BMW has confirmed that the all-new M6, based on the marque’s grand touring coupé, will go on sale this year, shortly after its official unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show.
This fastest Six will for the first time possess supercar performance, while still offering the same uncompromising comfort that the 6-Series has become known for, with a possible top speed of 305 km/h if the optional M Driver package is fitted.
There are no surprises under the bonnet, where you’ll find the same 4,4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 powering the latest M5. It’s good for 411 kW and 680 Nm of torque.
This engine, in combination with the seven-speed dual clutch gearbox sourced from BMW M, allows the M6 to not only reach its lofty top speed but to also launch off the line and sprint to 100 km/h in just 4,2 seconds.
Figures like this bring the M6 within strikingdistance of some of the motoring world’s much more expensive supercars.
The exterior styling has been slightly modified, with bigger air scoops and aerodynamic channels optimising air supply to the engine. Weight saving has also played a role, to the point where BMW has replaced the roof on the coupé version with a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic panel, as well as composite plastic front fenders and a glass fibre composite boot lid.
M-Division has also made sure that M6’s supercar persona is obvious at all times while on the move. The car’s array of driver aids have been specifically calibrated to allow for its performance character to manifest itself on all parts of the asphalt.
An option that we are relieved to see on this car is the inclusion of carbon-ceramic brake discs, available only with the non-standard 20-inch wheels. Not only do they save a combined 20 kg over the standard system, but they should also make sure that no amount of real world braking will dull the stopping force generated by those gold painted callipers.
Just like the standard 6-Series, the M version is offered in both convertible and coupé derivatives. BMW South Africa has already confirmed local availability, but timing remains unconfirmed.
