A well-known tuning division of a well-known German automaker, BMW's M performance works crank out some desirable cars, including the M6, a high-po version of the brand's 6 Series coupe and convertible.
The M6 line returns unchanged for 2017, comprising those coupe and convertible models, as well as the Gran Coupe, a four-door whose rakish roofline earns this model the confusing coupe moniker.
This four-door version gives BMW a mid-size car to compete with the likes of the Audi S7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, the cars that helped establish this class of segment-bending car. Our feeling, though, is that Audi has the formula nailed, the hatchback tailgate of its S7 (and A7 entry point) giving the car massive cargo space and a configuration that directly competes with the Porsche Panamera.
All three M6 variants share a 4.4L turbocharged V6 that makes 552 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque when paired with a six-speed manual transmission, or 560 hp with the available seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Additionally, automatic cars can be optioned with a competition package that ups power output to an even 600 hp, up from 575 in last year's model.
That the base M6 comes with a manual transmission is significant, because that makes this the only 6 Series variant offered that way; the regular-grade 6 Series cars (covered in a separate article) all use an eight-speed automatic. And while the lesser 6 Series models are all all-wheel drive, the M6 is rear-wheel drive only.
Fuel consumption figures are 16.1/10.9 L/100 km (city/highway) with the six-speed stickshift, and 17.3/11.5 with the automatic.
Standard features at the M6 Coupe's starting price of $126,000 include adaptive HID headlights, electric parking brake, heated windshield washers, front and rear park assist, auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors, power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, dual-zone automatic climate control, head-up display, dynamic cruise control and 20-inch wheels.
The M6 Gran Coupe is priced at $130,000, and the Cabriolet at $130,500.
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