The BMW M6 Gran Coupe Competition (F06M LCI), produced from July 2015 to May 2018, represents the pinnacle of performance within the 6 Series Gran Coupe range. This facelifted version, designated LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) by BMW, featured a significant power upgrade and focused on delivering an even more engaging driving experience. Positioned as the highest-performance variant, the Competition model sat above the standard M6 Gran Coupe, offering increased horsepower, revised suspension tuning, and unique styling cues. It was a direct competitor to high-performance luxury coupes like the Porsche Panamera Turbo and the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | M6 |
| Generation | M6 Gran Coupe (F06M LCI, facelift 2014) |
| Type (Engine) | Competition 4.4 V8 (600 Hp) M DCT |
| Start of production | July, 2015 |
| End of production | May, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 14.3 l/100 km (16.4 US mpg, 19.8 UK mpg, 7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 10.3 l/100 km (22.8 US mpg, 27.4 UK mpg, 9.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 236 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 3.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 3.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 3.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph), Electronically limited |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.2 kg/Hp, 314.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.7 kg/Nm, 366.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 600 Hp @ 6250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 136.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 700 Nm @ 1500-6000 rpm (516.29 lb.-ft. @ 1500-6000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | S63B44T0 |
| Engine displacement | 4395 cm3 (268.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.3 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-power turbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8.4 l (8.88 US qt | 7.39 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 18.5 l (19.55 US qt | 16.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1910 kg (4210.83 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2410 kg (5313.14 lbs.) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 460 l (16.24 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1265 l (44.67 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 5011 mm (197.28 in.) |
| Width | 1899 mm (74.76 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2106 mm (82.91 in.) |
| Height | 1395 mm (54.92 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2964 mm (116.69 in.) |
| Front track | 1631 mm (64.21 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1612 mm (63.46 in.) |
| Front overhang | 945 mm (37.2 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1102 mm (43.39 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 110 mm (4.33 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.33 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.5 m (41.01 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission M DCT |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 400 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 396 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 265/35 R20Rear wheel tires: 295/30 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 9.5J x 20Rear wheel rims: 10.5J x 20 |
INTRODUCTION
The BMW M6 Gran Coupe Competition (F06M LCI) is a high-performance variant of the 6 Series Gran Coupe, produced between 2015 and 2018. Built on the F06 chassis, which is based on the BMW F10 5 Series platform, the M6 Gran Coupe combined the luxurious appointments of a four-door coupe with the exhilarating performance of BMW’s M division. The “Competition” package, introduced with the LCI facelift, further enhanced the car’s capabilities, making it a formidable contender in the luxury performance segment. The LCI brought subtle styling revisions, but the core improvement was under the hood, with a significant power boost.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the M6 Gran Coupe Competition lies the S63B44T0 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This engine, a hallmark of BMW M performance, produces 600 horsepower at 6250 rpm and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque available from a low 1500 rpm all the way to 6000 rpm. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a sophisticated twin-turbocharger setup to deliver exceptional power and responsiveness. The valvetrain employs Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder. The engine’s block is constructed from aluminum alloy, contributing to its relatively lightweight design. The engine is longitudinally mounted at the front of the vehicle. The power is transferred to the rear wheels via a seven-speed M Dual Clutch Transmission (M DCT) with Drivelogic. This transmission offers incredibly fast and precise gear changes, enhancing both acceleration and driving engagement. The M DCT allows for both automatic and manual shifting via steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Driving Characteristics
The M6 Gran Coupe Competition delivers a truly exhilarating driving experience. The increased horsepower and torque, combined with the quick-shifting M DCT, result in a 0-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The M DCT’s programming is geared towards performance, with quicker shift times and more aggressive gear changes compared to the standard 6 Series Gran Coupe’s transmission. The suspension is tuned for a balance between comfort and handling, providing a firm but controlled ride. The steering is precise and communicative, offering excellent feedback to the driver. While the standard M6 Gran Coupe was already a capable performer, the Competition model felt noticeably more urgent and responsive, particularly during spirited driving. The gear ratios in the M DCT are optimized for acceleration, ensuring that the engine remains in its power band during aggressive driving.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The M6 Gran Coupe Competition came standard with a comprehensive list of features, befitting its status as the flagship model. Standard equipment included Merino leather upholstery, a premium sound system, a head-up display, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. Interior trim options included carbon fiber and piano black finishes. Optional extras included upgraded leather options, individual paint colors, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Competition package also included unique exterior styling elements, such as blacked-out kidney grilles and side gills, as well as a sport exhaust system with black chrome tailpipes.
Chassis & Braking
The M6 Gran Coupe Competition features a robust chassis designed to handle the car’s immense power. The front suspension utilizes a double wishbone design, while the rear suspension employs an independent multi-link setup. Both ends of the car are equipped with adaptive dampers, allowing the driver to adjust the suspension stiffness to suit their preferences. Braking duties are handled by large, ventilated discs at all four corners – 400mm at the front and 396mm at the rear – providing exceptional stopping power. The car is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and other advanced braking technologies. The steering system is a rack-and-pinion setup with hydraulic power assistance, offering precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The M6 Gran Coupe Competition was generally well-received by automotive critics. Reviewers praised its powerful engine, precise handling, and luxurious interior. However, some critics noted that the car’s size and weight could make it feel less agile than smaller, more focused sports cars. Compared to the standard M6 Gran Coupe, the Competition model was lauded for its increased performance and more aggressive character. Against rivals like the Porsche Panamera Turbo and Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, the M6 Gran Coupe Competition offered a compelling combination of performance, luxury, and style. Fuel economy, while not a primary concern for buyers in this segment, was reasonable for a car of its performance capabilities, averaging around 22.8 US mpg in combined driving.
Legacy
The BMW M6 Gran Coupe Competition (F06M LCI) remains a highly desirable vehicle in the used car market. The S63B44T0 engine, while complex, has proven to be relatively reliable when properly maintained. Common maintenance items include regular oil changes, spark plug replacements, and inspection of the cooling system. The M DCT transmission is also generally reliable, but requires periodic servicing. The car’s combination of performance, luxury, and exclusivity ensures its continued appeal to enthusiasts and collectors. Its status as the ultimate iteration of the F06 M6 Gran Coupe solidifies its place in BMW’s performance lineage.
