2017 BMW M6 Expert Review

Reviewed by Staff Writer

With a refresh for the 2016 model year, the BMW M6 is mostly a carryover model for the 2017 model year. The M Drivers package includes a top speed increase, while M Driver Training is now being offered at BMW Performance Centers. The M6 is the highest-performing variant of the midsize premium 6 Series, which is also offered in high-end, all-wheel-drive Alpina B6 form.

Vehicle Summary

Based on the BMW 6 Series, the M6 is the sportiest variant in the line, and is available as a two-door coupe, a two-door convertible, and a four-door Gran Coupe. The 6 Series complements the four-door 5 Series sedan and wagon and slots above the compact 4 Series and subcompact 2 Series coupes.

Overview

The BMW M6 is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 rated 560 hp from 5,750-7,000 rpm and 500 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 to 5,750 rpm. With the turbos and catalytic converters mounted in the engine's "V," the engine features a reverse flow layout with the intake on the outside of the heads and the exhaust manifolds between the cylinder heads. The design reduces intake and exhaust tubing length for quicker turbocharger response and a more compact engine.

The engine is backed by a a six-speed manual or a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission that sends power to the rear Active M Differential. Fuel economy is EPA-rated 15/22 mpg city/highway with the manual and 14/20 mpg with the dual-clutch regardless of body style.

Although the third-generation BMW M6 arrived for the 2013 model year, the sports car has seen several updates including a new Competition package for 2016. The package boosts power to 600 hp and 516 lb-ft thanks to higher turbo boost pressure and revised computer programming. Other upgrades included in the package include 20-inch wheels as well as revised suspension, steering, and stability control. Top speed also increases from 156 mph to 190 mph.

What We Think

Although we noted there is a lot to like about the 2013 BMW M6 Coupe in our First Test, we noted that "since its 1986 inception, BMW's M6 has always been a bit of a compromise. Too bulky to play sports car on the best back roads and too high-strung to soak up the miles in comfort, the M6 tends to fall into an in-between space. Possibly the best thing about the M6 is cruising up next to a 650i at a stoplight, casting a sideways glance at its driver, and then leaving said 650i in a cloud of smoke and a spray of gravel as you exit your country club.

"But if you're a dyed-in-the-wool enthusiast looking for an everyday supercar with soul, there are better options available."

Our opinion about the slightly larger 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe was a little more forgiving: "Programmed for max performance, all big Ms (and AMGs) astonish with their ability to hold the road at Superman speeds, making them feel Clark Kent-ish, and giving the impression that the handling limits are unreachable by mere mortals. But out on narrower roads the frenetic track mode seems too extreme for shuttling passengers. The car tends to lurch from a stop and downshift abruptly, while the suspension reports a little too faithfully on every surface irregularity thicker than a matchbook. Reserve that mode for driver-only fun runs. The comfort-oriented M1 button transforms the car back into a luxury cruiser pretty impressively, rounding off the edges of every input. Frankly, this mode seems better suited to the car's size and level of opulence, but at this price one is content to be buying a split personality. That's what makes it the ultimate M."

Despite being faster around Willow Springs International Raceway in a comparison, we gave the nod to the 600-hp all-wheel-drive 2016 BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe instead of the 2017 BMW M6 Gran Coupe with the Competition package. We concluded: "The Alpina is tuned for reality. A car like the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is never going to be raced, so its lap times don't matter. What does matter is the experience. The Alpina B6 proved that it's the better 6 Series Gran Coupe in normal driving, in aggressive back-road driving, and even on the track."