The BMW M6->ke208 entered its 3rd generation in 2012 when it debuted at the Geneva Auto Show->ke228. Compared to the previous model, it featured more aggressive styling in the front and rear, and the non-convertible variants had the weight-saving benefit of having a carbon fiber roof. For 2016, the M6 went through its mid-cycle update bringing it more in line with the other M->ke546 models. It was still powered by the S63, 4.4-liter V-8 from the BMW M5->ke2922 that delivers 560 horsepower and 501 pound-feet of torque, but it was offered with new exterior colors and new interior leather shades. Furthermore, the M6 received LED headlights, Park Distance Control, and iPhone-look. With 560 ponies on tap and the 60-mph sprint taking just 4.1 seconds (4.3 seconds if you prefer to go topless,) the M6 isn’t a bad way to spend $113,000 to $120,000.

Thanks to weight saving features like the carbon fiber roof, the M6 was actually about 44 pounds lighter than its M5 sibling. However, despite being lighter than the M5, the M6 Coupe was actually 309 heavier than its predecessor and the convertible->ke144 was 110 pounds heavier than the previous-generation M6 convertible. The M6 was available with a decent list of options, but the most impressive is the Competition Package. It increases engine output by 40 horsepower and 15 pound-feet of torque to 600 and 516, respectively. With the competition package, the Coupe->ke141 and Gran Coupe can hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds with the convertible doing the same in four seconds. With the Competition Package, Bimmer also removes the 155-mph limiter, allowing the car to top out at 189.51 mph. Not bad.

Now that you know the main details, let’s take a closer look at the M6 and everything it brings to the table for 2016.

Updated 01/23/2015: We've added a series of new images from the car's official debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show->ke222. Check the new images in the "Pictures" tab.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 BMW M6.

2016 BMW M6

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 BMW M6
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 560 @ 600
  • Torque: 501 @ 1500
  • Transmission: Seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Spy Shots

September 9, 2014 - First testing session

Although details are difficult to spot at first glance, the way the front fascia is camouflaged suggests BMW has done very little to modify the bumper. And while the kidney grille appears to have remained unaltered, the headlamps have received minor updates. Around back, the bumper and the trunk lid are carried over, while the taillights have received a facelift based on the strips of white-and-black camo covering most of their surface.

Interior modifications will likely be limited to new trims and color options, while the twin-turbo, 4.4-liter, V-8 engine won't get more than 5 to 10 extra ponies. There's also the possibility that BMW leaves the powerplant in its current state, meaning customers will benefit from the same 560 horsepower and 501 pound-feet of torque.

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Exterior

It takes a very sharp eye to see the changes BMW designers massaged into the 2016 M6. The front end now comes with standard LED headlights. The headlight surrounds have taken a slightly different shape as well, with the new LED units having a black strip running long the bottom of the housing where the turn signals used to reside.

The particular model above is fitted with the optional Competition Package that includes black-chrome tailpipes and the 20-inch, M light-alloy wheels. Of course there are several mechanical changes included as well. Keep reading for those details.

2015 M6 vs. 2016 M6

Exterior Dimensions

Model

BMW M6 Coupe

BMW M6 Convertible

BMW M6 Gran Coupe

No of doors/seats

2/4

2/4

4/5

Length/width/height (unladen) in

192.8/74.8/54.1

192.8/74.8/53.8

197.3/74.8/54.9

Wheelbase in

112.2

112.2

116.7

Track, front/rear in

64.2/63.5

64.2/63.5

64.2/63.5

Ground clearance in

4.2

4.2

4.3

Turning circle ft

39.7

39.7

41

Fuel tank capacity app gal

21.1

21.1

21.1

Weight, unladen lb

4,244

4,530

4,299

Luggage capacity cu ft

16.2

12.4

16.2-44.7


Interior

* Base 6 Series Grand Coupe interior shown here.

Things on the interior are much the same as well. BMW did revamp the instrument cluster with what it’s calling an “iPhone-style” Central Information Display. New leather shades have been added and a new full-leather trim package with contrast stitching and black-chrome accents finish off the changes. Otherwise, the M6’s interior remains the same as before.

Drivetrain

Things under the hood have been slightly tweaked. The twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8 now makes an extra pound-foot of torque, bringing the total to 501. Horsepower remains steady at 560. The power comes between 6,000 and 7,000 rpm while torque stays strong between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm.

Both the M6 coupe and Gran Coupe are capable of hitting 62 mph in 4.2 seconds while the M6 convertible takes 4.3 seconds. Top speed for all three versions is limited to a very German 155 mph. Fuel economy isn’t bad despite all the power. Both the coupe and Gran Coupe get an estimated 23 mpg highway while the convertible makes do with 22.8 mpg highway.

Checking the Competition Package option box gets you 15 extra horsepower, bringing the total to 575. Torque remains the same at 501 pound-feet. The package also includes a sports exhaust system, the 20-inch wheels, a retuned steering rack, and tighter suspension settings. The extra horsepower helps save a tenth second off each cars’ respective 0-to-62 mph time.

Drivetrain Specifications

Config/No of cyls/valves

V/8/4

Engine technology

BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology with variable-geometry turbocharger, Twin Scroll Twin Turbo, High Precision Injection, Double-VANOS, VALVETRONIC

Displacement

4.4L

Max output kW/hp

412/560 @ 6,000-7,000 RPM

Max torque Nm/lb-ft

680/501 @ 1,500-5,750 RPM

Transmission

Seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic


Performance

Model

BMW M6 Coupe

BMW M6 Convertible

BMW M6 Gran Coupe

Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 MPH) sec

4.2

4.3

4.2

Acceleration 0–1000 m (0.62 Miles) sec

21.7

22.1

21.8

Top speed km/h (MPH)

250 (155)

250 (155)

250 (155)


Competitors

Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT

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Aston Martins are never cheap, but there's one certain model that's a bit more affordable than the rest of the lineup. We're talking about the V8 Vantage GT, which hits the U.S. market with a 4.7-liter V-8 that cranks out 430 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque. Sure, it might not have the 560 ponies of the M6, but the V8 Vantage is much lighter than the Bimmer, which explains why it can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.6 seconds.

The British sports car is also unique in this trim, which is inspired by the Vantage GT4 race car. Specifically, the Vantage GT is available in five special liveries with contrast graphics and comes with a sporty, yet still classy interior. Pricing is set at only $99,900 before shipping and taxes, making it nearly $20,000 cheaper than the standard Vantage.

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Maserati Grantursimo Sport

The Maserati Granturismo Sport is a tad too expensive for the BMW M6, but the difference is small enough to include it on the competitors' list. This Italian beauty is powered by a 4.7-liter, V-8 powerplant that pumps out 454 horsepower and 383 pound-feet. Although less powerful than the M6, the Granturismo needs only 4.7 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standing start on its way to a top speed of 185 mph.

Naturally, the Maserati comes with a more luxurious interior and wide range of personalization options, but these amenities show in the car’s pricing, which starts from $126,500 for the coupe and $143,300 for the convertible.

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Conclusion

While BMW doesn’t have to do much with the M6 in order to attract customers, it’s hard to consider the 2016 M6 as even mildly refreshed. The changes are that minor. BMW still offers its “Individual” range that allows customers to customize their BMWs to suite with 11 bespoke paint colors, different interior packages, and the exclusivity that comes with the branding.

Update History

Updated 12/11/2014: BMW has just unveiled the 2016 BMW M6, and it features a handful of exterior changes.