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BMW 6 Series vs McLaren 540C

What's the difference?

VS
BMW 6 Series
BMW 6 Series

$42,800 - $59,990

2018 price

McLaren 540C
McLaren 540C

$289,500 - $289,500

2017 price

Summary

2018 BMW 6 Series
2017 McLaren 540C
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.0L

V8, 3.8L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
7.0L/100km (combined)

25.5L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

2
Dislikes
  • Expensive
  • Feels big on the road
  • A bit of a weird car, really

  • Tricky entry/egress
  • Drinks a bit when pushed (don't we all)
  • Practicality not a strong suit
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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2017 McLaren 540C Summary

Believe it or not, the McLaren 540C is an entry-level model. But you won't find anything remotely resembling rubber floor mats, steel wheels, or cloth seats here. This is a 'base' car like few others.

Revealed in 2015, it's actually the cornerstone of McLaren's three-tier supercar pyramid, being the most affordable member of the Sport Series, with the properly exotic Super Series (650S, 675LT and now 720S), and pretty much insane Ultimate Series (where the P1 hypercar briefly lived) rising above it.

So, how has this British upstart managed to build a world-beating supercar brand so quickly?

Only a few years ago, McLaren meant nothing to anyone outside the octane-infused world of motorsport. But in 2017, it's right up there with aspirational sports car big guns like Ferrari and Porsche, both of which have been producing road cars for close to 70 years.

So, how has this British upstart managed to build a world-beating supercar brand so quickly?

Everything you need to know to answer that question resides inside the stunning McLaren 540C.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 BMW 6 Series 2017 McLaren 540C

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