next car should be? Use our Car Chooser to pick something that suits your needs.
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