2013 BMW M6 Vehicle Overview
View information about the 2012 BMW M6
Vehicle Overview
The M6 is BMW's high-performance version of its 6 Series sports car. It has more aggressive, M-specific styling cues and is powered by a turbocharged V-8 engine that's rated at 560 horsepower. The M6 is available as a coupe or convertible, competing with the Porsche 911, Audi R8 and Jaguar XKR.
New for 2013
The M6 coupe launches for the 2013 model year, joining the convertible.
Exterior
The M6's sporty styling includes a number of changes to the body, including a different treatment for BMW's signature twin-kidney grille, an aggressive lower front bumper with gaping intakes and revised rear bumper styling with quad exhaust tips. The convertible features a soft-top, and when raised the top keeps the graceful roofline of the coupe. Exterior features include:
- 19-inch light-alloy wheels; 20-inch light-alloy wheels available
- Lightweight carbon fiber roof lowers coupe's center of gravity
- Twin-kidney grille has black slats
- M-style appliques in the front fenders
- Adaptive xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights with LED accents
- Available adaptive LED headlights
- Convertible top takes 19 seconds to open, 24 seconds to close, according to BMW
- Soft-top can be operated at speeds up to 25 mph
Interior
The M6's cabin retains BMW's familiar driver-centric dashboard design, which features at its center a 10.2-inch screen that serves as the display for the standard iDrive system. The M6 can seat up to four people, and the front bucket seats have an M-specific design and aggressive side bolstering, integrated active head restraints and an embossed M logo. Interior features include:
- Merino leather upholstery
- Carbon fiber trim
- M6 lettering on the doorsills
- Two customizable M Drive buttons on the steering wheel for vehicle settings
- M Drive can alter the characteristics of the engine, steering and stability system, among others
- Available head-up display
- Available Bang & Olufsen premium stereo
Under the Hood
A twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 generates 560 hp at 6,000 rpm and 500 pounds-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm. Mechanical features include:
- Seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with steering-wheel shift paddles and launch-control function
- Maximum turbo boost pressure is 21.7 pounds per square inch
- Fuel-saving stop-start engine technology
- Electronically controlled limited-slip Active M Differential
- Adaptive dampers and adjustable power-steering assistance
- Available carbon ceramic brakes with 16.1-inch front rotors and 15.6-inch rear rotors
- Acceleration from zero to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds (coupe) or 4.3 seconds (convertible), according to BMW
- Top speed electronically limited to 155 mph
Safety
Standard safety features include:
- Antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system with deactivation setting
- Side-impact airbags
- Side curtain airbags (coupe)
- Pop-up aluminum roll bars behind rear head restraints (convertible)
2012 BMW M6 Vehicle Overview
Somewhere within BMW's M division headquarters, an internal memo circulates that reads, simply, "bigger means badder." We haven't seen it, but we know it exists. How else to explain the 2012 BMW M6? The new high-performance luxury coupe from Munich's ultimate automaker grows in all respects -- size, comfort, practicality -- from its predecessor. For good measure, the new M6 also kicks out a tank-load more power.
In a marked difference from the M6's previous, high-strung V10 engine, the new M6 gains a twin-turbo V8. Shared with the new M5, the V8 starts unleashing its torque -- up more than 30 percent from the V10 -- from around 1,500 rpm. From there, expect peak power ratings of about 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.
Based on the latest 6 Series, the M6 stretches about 3 inches, and the space between its rear wheels grows nearly as wide. This growth spurt promises an even roomier cabin, for which rear-seat riders will likely give thanks. Outside, the M6 looks sharper than its predecessor, with a deeper front airdam and large ducts for engine and brake cooling, wider front fenders and door sills, and quad exhaust pipes.
But it's the M6's newfound power that truly impresses. It makes the M6 that much harder to dismiss among rivals like the Jaguar XKR or Porsche 911 that are less aesthetically brash. The 2012 BMW M6 convertible arrives in June (the coupe follows in the fall as a 2013 model). Pricing has not been announced, but we expect the convertible to sticker at around $109,000. Check back later for a full report on the 2012 BMW M6 convertible, with additional driving impressions, equipment information and buying advice.
New for 2012
The 2012 BMW M6 will be fully redesigned. For now, only the convertible will be available, with the coupe following for the 2013 model year.
Exterior
The 2012 BMW M6 is a four-passenger grand touring convertible based on the 6 Series; the coupe will follow as a 2013 model. We expect the M6 will come standard with 19-inch wheels, a body kit (including a more aggressive front airdam, rocker-sill extensions and a rear diffuser), adaptive xenon headlights, adjustable suspension dampers, leather-upholstered, power-adjustable front sport seats with driver memory settings, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, Bluetooth and BMW's iDrive interface. The convertible features a power soft top that opens and closes in about 20 seconds, and an integrated heated glass rear window that can operate independently of the top.
Options should include a head-up display, keyless entry/ignition, satellite radio, HD Radio, iPod/USB integration and leather trim for the dash and console.
Interior
It's not as elegant as the Jaguar XK's streamlined design, but the 2012 BMW M6 interior offers top-shelf materials and craftsmanship in a fitting, cockpit-centric design. Depending on your preference, the center console's high hip line may instill a sense of security or slight claustrophobia. Improvements to successive generations of iDrive make it one of the most intuitive interfaces for controlling phone, navigation and audio functions. The latest upgrade, featuring a 10.2-inch color display, makes cycling through essential menus even easier.
The M6 excels at accommodating two passengers, but the rear seat is only suitable for adults on short trips to the restaurant or driving range. Trunk space measures a relatively enormous 12.3 cubic feet in the convertible (10.6 with the top down) and both cars have a pass-through to accommodate longer items. The convertible's heated rear window retracts independently of the soft top, doubling as a wind deflector when the top is dropped. Lowering the soft top takes about 20 seconds; raising it takes just a few seconds longer.
Under the Hood
The rear-wheel-drive 2012 BMW M6 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 that generates 560 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission will be standard.
BMW says the new package propels the M6 coupe from zero to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds (the convertible will do it in 4.3 seconds). The EPA hasn't released fuel economy results yet, but BMW says the new V8 consumes 30 percent less fuel than the previous V10.
Safety
Standard safety equipment includes four-wheel antilock brakes with advanced standby and drying features, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags, active head restraints and BMW Assist. Pop-up roll bars also come standard on the convertible. Carbon-ceramic brakes are a likely option.