Stunning new BMW M6 is here

This is the new BMW M6, the flagship product of BMW's M Division. BMW has unveiled both the Coupé and Convertible versions at the same time.

The M6 is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 engine with two twin scroll turbochargers, which BMW says is "headlined by instantaneous responsiveness and a sustained wave of thrust." Well put. BMW.

That sustained thrust comes from an engine that has 552bhp at 6-7,000rpm and 502lb.ft from just 1,500rpm, pushing the Coupé to 62mph in just 4.2 seconds, and the Convertible in 4.3.


It's 10% more powerful than the outgoing M6 and has 30% more torque. It's that last figure that matters most, because it means that in real-life this M6 will feel much sharper, much more rapid, than the last one. It will hit 189mph when specified with the M Driver's Package.

Yet, fuel consumption is cut by more than 30%, with the Coupé returning 28.5mpg on average, and the Convertible 27.4mpg. Both have start-stop integrated into the seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox.

The rear-wheel drive M6 gets launch control as standard, so it'll take minimal skill to get a perfect start, while the traction control system works across the rear axle, ensuring optimum grip while cornering. Turn it off, though, and the M6 will be the ultimate drifting machine.


M Division has thrown the kitchen sink at making sure this - its most expensive product in lieu of a standalone, Audi R8-rivalling super-coupé - handles properly; it's not just a 6 Series with a big engine and a body kit.

BMW's elite engineers have tuned the chassis and suspension specifically to deal with the M6's massive power output, adding dynamic damper control (switchable between softer comfort and firmer sport modes), and an 'M Dynamic Mode' that remaps the steering and throttle responses to make the car feel sharper.

Anti-skid control, dynamic stability control and cornering brake control are among the other control systems standard on the car.

The body panels are strengthened significantly, as are the brakes, which are made using a specific lightweight composite material. A set of carbon-ceramic brakes are on the options list, too. They'll cost a bit.


The look is enhanced with an M Sport body kit including a three-section front lower air intake, flared wheel arches, a different grille, re-profiled side mirrors, a new rear apron incorporating quad tailpipes (an M car hallmark), and M light alloy wheels in 19- or 20-inch diameters.

Inside there are a load of M badges - lest ye forget during a traffic jam just how much you've spent on this 6 Series - plus some carbon trim, a set of huggy M Sport seats, and leather in more places than you'd find in a standard 630d.

Carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is used for the Coupé's roof panel, but all this kit makes for a heavier car than before - significantly, in fact, with both the Coupé and Convertible weighing in at almost two tonnes, the latter the porkier of the two.

And while that does make the increase in performance and reduction in fuel use all the more impressive, it perhaps explains the proliferation in electronic handling aids.

Due to debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the M6 goes on sale in the UK in September priced at £94,000 for the Coupé (making it £20,000 more expensive than a new M5) and £99,000 for the Convertible.