CrunchSlaughtered
RPM Ruler
Previous A7 was way away from the ASF A8, but now since A8 is no more ASF they will be much closer. Otherwise the A7 is a hatchback version of the A6 with an added visual appeal, nothing more, nothing less.
No. As is usual in these discussions, the original comment has been lost. @hovabongZA originally said the 6er GT is THE rival to the A7. Note the word “THE”. That’s different to saying “A” rival.
SDNR
Kraftwagen König
Well I understand it is based on the A6 - but, much like the CLS is perceived to sit above the E class, it certainly feels like a step up from the A6. But I take your point. Betty Swollocks is right to bring up the marketing ...for that is largely what this all comes down to.
CrunchSlaughtered
RPM Ruler
This would be the best one in the four door coupe segment, but anyway a spiritual successor is coming in the face of the new 8 series
hovabongZA
Tire Trailblazer
Here’s another flame:Revisiting a flame:
7saen
Autobahn Adventurer
It's funny that this is never an issue.Next @hovabongZA will be saying the THE competitor to the A5 Sportback is the 3er GT.
It's obvious to everyone that this doesn't make any sense, while it's exactly what people do when it comes to the A7/6GT.
Exactly. This should end the discussion, but it certainly won't.
chonkoa
Aerodynamic Artisan
I agree 100%
This would be the best one in the four door coupe segment, but anyway a spiritual successor is coming in the face of the new 8 series
Anytime I see pictures of the CS, I just curse BMW.
Cashmere
RPM Ruler
You mean 8enchmark?
hovabongZA
Tire Trailblazer
No, that’s the 5er/M5 and 3er/M3... nice try though.
SCOTT27
Lap Time Luminary
We have been here before. I even remember the BMW 550i GT in a dual test with a Panamera S. 
This of course was before 2012 and the advent of 6er Gran Coupe.
At the recent IAA the Gran Coupe was the only 6er on show. Although there was an M6 Gran Coupe on press day.
But you never know someone might get an inferiority complex at BMW. And arrive for work on Monday and suggest an M6 GT because of inane comparisons like this one.
I would not be surprised if the 6er Gran Coupe and M6 Gran Coupe still have a lot of fight left in them. Especially since it's an Audi. Heavy on the virtue signalling but disappointing in the execution.
This of course was before 2012 and the advent of 6er Gran Coupe.
At the recent IAA the Gran Coupe was the only 6er on show. Although there was an M6 Gran Coupe on press day.
But you never know someone might get an inferiority complex at BMW. And arrive for work on Monday and suggest an M6 GT because of inane comparisons like this one.
I would not be surprised if the 6er Gran Coupe and M6 Gran Coupe still have a lot of fight left in them. Especially since it's an Audi. Heavy on the virtue signalling but disappointing in the execution.
D
Deleted member 1071
Here in the EU alone, the Audi A7/S7/RS7 very decisively outsold BMWs' 6 series/M6 Gran Coupe (somewhere in the vicinity of 4-to-1). I suspect that a similar situation prevails in non-EU markets as well. And despite a potpourri of self-inflicted VAG (Audi) f**k-ups (Dieselgate, etc...), market observers are predicting not only high "return rates" of current gen I customers, but also substantial "conquest rates" as well. It is probably one of the safest of bets that the 6 GT will only be sold in a mere fraction of numbers compared to the series II A7 line of cars. The same, I suspect, will apply to a possible 8 series GC as its' price alone will ensure far lower unit sales numbers. In the context of comparison, "disappointing in execution" does not-and I imagine will not-apply. The high number of customers, numerous design accolades and the "bragging rights" attained regarding the neck-snapping performance figures of the S7/RS7 cars are elements that will define the A7 line as being highly successful and arguably iconic.
"...fight in them" is a highly pliable expression. The M6 GC is a breathtakingly gorgeous automobile. Highly desirable and surely a future classic. But this does not warrant diminishing the A7/S7/RS7.
D
Deleted member 1071
I admittedly felt that way for quite some time following the termination of the production CS developement, allegedly motivated by the 2008/2009 global financial crisis. It is something that has since left me skeptical as well as apprehensive with regard to boastful proclamations pertaining to future BMW products. Hence I shall be convinced that there will actually be an 8 series Gran Coupe only when photographs of production-bodied prototypes are disclosed.
As stunning as the CS Concept was back in 2007, progress in automotive design and technology now render it a tad dated. The general concept of the car, however, remains beyond relevant.
