The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe: An Overpriced 5 Series? #blogpost

20 Dec 2016

Introduction.

I often hear people say that the BMW F06 6 Series Gran Coupe is just a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The sheep being the BMW F10 5 Series. However, there are benefits to both options. One is less practical. One is sportier. One is more luxurious. One is prettier. One is the better option..

Is the 6 Series worth the price premium? A challenging question. Especially when compared to the much cheaper 5 Series. I will compare the BMW 550i X-Drive to the BMW 650i Gran Coupe X-Drive.

Price.

The BMW 550i X-Drive starts at $67,200, while the 650i starts $23,200 more at $92,000.

The 6 Series, unlike the 5 Series comes standard with heated seats, satellite radio, and 19-inch wheels. The 5 Series comes with rear air conditioning standard, while it’s an option in the 6 Series. Interesting. The problem lies with the fact that you can almost buy a brand new Subaru BRZ with that price difference. So you may ask… why even bother with the 6 Series?

Performance.

Both Vehicles have the same 4.4L TwinTurbocharged V8. Both have the same amount of power, as well as torque. So, both vehicles have identical 0-60 times, identical power figures, and the 6 series also has an additional 86 lbs to carry.Here are the stats:

The 2015 BMW 550i X-Drive:
Engine: 4.4L twin-turbo V8
Power: 445 hp
Torque: 480 ft-lbs @ 2,000 RPM
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Curb weight: 4,519 lbs

The 2015 BMW 650i Gran Coupe X-Drive:
Engine: 4.4L twin-turbo V8
Power: 445 hp
Torque: 480 ft-lbs @ 2,000 RPM
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Curb weight: 4,605 lbs

Doesn’t look so good for the 6 series.

Exterior/Exterior Styling.

550i - 193” long, 73” wide, 58”tall.
650i GC- 197” long, 75” wide, 55” tall.

The exterior is probably the main reason why my father, as well as many others have fallen in love with the BMW 6 Series. Whilst the 5 Series looks smart and handsome, the 6 series just screams sportiness and class. The Grand Coupe has a low, wide, and long stance. A recipe for success. It has a nose that reminds me of a shark. It’s a car people “wow” at. The 5 series doesn’t look beautiful like the 6 series. It looks conservative.

The 6 Series goes that extra edge… and I love that.

Interior/ Interior Styling.

The Gran Coupe does give up some interior space for it’s exterior. The 5 Series has more space to breathe in. However, that definitely doesn’t ensure the interior is worse off than the 5 Series. The cabin is really what you’ve come to expect with BMW. Nothing really new.

I believe the interior of the 6 Series has a much newer look, especially compared to the dated cabin of the 5’er.

Thanks for reading! (If you did). Considering all factors, which do you think is the better buy? Why?

#MakeCarThrottleCarsAgain

Comments

Which do I think is best buy?
Civic.

Great blogpost nonetheless! :)

Haha! I mean considering the options.

Thanks ;)

I’d still take the M6 Gran Coupe. I just like the styling, it’s a coupe and sedan at the same time

650i, but same idea. I agree.

Personally I’d go for the 5 series unless it was the M5 vs. M6 GC, then I’d go for the M6. M6 is more agressive than the M5 in that guise, and the normal 5 series is what I’d go for since it’s a bit more spacious.

I completely understand what you’re saying. I personally wouldn’t go for high end //M cars brand new… to much money. I’d wait some years and take advantage of deppreciation.

Thanks for your input!

It’s a styling thing for me. The 6 Grand Coupe does need a wagon variant, though.
Having said that, the only ones I would have would be the screaming E63 M6 and the E64 Cabriolet with the M package. Pretty sure it too had the V10. Could be wrong.