A third body variant of the BMW M6 high-performance sports car is set to be presented for the first time as the BMW M6 Gran Coupe joins the existing Coupe and Convertible models in the line-up.

The new member of the M6 family brings together customary M performance characteristics with extra helpings of luxury and aesthetic appeal. The high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and 412kW propels the BMW M6 Gran Coupe from zero to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds.

And the elegantly sporty lines of the four-door Coupe are complemented by bespoke features, such as the carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof. The greater interior space of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe allows two rear passengers to enjoy generous levels of on-board comfort, and there is also a third rear seat for use on shorter journeys.

The cockpit fuses sports car style with generous levels of space and a luxurious ambience. The driver and front passenger can look forward to M sports seats with integral belt guides. And the BMW M6 Gran Coupe's standard specification also includes Merino leather upholstery with extended features. The rear compartment offers two or three seats, the backrests of which can split and fold down in a ratio of 40:60 to increase boot capacity from 460 to as much as 1265 litres.

The V8 engine's technical wizardry includes a pair of twin-scroll turbochargers, a cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, Valvetronic variable valve timing and Double-Vanos continuously variable camshaft control. The 4395cc unit keeps peak torque of 680Nm on tap between 1500 and 5750rpm, while maximum output is developed between 6000 and 7000rpm. The engine revs to a maximum of 7200rpm.

The BMW M6 Gran Coupe has an electronically governed top speed of 250km/h (305km/h if the optional M Driver's Package is specified). Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle stands at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions are 232 grams per kilometre.

Taking care of power transfer is a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic. The transmission's electronic management system ensures the right gear is selected for optimum traction. It also offers the driver a Launch Control function for maximum acceleration, Low Speed Assistance for extra comfort and the Auto Start-Stop function to enhance efficiency.

Under particularly dynamic acceleration out of corners, as well as in tricky road and weather conditions, the Active M Differential at the rear axle distributes the engine's power between the individual wheels to maximum traction-enhancing effect. Its electronically controlled multi-disc limited-slip differential works hand-in-hand with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system and splits drive between the right and left rear wheels quickly and precisely according to the situation at hand.

As an alternative to the standard high-performance compound braking system, the BMW M6 Gran Coupe can also be ordered with M carbon-ceramic brakes. Made from a new type of carbon-fibre compound ceramic, the discs boast even greater resistance to heat, lower weight and exceptional resistance to wear.

Arranged around the gearshift lever on the centre console of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe are the buttons used to configure all the adjustable powertrain and chassis functions to personal tastes. The DSC mode, engine performance characteristics, Dynamic Damper Control mapping,
M Servotronic responses and M DCT Drivelogic shift program can be selected independently of each other. All of which means the driver can put together a detailed set-up and store those settings on one of the two M Drive buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.

The standard equipment fitted on the BMW M6 Gran Coupe includes 20-inch M light-alloy wheels, leather trim, heated driver and front passenger seats, automatically dimming rear-view and exterior mirrors, an alarm system and the BMW Professional radio with hi-fi loudspeakers. Available as an alternative to the standard two-zone automatic climate control is a four-zone system with a control panel in the rear compartment.

Among the other highlights of the options list are M multifunction seats, heated rear seats, Comfort Access, a heated steering wheel, the Soft Close Automatic function for the doors, electrically operated sun blinds, the new generation of the Professional navigation system and a Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System.

The BMW M6 Gran Coupe also comes with a variety of BMW ConnectedDrive features, such as an M-specific BMW Head-Up Display, Park Distance Control, a rear-view camera, High Beam Assistant, Speed Limit Info, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View and BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition. Customers can also integrate their Apple iPhone or other smartphones into the car and make use of internet-based services while on board.

The BMW M6 Gran Coupe will go on sale in South Africa in the second quarter of 2013.