The BMW M6 was first produced in the early eighties under the codename E24 but it somehow ended six years later, only to be introduced again years later in 2005. This second generation sported a 5.0-litre V10 powerplant which was also the very same one in the E60 M5 and was capable of churning a whopping 500bhp and 520Nm of torque from the word go.

After a brief sabbatical, the third and latest M6 has arrived and like its predecessor, it now shares the same gearbox and engine as the latest M5, with the M6 delivering more style as well as reduced practicality. Showcased at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March, the M6 ditches the previous model’s high-revving V10 powerplant for a direct-injected, twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8.

No shame in that because BMW’s series of M-badged high-performance variants are often regarded as some of the best performance cars in the world. And after a brief encounter with the latest M, we reckon BMW fanboys will still continue to ritually enrapture themselves over the small blue, purple and red badge that designates the Bavarian marque’s hulkier traits.

Exterior

Exterior changes compared with a regular 6er are largely functional and aimed. As with all the M cars, nothing about the car's styling is merely for the sake of aesthetics. For the most part, function meets form with its enlarged front intakes and unique front grille, all for the sake of providing sufficient cooling air for the potent engine. Still, the M6 Convertible will be immediately recognised as an elegant 6 Series, albeit looking more powerful and sportier.

At 4898mm x 1919mm x 1368mm (L x W x H), the look of this M6 Convertible took on a low-slung style with unique front and rear fascias to enhance performance and aerodynamic efficiency. From the rear, the signature quad exhaust outlets poke out from beneath the prominent diffuser which even the most ignorant of motorists cannot help but take note of while the 20-inch alloy rims, which houses the blue brake calipers, complete this sporting package.

Interior

On the inside, the M6 displays a handsome and serious design aesthetic, with fire red leather upholstery and a generous amount of carbon fibre trim on the centre console as well as the side door panels. But one cannot deny, like all M cars, that the cockpit is a welcoming place that motor heads constantly fantasize about. Plus, with firm but friendly and comfortable seats, there simply isn’t a lack for adjustability.

Like the current line-up of models in BMW, buttons and switches are kept to a minimum in the M6, thanks to BMW's iDrive electronics interface that gives you quick and easy access to the car’s many infotainment functions. And it’s also through this control system where you are able to programme two preferred driving configurations.

The Drive

Although we have seen these M machines changing radically over the years, especially in the M3 and the M5, the M6 hasn’t lost much of its hardcore soul from its previous character. No doubt that it appears to be the ‘softest’ M car in the current line-up, this convertible sports an engine with 560bhp and 680Nm of torque, developing 60 horses and 160Nm of torque more than the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V10 of the previous M6 - all of which are funnelled to the road through the rear wheels.

These extra figures do help to propel the car from a standstill to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 250km/h. Its engine spins to its redline almost instantly, rewarding you with a muscular driving force that reminds you that it’s no ordinary 6er you’re handling.

A tickle of the throttle sends the revs soaring and the free-flow exhaust snarling through its quad tailpipes, making the sound effects and the sensation of adrenaline rush enjoyable. The new V8 gem may be less of a screamer than the superseded 10-pot powerplant but there is a lot of strength and confidence as it blasts away and guns towards the horizon effortlessly.

The M6 may not be the best handling firecracker on the twisted roads but it does throw itself into them with almost casual abandon, hooking up long sweepers and short stabbing corners with impressive nonchalance. It has ample grip too, thanks to its Michelin Pilot Super Sport footwear, piloting the course of bends in a very secured and predictable manner. Driving the M6 is almost like wearing the car - it just fits well and lends confidence to the manoeuvres you attempt while behind the wheel.

The BMW M6 was first produced in the early eighties under the codename E24 but it somehow ended six years later, only to be introduced again years later in 2005. This second generation sported a 5.0-litre V10 powerplant which was also the very same one in the E60 M5 and was capable of churning a whopping 500bhp and 520Nm of torque from the word go.

After a brief sabbatical, the third and latest M6 has arrived and like its predecessor, it now shares the same gearbox and engine as the latest M5, with the M6 delivering more style as well as reduced practicality. Showcased at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March, the M6 ditches the previous model’s high-revving V10 powerplant for a direct-injected, twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8.

No shame in that because BMW’s series of M-badged high-performance variants are often regarded as some of the best performance cars in the world. And after a brief encounter with the latest M, we reckon BMW fanboys will still continue to ritually enrapture themselves over the small blue, purple and red badge that designates the Bavarian marque’s hulkier traits.

Exterior

Exterior changes compared with a regular 6er are largely functional and aimed. As with all the M cars, nothing about the car's styling is merely for the sake of aesthetics. For the most part, function meets form with its enlarged front intakes and unique front grille, all for the sake of providing sufficient cooling air for the potent engine. Still, the M6 Convertible will be immediately recognised as an elegant 6 Series, albeit looking more powerful and sportier.

At 4898mm x 1919mm x 1368mm (L x W x H), the look of this M6 Convertible took on a low-slung style with unique front and rear fascias to enhance performance and aerodynamic efficiency. From the rear, the signature quad exhaust outlets poke out from beneath the prominent diffuser which even the most ignorant of motorists cannot help but take note of while the 20-inch alloy rims, which houses the blue brake calipers, complete this sporting package.

Interior

On the inside, the M6 displays a handsome and serious design aesthetic, with fire red leather upholstery and a generous amount of carbon fibre trim on the centre console as well as the side door panels. But one cannot deny, like all M cars, that the cockpit is a welcoming place that motor heads constantly fantasize about. Plus, with firm but friendly and comfortable seats, there simply isn’t a lack for adjustability.

Like the current line-up of models in BMW, buttons and switches are kept to a minimum in the M6, thanks to BMW's iDrive electronics interface that gives you quick and easy access to the car’s many infotainment functions. And it’s also through this control system where you are able to programme two preferred driving configurations.

The Drive

Although we have seen these M machines changing radically over the years, especially in the M3 and the M5, the M6 hasn’t lost much of its hardcore soul from its previous character. No doubt that it appears to be the ‘softest’ M car in the current line-up, this convertible sports an engine with 560bhp and 680Nm of torque, developing 60 horses and 160Nm of torque more than the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V10 of the previous M6 - all of which are funnelled to the road through the rear wheels.

These extra figures do help to propel the car from a standstill to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 250km/h. Its engine spins to its redline almost instantly, rewarding you with a muscular driving force that reminds you that it’s no ordinary 6er you’re handling.

A tickle of the throttle sends the revs soaring and the free-flow exhaust snarling through its quad tailpipes, making the sound effects and the sensation of adrenaline rush enjoyable. The new V8 gem may be less of a screamer than the superseded 10-pot powerplant but there is a lot of strength and confidence as it blasts away and guns towards the horizon effortlessly.

The M6 may not be the best handling firecracker on the twisted roads but it does throw itself into them with almost casual abandon, hooking up long sweepers and short stabbing corners with impressive nonchalance. It has ample grip too, thanks to its Michelin Pilot Super Sport footwear, piloting the course of bends in a very secured and predictable manner. Driving the M6 is almost like wearing the car - it just fits well and lends confidence to the manoeuvres you attempt while behind the wheel.