In one step, BMW has transformed its 6 Series Convertible from the sublime to the ridiculous. The M6 Convertible is rather pointless, yes, but compared with its predecessor it’s sublimely ridiculous.
But let’s start with the pricetag. R1 495 674 buys you the fastest (and arguably best-looking) ragtop that BMW has ever produced. It is powered by the same twin-turbo 4,4-litre V8 motor that does duty in the M5 and also has the superb 7-speed M-DCT transmission that can be manipulated with gusto via the gear selector or shift paddles fitted on the Convertible’s beautifully finished three-spoke multi-function steering wheel.
The M6 Convertible’s exquisite stitched-leather interior comes standard with dual-zone climate control, heated front seats trimmed in fine-grain Merino leather, an M driver’s footrest, model-exclusive carbon-fibre interior trim, door sill strips with “M6” lettering, ambient interior lighting, an automatically dimming rear-view mirror and exterior mirrors (the latter of which can fold inward), active cruise control with braking function, as well as a BMW Professional audio system. That may sound like a lot of kit on the face of it, but the genuinely nice-to-have features, such as a Professional navigation system, active and ventilated M multifunction front seats, Comfort Access with additional soft close function for the doors, and a Bang & Olufsen surround sound audio system all cost extra, which is somewhat of a let-down on a R1,5-million machine.
However, the M6 Convertible is thankfully a revelation in most other respects. Whereas its predecessor, which I reviewed in late 2006, looked tarted-up with aerodynamic paraphernalia that ruined the svelteness of the original 6 Series shape, this car is subtly sportier than its standard siblings, but the overall shape still appears lithe and elegant. Of course it helps that the F13-series ragtop is fundamentally better proportioned and appreciably sleeker than the E64-generation model was, but the quad exhaust tips remain the quickest way to tell this car apart from standard models and the end product is positively ravishing in the metal.
Gone are the insanely elaborate driver interface of the previous M6 (the last car’s Drivelogic function offered 11 individual gearshift options and full power would only be available at the press of a particular button) and so is the peaky 5,0-litre V10 motor and its lumbering SMG transmission. This roofless projectile can be transformed into an autobahn shredder with a press of a digit, and the steering, gearshift patterns and damping settings are straightforward to adjust on the fly. In cruise mode the M6 sails through its ratios with no fuss or drama, but in its sportiest setting, the M-DCT punches up or down the gearbox with a level of immediacy and punch-in-the-back ferocity that aficionados crave. The powerplant dishes up a veritable wall of torque in the mid-range of its rev band and sounds particularly beefy while doing so.
The M6 adopts a hunkered, road-groping attitude when one commits the sizeable Convertible to the twisties, but although there’s oodles of grip and the steering is satisfyingly direct and prompt in its responses, this BMW doesn’t impart an awe-inspiring supercar experience – it’s too darn poised, polished and anodyne. When wind noise becomes intrusive (even when the M6’s roof is up) at higher velocities, one is compelled to pose the question: Why would anyone want to drive the wheels off a luxury convertible?
Although there are obviously markets in which consumers want more firepower (with commensurate prestige value) than what the eminently desirable M3 Convertible can offer, I don’t think that the M6 Convertible is the answer to that need. For the level of prestige that the 6 Series Convertible offers in standard trim, the 650i Convertible is still the one I’d have for approximately R300k less.
The M6 Coupé, however, is something that’s worth looking out for, because the Convertible’s underpinnings and superb powertrain warrant a more lightweight and focused sportscar package, even though fans of the Porsche 911 would argue that it would make little difference. The M6 Gran Coupé should be tasty too…
Ultimately then, the M6 Convertible is a plenary indulgence, albeit an immensely accomplished one.
Model: BMW M6 Convertible
Engine: 4 394 cm3 twin-turbo V8
Power: 412 kW at 6 000 r/min
Torque: 680 N.m at 1 500 r/min
Fuel consumption: 10,3 litres/100 km
CO2: 239 g/km
Top speed: 250 km/h (limited)
0-100 km/h: 4,3 secs
Price: R1 495 674
Maintenance plan: 5 years/100 000 km