2019 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe Performance

BMWs are meant to be driver's cars, and the 6 Series Gran Coupe encapsulates that concept by offering immense performance in both of the available powerplants. BMW has also been courteous to their fanbase by offering both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive. The 640i variants with the 315 hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and eight-speed auto transmission are obviously the more subdued of the two models, but shouldn't be written off as being sluggish. They deliver a fantastic balance of power and fuel economy while still easily pushing the car around. A 0 to 60 mph time of 5.1 seconds isn't to be scoffed at either, for this hefty vehicle. Both 650i variants get the turbocharged 443-hp 4.4 liter V8, with its growling exhaust soundtrack and aggressive performance; the 650i's are much more fun to drive, hitting the 60 mph mark in just over four seconds too.

While nobody can argue that driving the 6 Series Gran Coupe is particularly exciting, the entry-level models can be a little disappointing because they are more expensive than the rival Mercedes CLS and Audi A7, while having less power. The entry-level A7 makes 335 hp while the entry-level CLS starts out at 363 hp.

BMW has stuck to a tried and tested formula with the 6 Series Gran Coupe. Both engines have been successful in a number of other models, and the eight-speed auto is their go-to transmission. Both 640i variants get the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder which makes 315 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. It might seem diminutive compared to its bigger brother in the 650i, but it still offers smooth and effortless acceleration, with no lack of enthusiasm. It's no wonder why BMW has used the same reliable engine in other models like the 3 Series and 5 Series

The 650is both feature the exceptional turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 which pushes out 443 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Driving a 650i means getting thrown back into your seat with a smile on your face, while that exhaust note overpowers all other sounds in the car. BMW uses the eight-speed automatic transmission in most of their cars these days, and why not. It has smooth, quick shifts and manages to time the revs almost perfectly. It's so good that there's hardly any clamor for a manual transmission these days, and it is perfectly suited to the luxurious, cruising temperament of the Gran Coupe.

In the past, fuel economy on large performance cars was an afterthought, but things have changed thanks to new technology as well as stricter emission laws. The most efficient model in the range is the 640i, with estimated EPA figures of 20/29/23 mpg. Opting for the all-wheel-drive version brings these estimates down just a little to 19/28/22 mpg. The least economical in the range is the 650i xDrive with figures of 17/25/20 mpg, with its rear-wheel variant doing only marginally better (18/26/21 mpg).

All models have an 18.5-gallon fuel tank and based on the combined figures, the most frugal trim, the 640i, can travel 425 miles on a full tank of gas, while the thirstier 650i xDrive will need to refuel after 370 miles.