BMW M6 Gran Coupe 2013 review

We answer the big questions about the BMW M6 Gran Coupe, including the most important one --  would you buy one?

What is it?

This is BMW's penultimate model outpacing all but the 760Li limo in the fat wallet stakes. It's a four-door 'coupe' with the mega dual twin-scroll turbo V8 petrol engine and enough schtonk to keep a Ferrari honest. Accelerates from 0-100kmh in 4.2 seconds.

How much?

Goes for a cool $300,000 plus on roads. Plenty of that straight to the Federal Government in Luxury Car Tax.

What are competitors?

Possibly the Benz CLS 63 AMG, and possibly the Audi S7 super hatchback.

What's under the bonnet?

The big Bimmer gets a 4.4-litre with two, twin scroll turbos, variable valve timing and valve lift and direct fuel injection along with a seven-speed dual clutch manumatic transmission driving the rear wheels

How does it go?

Like a missile, a two-tonne missile with up to 423kW/680Nm on tap if you specify the 'Competition Pack' option. The standard car has 'only' 412kW. Handling is stunningly capable for such a big, weighty beast thanks to high tech suspension, steering, brakes and chassis along with smart design.

Is it economical?

BMW reckons you can get 9.9-litres/100km out of it. We beg to differ but it's pretty good all things considered.

Is it green?

Yes in a tailpipe sense but consuming this much fuel generates plenty of carbon dioxide.

Is it safe?

Five stars plus a full range of driver assist features like cruise control with brake function, park distance control, rear view camera, lane change warning, head-up display, 'Driving Assist' which networks the camera based lane change system, lane departure system, forward collision avoidance and pedestrian avoidance systems. Surround view is a cracker like an eye in the sky.

Is it comfortable?

Supremely. Leather, premium audio, paddle shift, internet connectivity, i-drive multi selector, carbon inlays, four zone climate control. You can dial up this car to do pretty much whatever you want from limo to sports sedan. And, better yet, the Gran will remember what you like is your personal profile stored in the powerful computer.

What's it like to drive?

Intimidating but surprisingly agile. Peddling this much car fast is problematic so you tend to keep it all in check and just revel in short bursts of its full bottle, then cruise the rest of the time. Would you put it on a track for a track day? Not if you're worried about the price of those huge 20-inch tyres.

Is it value for money?

Compared to......?

Would we buy one?

No, we'd buy a fleet of BMWs starting with a Z4, and an X5 - fill up the garage.