Unbeatable Performance, Handling
But Looks Too In-Yer-Face, Bling-like
Surely BMWs Should Be Understated, Appealing To Finer Instincts
rating **** out of 5
For – peerless performance, handling
Against – strangely lack-lustre looks
The BMW M6 Coupé and M6 Convertible are obviously amazing machines, engineered to a brilliant level and which cost fortunes.
All the more weird then that they just don’t seem to cut it as objects of lust, given their performance, noise and pedigree. These 6-series machines have become too wide-boy friendly, too look-at-me. Unfortunately, that does seem to be the trend with BMW, although the latest 3-series looks terrific because restraint mode has been invoked. But look at the X6, an SUV with a hideous sloping roof, or the Gran Coupe. Awful. And is there an uglier vehicle on the market than the BMW X1?
But back to the M6 Coupe and Convertible. With prices pointing towards £100,000 the choice really is amazing and you can acquire some seriously sexy machinery. The Maserati comes out tops in my eyes, with the Porsche 911 and Jaguar XKR generating serious amounts of salivation and desire. The Audi R8 is super too. But the BMW duo look strangely dull.
Not that you’ll be bored when you climb in, smell the ambiance, and fire up the V8 motor. When you hit the accelerator, the power pushes you back in your seat and you reach the first corner and feel the feedback from the steering, you will probably forget that it doesn’t look perfect.
Powered by the latest V8 M TwinPower Turbo engine producing 560hp, the latest M6 iterations make their debut this autumn.
I’ll let BMW have its say here.
“These bold 6 Series flagship models offer searing performance and sporting dynamics, combined with supreme long-distance touring manners and everyday usability. With near 50:50 weight distribution and optimised aerodynamics the latest BMW M6 offers an intense M experience”
You can order the new M6 with the lightweight carbon-fibre roof or the retractable soft top. They have the same high-revving, turbocharged V8 engine as the M5 Saloon. This revolutionary powerplant not only produces 53hp more than its ten-cylinder predecessor at 560hp, but has greatly improved torque output over a broad band of revs. It’s this 680Nm, available from as low as 1,500rpm to 5,750rpm, that not only gives the new M6 its stunning outright acceleration, but also its commanding flexibility on-road.
The result is a 0-62mph sprint of 4.2 seconds for the M6 Coupé, with the M6 Convertible following at 4.3 seconds. Both versions have a top speed limited to 155mph. The new M6 Coupé and Convertible are on sale in the UK now with the Coupé costing £93,820 and the Convertible £99,020.
Wouldn’t it be great to have close to one hundred grand in your back pocket, while wandering through your local premium car dealerships. In my dreams, I’m heading for Maserati.
Neil Winton
| BMW M6 Convertible |
|
|---|---|
| Engine: | 4.4 litre V8 petrol |
| Power: | 560 hp @ 6,000 to 7,000 rpm |
| Torque: | 680 Nm @ 1,500 to 5,750 |
| Gearbox: | 7-speed automatic |
| Drive: | rear wheels |
| Acceleration: | 0-62 mph-100 km/h – 4.3 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 155 mph-250 km/h (restricted) |
| Fuel Consumption: | claimed combined – 10.3 l/km 27.4 mpg |
| CO2: | 239 g/km |
| Emissions class: | E.U.5 |
| Length: | 4,898 mm |
| Width: | 1,899 |
| Height: | 1,372 |
| Weight: | 1,980 kg |
| Wheel-base: | 2,851 |
| Boot capacity: | 300/350 litres |
| Competition: | Maserati, Porsche, Jaguar, Audi R8 |
| Rating: | **** |
| Price: | £99,020 |
| For: | peerless performance, handling |
| Against: | strangely lack-lustre looks |
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