SCOTT27
Lap Time Luminary
The question is? Will the 8er Gran Coupe follow the 4er and upcoming 2er Gran Coupe and be a 5dr like the A7,Panamera and the upcoming AMG GT 5dr?
Or retain its four door exclusivity alongside the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Or do you think 6er Gran Coupe and the 5er are too close for comfort that the 8er has to strike a better balance of individuality and be a 5dr Coupe?
Or retain its four door exclusivity alongside the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Or do you think 6er Gran Coupe and the 5er are too close for comfort that the 8er has to strike a better balance of individuality and be a 5dr Coupe?
TheNewBATMAN
Quattro Commander
I wonder if everyone who says the 6er Gran Coupe is the sexiest 4-door coupe in the market has actually been in the presence of one, sits inside it etc. A regular 6er GC, not an M6.
Cause in real life I found it very underwhelming and like Scott said, way too close for comfort with a 5er. I once compare them side by side and with the all aroundness of the 5er, I actually found an 6er GC as almost pointless. It looks too much like a sedan, but a 5er has more space inside whilst a 6er GC is longer.
I can definitely see why BMW decided to merge 5er GT and 6er GC into one model.
An 8er GC would be more like an Aston Martin Rapide, I believe. A true coupe with four doors instead of a pseudo sedan.
Cause in real life I found it very underwhelming and like Scott said, way too close for comfort with a 5er. I once compare them side by side and with the all aroundness of the 5er, I actually found an 6er GC as almost pointless. It looks too much like a sedan, but a 5er has more space inside whilst a 6er GC is longer.
I can definitely see why BMW decided to merge 5er GT and 6er GC into one model.
An 8er GC would be more like an Aston Martin Rapide, I believe. A true coupe with four doors instead of a pseudo sedan.
Mick Briesgau
Tire Trailblazer
Agreed @TheNewBATMAN, I don't get the hype about the 6GC either. If memory serves right, the GC is also an afterthought. It wasn't planned. After the succes if the CLS, BMW felt they had to do something: et voila, the 6GC was born.
D
Deleted member 1071
An interesting question indeed.
With ex-Skoda design chief Jozef Kaban now on board at BMW, I imagine that his valuable input could provide very constructive as well as exciting impulses for a 4 door liftback 8 series/M8 Gran Coupe. After all, Skoda implemented a visually very attractive non-liftback appearing liftback configuration on its' current gen Superb sedan (and to a somewhat lesser extent, the current Octavia sedan). A very rakish-yet with perhaps a nuance of a notch-liftback is a compelling proposition. And yes, it may add that bit of additional distinction vis-a-vis BMWs' "standard" 3-box 5 and 7 series sedans.
D
Deleted member 1071
Yes, the 6 series GC was a bit of an "alibi", "stop-gap" endeavor. And despite the splendid M6 GC being based on its' more pedestrian "almost twins" standard 6er GC, the M6 GC just has immensely much more attraction. Stance and attitude.
TheNewBATMAN
Quattro Commander
An M car always has more presence.
With a 6er GC, it is like this : a 5er is always nice. Lose two door, make it wider and lower and it becomes a 6er coupe which is nicer as it is sportier but more impractical, but you live with it because of the looks. But when you add two more doors to it it becomes a 4-door which is impractical and now even longer, but it is cramped inside. So when you drive it and park it, but then you get into a 5er, it suddenly comes upon you that you should have gone with a 5er in the first place and save the extra cash for a nicer set of wheels etc.
And the more and more people realizing it, the fewer and fewer sales it has in the real world (at dealers)
With a 6er GC, it is like this : a 5er is always nice. Lose two door, make it wider and lower and it becomes a 6er coupe which is nicer as it is sportier but more impractical, but you live with it because of the looks. But when you add two more doors to it it becomes a 4-door which is impractical and now even longer, but it is cramped inside. So when you drive it and park it, but then you get into a 5er, it suddenly comes upon you that you should have gone with a 5er in the first place and save the extra cash for a nicer set of wheels etc.
And the more and more people realizing it, the fewer and fewer sales it has in the real world (at dealers)
I'm not sure about that, the Vision Gran Coupe was used to preview that entire generation of 6-er, so it was at least on the table well before the launch of the bread and butter convertible and coupe. It was clearly a reaction to the market, rather than leading it.... but they can't all be X6's
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