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M6: more than just pace
01.01.2006 |
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BMW's slogan has long been 'the ultimate driving machine' but its scorching new M6 coupé seems to be after a slightly different title - the ultimate BMW.
Not that you'd guess so from the looks alone. While the M6 has a muscular bodykit, a carbonfibre roof and bespoke 19-inch alloys, it still closely resembles the lesser models in the 6 Series line-up.
Shoehorned under its bonnet, however, is the 5.0-litre V10 from BMW's latest M5 performance saloon. Bury the throttle and the engine's monstrous 507bhp will blast you to 62mph in just 4.6sec, before surging on to a limited top speed of 155mph. Derestricted, it would be capable of 205mph.
Don't go thinking the M6 is just about straight-line pace, though. That carbonfibre roof is one of several weight-saving measures which help it feel slightly more lithe and agile than the already sensational M5. You get titanic grip, and the well weighted steering inspires confidence.
Under acceleration, that big V10 growls noisily, but refinement is impressive when cruising, and the ride is reasonably compliant as long as you leave the adjustable suspension in comfort mode.
The seven-speed gearbox lets you select gears via paddle-shifts and also offers a full automatic mode when you just want to relax. The engine can be detuned to 400bhp at the touch of a button, making the car smoother in traffic.
As you'd expect, climate control and a full leather interior are standard, and fit and finish are a match for the best. On the safety front, there's a full complement of airbags and stability control, plus a head-up display that projects the car's speed onto the windscreen.
Fuel economy is unlikely to be a priority for those considering an M6 - and that's just as well, because it has an insatiable thirst. The official average is 19.1mpg, but those with a heavy right foot will be lucky to see double figures.
Harder to forgive is the M6's £80,755 price tag, because this makes it almost £19,000 more expensive than the mechanically near-identical M5. Still, the price looks competitive next to rival coupés with similar power - although if you want one, you'll face a long wait as the M6 is sold out until 2007.
SH