BMW's 6 Series makes an entrance no matter how it's dressed up, but if you're after the most dramatic action you can get in this sexy big coupe, the M6 is the way to go.
Following in the footsteps of the M5 sedan, the M6 uses a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 making 560 hp in standard tune and 575 hp with an optional competition package; either way, you get 502 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard, and a six-speed manual is a no-cost option. All M6 models are rear-drivers.
The M6 is available in three distinct body styles: the most-common coupe, a convertible and the Gran Coupe, a sleek four-door with a rakish roof and a hatchback-type tailgate that makes it not only more practical than the others, but more handsome, too.
On the surface, competitors are fewer here than for than for the M5 but the Gran Coupe body style opens the M6 up to consideration against a wider competitive set.
Mercedes-Benz' SL 63 has a folding hardtop that makes it a potential cross-shopper against both the M6 coupe and convertible, while the CLS 63 AMG's four-door body is more natural match for the Gran Coupe. Over at Jaguar, the F-Type coupe and convertible are smaller but are the M6's equal, performance- and price-wise, in R and SVR trims. Beyond that, there isn't much out there to match the M6's performance without paying closer to -- or more than -- $200,000.
If there's a criticism to be levelled against the M6 as a high-performance sedan it's that its refined exhaust note is too quiet and fails to convey the car's attitude. On the whole, while the M6 is fast, it lacks the mechanical passion and personality that many buyers will want in a $125,000 sports car.
M6 standard features 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.
Prices start at $125,000 for the coupe, $129,000 for the Gran Coupe and 129,500 for the convertible; fuel consumption ratings are 16.1/10.9 L/100 km (city/highway) with the six-speed stick, and 17.3/11.5 in cars with the seven-speed dual-clutch.
