The rocket on wheels

The vehicle draws its inspiration from its younger sibling M5 and is setting up its own pinnacle in offering the sheer driving pleasure, the automaker stands for. This is a car that revs like a rocket

There are redundant words used by automakers to define their most powerful ilk, but, for the Bavarian automaker BMW, it is just a letter… ‘M’. A letter that cannot simply be underestimated, for it defines the brand and its philosophy. And that the automaker does not usually use this letter until it firmly believes and is convinced that it has made something special, can be assumed based on the testimonials for the previous editions like the M3; a sports edition of the 3 series which later graduated to the M5; another sports edition of its best selling 5 series. Now the ‘M’ mantle has been placed on its hella-good looking 6 series Gran Coupé. Perceptibly it is called the M6 Gran Coupé.

I would be lying if I say this vehicle is not special. The car profoundly carries a visage the M sport. It is so unique and extraordinary that BMW for the first time has gallantly logoed the M-sign on the front of the car as well its rear. The car is available in a petrol variant at an all India ex-showroom price of Rs 1.75 crore.

So, what makes it special? The M6 is that 6 series which has just rolled out of Frankenstein’s lab. The old generation M6 with a 5.0 litre V10 engine has been replaced with something smaller in its echelon. The 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupé is powered by a twin turbo-charged V8 engine and produces 560 hp and an impressive torque of 680 Nm, it is 10 per cent more powerful than the older M6, almost reaching the territory of a Ferrari 458 Italiano. And the weight reduction has hit the roof this time, no punning… the roof is actually made of carbon-fibre.

Let’s be clear, the sprint from 0 to 100 kmph takes 4.2 seconds and the vehicle has a top speed of 250 kmph and revs like a rocket.

The vehicle boasts of an extraordinary presence with elongated lines and many M-specific characteristics. The front is dominated by large air inlets, adaptive LED headlights and the redesigned double-slat M kidney grille in chrome with M6 badge. The low roofline flows smoothly into the rear, the swage line and side windows extending well into the C-pillars accentuate the dynamically stretched silhouette. The exteriors mirrors are aerodynamically optimised. The 20-inch M light-alloy wheels are similar in appearance to that of the electric hybrid, BMW i8. Another unique distinction is its twin exhaust tailpipes positioned on the outer edges of the rear apron. The diffuser in the rear apron, crafted from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, optimises under-body airflow and does a great weight reduction.

The high performance engine also delivers great fuel efficiency thanks to the comprehensive technology package that includes features such as intelligent lightweight construction, automatic start/stop function, brake energy regeneration, electric power steering, 50:50 weight distribution, et al.

Like many, even I wondered, isn’t it the same engine of its tyre smoking saloon sister the M5, which costs nearly 50 lakh less than the M6. But then the M6 Gran Coupé is a vision of poise and assurance combining hallmark M high-performance refinement with captivating aesthetics, an opulent ambience and a comfortably-sized cabin with ample space even for rear passengers… Well, Checkmate!