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BMW M6 Convertible
September 18, 2012
THE BMW M6 Convertible is a pretty impressive machine. As was the case with the previous-generation M6, the new version shares almost all of its componentry with the M5 super saloon including the engine, a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with peak outputs of 412kW and 680Nm. This represents a 10 per cent increase in power yet a 30 per cent decrease in fuel consumption over the outgoing model. It also makes use of a seven-speed M-DCT transmission that features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Up-shifts are brutal…
The M6 retains the basic proportions of the 6 Series but a raft of M-inspired embellishments such as flared wheelarches, deeper side skirts, traditional M-style gills and numerous M6 badges bestow it with a belligerent appearance. Other visual tweaks include deeper front bumper apertures and a black rear diffuser together with a four-barrel exhaust tips. M-style touches continue inside although the cabin takes on a far tamer styling approach than the exterior. You get special carbon fibre trim, M-bolstered racing seats, aluminium pedals and an M-badged steering wheel with two programmable M buttons marked M1 and M2.
Out on the road the driving experience is phenomenal. In a straight line, the M6 picks up speed at such a rate that you often refrain from pressing the throttle pedal all the way to the carpet for fear of having a head-on collision with the horizon. The power, though, is impressively harnessed through an active M Diff, which also helps keep the chassis neutral though the twisties. There’s no scuttle shake to speak of either – rather, front-end grip is enormous thanks to the 30mm wider track and steering that is very responsive and rich in feedback. The driving experience can be dialed up even further by manipulating the settings of the transmission, steering, throttle response, suspension and traction control. I’d suggest keeping things simple because in the wrong hands this beast will pirouette without warning…
However, the car’s most outrageous attribute has to be the combined fuel economy figure of 10.3ℓ/100km, which is no doubt achievable only with conservative driving. I achieved a less impressive 12.8ℓ/100km with aggressive throttle inputs. BMW claims the M6 convertible can reach 100kph from standstill in 4.3 seconds – astonishing, considering the previous generation 5.0-litre V10-equipped model could only manage 4.6 seconds. While the top speed is limited to 250kph it can be raised to 305kph with the M Driver’s Package. Stopping power is impressive with the optional M carbon ceramic brake set-up, which saves the M6 from 20kg of unsprung weight and comes standard with 20-inch alloys.
Driving the M6 Convertible around the spaghetti-like mountain passes of the Overberg did nothing but emphasise its sports car-like disposition. When I did get the opportunity to lower the fabric roof, the full calibre of the V8’s mechanical orchestra unleashed itself with reassuring vigour – a loud bassy din as cogs are swopped, followed by some impressive-sounding exhaust flatulence.
The M6 is the fastest convertible BMW has ever made and it certainly feels like a veritable M car. It’s a peculiar machine – it can be driven slow quite comfortably but just as you think you’ve got a grip on its behaviour, it rips your face off with mind-blowing performance. Superb.
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