BMW M6 Convertible Review: 6 pack

What we like:

Brutally fast in a straight line

lightning fast gearbox

subtle aggression in the way it looks

superb ride

What we dislike:

Costs an arm and a leg

low speed turbo lag

can hardly put its power down cleanly in first gear

too ‘soft’ for an M car

some noticeable body flex

Taking centre stage in the M6 Convertible’s cabin is the superb looking multifunction M leather steering wheel that seems to be inspired by the one in the Z8 roadster. The three-spoke wheel features a small, circular hub for the airbag, a stainless steel M logo as well as proper shift paddles. On the left-hand side the driver will now find two M Drive buttons which can call up a pre-configured setting for the car - for example, a sports or a more comfort-orientated set of driving characteristics. The driver can adjust no fewer than six parameters: engine management, the Servotronic power steering, the M DCT Drivelogic gearshift programme, DSC mode, the electronically variable Dynamic Damper Control. These can be re-configured at any time via the iDrive menu.

Other go faster bits to differentiate this M model from lesser 6 Series Convertible models include the M sports seats that offer the driver and front passenger optimum lateral support through the corners, but also a high level of comfort over long distance cruises. The lightweight seats also feature an M logo embossed into the shoulder area. The seats offer a superb range of adjustment to suit every frame and body size. The carbon fibre inlays on the dash and centre console are also bespoke to the M6 while the side sills, rear seat backs and rev counter all feature the revered M logo. The instrument cluster features a 330km/h speedo and includes classic BMW M circular dials with red needles and white illumination.

Like the rest of the 6 Series models, the M6 Convertible’s cabin feature high quality materials throughout for a high level of perceived luxury and build quality. The Sakhir Orange leather seats and trimmings of the car tested here do a good job of lifting overall cabin ambience further.

With a sticker price of almost $600,000, the M6 Convertible is one expensive piece of kit. Its price is also pretty close to cars like the entry-level Audi R8 Spyder and Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet. The M6 is undoubtedly faster than the abovementioned cars in a drag race but it is arguably less dynamic, which makes it more of a muscle car than a typical M model.

Credits: Story by Raymond Lai Photos by Yang and Raymond Lai