As for the obvious differences in the two models‘ styling – the M5 a 4-door, 5-passenger Sedan, the M6 a more intimately packaged 2+2-passenger Coupe – the magazine found that out on the world’s highways and streets, the M6 draws more attention: No surprise given the M6’s more dramatic sportiness, and its higher price ($96,795 including destination charge) implies a greater degree of exclusivity. In the end, “M5 or M6?“ is a matter of priorities; R&T concluded, “truth is that you’ll be hard-pressed to find two more competent, confidence-inspiring cars for high-speed traveling.“ Fortunately, BMW M offers both of them.
The new M6 has been on European roads for several months; production of the U.S. model began on March 1, 2006 in BMW’s Dingolfing, Germany plant and M6s begin appearing in U.S. BMW centers in May.
M6 vs. 650i Coupe: the BMW M treatment
Like all BMW vehicles bearing the “M“ logo, the M6 has been developed by BMW M, the BMW subsidiary for racing and high-performance automobiles. BMW M’s approach to developing its vehicles is famous, well defined and consistent; the following listing describes how the M6 differs from the 6 Series Coupe from which it is derived:
- 5.0-liter V-10 engine – 500 hp, 383 lb-ft. torque (650i: 4.8-liter V-8, 360 hp, 360 lb-ft. torque)
- 7-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) with DRIVELOGIC and Launch Control (650i: choice of 6-speed manual, SMG or automatic transmission)
Handling, ride, & braking
- M Variable Differential Lock
- Specially modified and calibrated front and rear suspension
- Electronic Damping Control (EDC), specially conceived and calibrated for M6 performance/handling goals
- Special steering system: “quicker” than 6 Series, two levels of Servotronic power assist tied to EDC’s Comfort, Normal and Sport settings. Active Steering, optional on regular 6 Series models, is not available.
- Compound, cross-ventilated disc brakes – sharing with the M5 BMW’s largest-dimensioned, most powerful brakes ever – with black-painted calipers, 2-piston front calipers
- 19-in. wheels with Z-rated performance tires in differentiated front/rear sizes
- BMW M-calibrated Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with selectable M Dynamic Mode
- MDrive (submenu in iDrive system): allows driver to combine personal preferences into a single setting, selectable via button on steering wheel:
- Three levels of engine power and throttle response
- SMG DRIVELOGIC shift-program settings
- DSC modes and de-activation
- EDC/steering settings
- Settings of available Head-Up Display (standard or M display)
In addition to these selections within the MDrive menu, the power (two of the three levels), SMG, DSC and EDC settings can be selected directly via console controls.
Exterior design & function
- Front bumper/spoiler/air-intake ensemble
- Subtly different trim on body sides at turn-signal indicators, with M logo
- More boldly sculpted side sills/rocker panels
- Carbon-fiber roof
- Standard Satin Chrome Shadowline side-window trim
- M exterior mirrors, shaped to enhance aerodynamics and reduce wind noise
- Rear bumper/spoiler/diffusor ensemble with carbon-fiber bumper carrier
- Four round stainless steel exhaust outlets
- Four unique BMW M colors
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