For buyers with the means and desire to reach for the maximum in luxury and performance, BMW obliges with the M6, a twin-turbo V8 coupe based on the midsize 5 Series. Also offered as a convertible, the M6 delivers just about as many motoring thrills as mechanically possible, within the architecture of a roomy and luxurious four-seater.
What's New for 2017
Last year, the M6 received a new front-end treatment. Wireless charging and a wi-fi hotspot have been made standard for 2017, along with the latest iDrive control (5.0). Smartphone integration is no longer offered, as its functions are part of the new wireless charging.
Choosing Your BMW M6
The M6 coupe ($113,700) and convertible ($7,000 higher) are powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that cranks out 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. The V8 is matched to a seven-speed M double-clutch automated-manual transmission, which includes steering-wheel paddle shifters. All M6 models have rear-wheel drive. To accommodate manual-shift fans, BMW still offers a conventional six-speed manual gearbox as a no-cost option.
All that power is accompanied by electronic Launch Control and an adaptive sport-tuned M suspension with dynamic damper control. To keep its weight down, the M6 coupe wears a carbon fiber roof, as well as an aluminum hood and doors.
The cabin is slathered in supple Merino leather and black carbon fiber trim. If you prefer, the whole affair can be customized from a selection of available leathers and woods. Standard equipment goes beyond the expected to include automatic soft-closing doors, heated driver’s door lock, heated front seats, adaptive LED headlights, BMW concierge services, a ski bag, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Harman Kardon 16-speaker, 600-watt surround-sound audio also is standard. Convertible models are upholstered with special sun-reflective leather.
The available Executive package ($5,100) includes a premium Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system, plus ventilated front seats with an active massaging feature, a power rear sunshade, head-up display, and a heated steering wheel. For $1,700, you can add the Driver Assistance Plus package, which provides a suite of active-safety technology, including lane-departure and frontal collision warnings and blind-spot detection, along with speed-limit information and a surround-view camera system.
Dedicated driving enthusiasts might want to consider the $8,300 Competition package, which enhances the M6's performance with racing-spec suspension and steering systems, upgraded tires on 20-inch wheels, and a sport-tuned exhaust system that coaxes 600 horsepower from the M6 engine. So equipped, the M6 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 3.9 seconds, versus 4.1 seconds for the regular M6.
Among the few individual options are carbon-ceramic brakes, Night Vision with pedestrian detection, and a head-up display.
Virtually all buyers should appreciate the sophisticated safety features that come with Driver Assistance Plus, and the package is quite reasonably priced. The Competition package is another story: worth the price if you intend to hit the racetrack, but of little value in ordinary driving.