Powered by the same F1-inspired 5,0-litre V10 that won the International Engine of the Year award on multiple occasions, the new BMW M6 Cabriolet is the second-most expensive model (only R8k cheaper than the flagship Seven at the time of writing) in BMW SA’s line-up. Most BMWs are highly-desirable modes of transport and this package, which combines proven M Division sporting genes, 373 kW and an unlimited supply of open-air thrills (weather permitting), should rank near the top. But, it doesn’t – not in my estimation.
You see, the M6 Cabriolet is so ostentatious and ridiculously complex in its operation that the R1,2-million “ultimate driving machine” represents a kind of anti-sports car. As brilliant as its engine is and irrespective of its razor-sharp responses, the M6 Cabriolet will primarily appeal to super-rich gizmo geeks with penchants for extravagance. And the biggest reason for that? This BMW is not a pure, unabashed sports car… Sure, it’s blindingly fast, but you can’t just hop into the M6’s driving seat, find a suitably challenging piece of tarmac and lose yourself in the driving experience… Instead, you’ve got to adjust not just the seat, mirrors and steering column, but also the shift characteristics of the M6’s seven-speed SMG ‘box – among a variety of things.
By using SMG, an M6’s driver can shift gears both via the gear lever in the centre console and by means of paddles on the steering wheel. You don’t need to dip a clutch pedal or lift you right foot off the long pedal when shifting gears – and it’s really very entertaining! Then, it all just becomes too confusing… The Drivelogic function provides 11 individual gearshift options that adjust the SMG’s gearshift characteristics. Six of the 11 gearshift options can be pre-selected within the sequential manual shift function (S-mode) and five of those come in the automated D-mode, with the transmission “shifting the seven gears automatically as a function of the driving program, the current driving situation, road speed, and the position of the throttle pedal”, BMW says.
You can also adjust the electronic damping control settings or boost the power output from 298 kW (P400 performance programme) to the full 373 kW (by using similarly-named console switches) or by pressing the MDrive button… So while you’re struggling to figure out all the buttons and paddles, don’t forget to watch the road (that’s the black stuff in front of you and beyond the arcade-like head-up display readings).
The M6 Cabriolet emits a screaming high-revving soundtrack that will probably remain etched in the memory of anyone who hears the V10 at full tilt. The gearshifts are very responsive, but it is extremely annoying to have to keep your foot on the brake pedal to stop the M6 from rolling backward when pulling away up a steep incline. This car may have two pedals, but bear in mind that it isn’t an auto’ – use the parking brake!
