BMW 6 Series vs BMW M3
What's the difference?

BMW 6 Series

—

2018 price

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BMW M3

$124,800 - $179,990

2023 price

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Alfa Romeo Giulia

Aston Martin DB11

Aston Martin DBS

Aston Martin Vanquish

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Summary

2018 BMW 6 Series

2023 BMW M3

By Matt Campbell

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.0L/100km (combined)

10.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Heaps of space
Feels plush
Good standard equipment

Brutal acceleration
Surprisingly compliant in the city
Boot space for days

Dislikes

Expensive
Feels big on the road
A bit of a weird car, really

Carbon pack a little (a lot) silly
Thirsty as all get out
Design a little polarising (though I like it)

2018 BMW 6 Series Summary

What happens when you struggle to sell an odd-bod, not-quite-a-coupe, sort-of-a-hatchback, almost-an-SUV model? Well, sometimes it gets axed, and replaced with a new model that bears a new name.

That's pretty much it in a nutshell for the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, which was formerly the 5 Series GT. It essentially takes the place of the 6 Series Gran Coupe - an alternative to the regular 5 Series sedan that's more attainable than a 7 Series limousine.

Confused? It's not as difficult as all that sounds - you just need to know that this model, the 2018 BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, is supposed to offer a neat alternative to the go-to family luxury car or SUV.

I spent some time in the entry-level 630i to see if it can deliver on that promise. In fact, I spent more than 24 hours driving the BMW 6 Series GT over the past week, and I don't have a sore back, I haven't been left scratching my head over the intended purpose, I haven't been uncomfortable, and I haven't been left wanting for much.

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2023 BMW M3 Summary

There’s no point waxing too lyrical here, because the facts surrounding the M3 Touring are more than exciting enough.

It’s a (kind of) family friendly wagon with oodles of space and practicality. It’s also an unhinged performance weapon with a thumping 3.0-litre twin-turbo-petrol inline six-cylinder engine.

And it has been years — decades, even — in the making. So, has it been worth the wait? Let’s strap in and find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 BMW 6 Series 2023 BMW M3

Verdict

This isn't a car for everyone's tastes, but if you fit in to the buyer group that just doesn't really know what they want in a luxury car, it could be the perfect fit for your family. The 6 Series GT is a practical large prestige car, albeit one that will likely find very few buyers.

Verdict

Long live the mighty wagon. The BMW M3 Touring is treat to look at, and an even bigger treat to drive.

If you want one, act fast. We waited a long time for a wagon-shaped M3, and with electrification increasing in the automotive industry, this will likely be your last chance.

BMW 6 Series vs BMW M3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW 6 Series vs BMW M3
What's the difference?