BMW decided to reveal the new M6 coupe and cabrio over the weekend, so it’d have all the media’s attention to itself.
Set for debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the new 2013 BMW M6 is such a stunner. Based on the current 6 Series, which is one of the best looking coupes in the market, the M6 gets the usual M treatment of added power and style, but you have to say, it is the most tastefully done M car possibly ever.
It is a very perfect car and really hard to fault. The new M6 makes Mercedes job harder with the new SL63 AMG. It has to be something unbelievably good to match this M6, and even if it is, we’re not sure it’ll look just as good as the Bimmer.
In both coupe and convertible form, the new M6 boasts a magnificent design which is the result of some subtle, yet effective, changes over the normal models.
They include three-section, strikingly modelled lower air intake with aerodynamically optimised flaps; new M kidney grille with black double slats; flared wheel arches; hallmark M gills with integrated direction indicator bars; aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors and side skirts; BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line; exposed reflectors below the rear lights; aerodynamically optimised rear apron with diffuser between the right and left-hand pair of twin exhaust tailpipes; 19-inch (standard) or 20-inch (optional) forged M light-alloy wheels, each with a distinctive interpretation of the familiar M double-spoke design.
The design manages to be elegant and sporty, and that’s a hard trick to pull.
We also love what they’ve done to the interior. It is still very BMWish with lots of button and a rather unfathomable iDrive system, but the new steering wheel that harks back to the old Bimmers, and the carbon fiber package, make it such a nice place to be in.
Other features of the M6 cabin includes: M gear selector and car set-up controls on the model-specific centre console; exclusive M sports seats with integrated belt system (optional: M multifunction seats); Merino leather upholstery with extended features; exclusive carbon-fibre interior trim strips; illuminated door sill finishers with model lettering; M-specific instrument cluster with black-panel technology; 2-zone automatic climate control with extended features, ambient lighting.
As for the engine, the new M6 gets the same 4.4 liter biturbo V8 as in the BMW M5 F10. It makes 412 kW/560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm and maximum torque: 680 Newton metres (502 lb-ft) from 1,500 rpm; maximum engine speed: 7,200 rpm. Performance is, as you’d expect, awesome. Check out these numbers:
Acceleration: 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds (BMW M6 Coupe) or 4.3 seconds (BMW M6 Convertible); 0–200 km/h (124 mph) in 12.6 (13.1) seconds; electronically governed top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) or 305 km/h (189 mph) with M Driver’s Package.
That’s, to all intents and purposes, super car performance. Yet, the fuel economy is a very respectable 9.9 litres per 100 km / 28.5 mpg imp (BMW M6 Coupe) and 10.3 litres per 100 km / 27.4 mpg imp (BMW M6 Convertible). That’s because the M6 comes with Auto Start-Stop function and further Efficient Dynamics technology as standard.
The car features a special M-calibrated seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic; Launch Control and Low Speed Assistance; and an active M differential. What’s more, it features M-specific Dynamic Damper Control as standard; DSC stability control incl. M Dynamic Mode and M Servotronic steering.
I know they sound like a bunch of meaningless acronyms to most of you, but if you’ve ever driven an M car with those system, you’d know they make a huge difference in the feel and performance of the car.
With all the attention paid to the new M6’s performance and technicality, you might imagine BMW has skimped on luxury and comfort. Not so. The car comes with every luxury amenities the standard 6-series is blessed with, and then some.
The list includes adaptive LED Headlights fitted as standard, extensive range of BMW ConnectedDrive features, some unmatched by any rival: BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific information, High Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, rear-view camera, Surround View, Speed Limit Info, internet access, extended integration of smartphones and music players, Real-Time Traffic Information and apps for receiving web radio and using Facebook and Twitter.
There is also an options list by which you can spec up your car further. It offers Comfort Access, active seats, heated steering wheel, doors with Soft Close Automatic function, Navigation system Professional, Bang & Olufsen High- End Surround Sound System.
