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2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe is best-performing four-door (pictures)

The new M6 features a high-tech engine and running gear that gives it multiple performance profiles, none of them particularly sedate.

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Wayne Cunningham
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1 of 22 Josh Miller/CNET
BMW's M cars focus on performance, and in recent years the company has implemented extraordinary technologies to make them drive better than just about any car on the road.
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2 of 22 Josh Miller/CNET
The M6 Gran Coupe is just the latest to get BMW's full-blown M treatment. It joins the M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible in its series.
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The 4.4-liter V-8 produces 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.
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BMW adorns the fenders and rocker panels with its M logo.
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Large air intakes undercut the classic BMW kidney grille.
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This model offers LED headlights as an option.
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BMW only offers its M6 cars in rear-wheel-drive format.
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An adaptive suspension reacts to the road to improve handling.
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As the Gran Coupe, the M6 gets four doors.
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Although performance-oriented, the cabin is not devoid of comfort amenities.
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The rear seat really only holds two passengers, although BMW refers to overall capacity as "4+1."
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The three-spoke steering wheel includes standard paddle shifters.
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BMW's seven-speed DCT is an automated manual, with two computer-controlled clutches.
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BMW maintains a plain look to its instrument cluster.
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Suspension, engine, and steering all offer three settings.
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The iDrive main menu lists all the cabin tech features.
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All of the performance settings can be saved to two M buttons.
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BMW's maps look very good, and fit the car's premium segment.
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The main screen shows the stereo interface.
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An optional Bang & Olufsen audio system delivers audiophile sound quality.
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BMW ConnectedDrive lets you integrate Facebook and Twitter into iDrive.
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A variety of optional cameras, including this split front view, make parking safer.

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