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BMW M6 [F06/F12/F13] (2012 - 2018)

M TO THE POWER OF THREE (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 52

BMW's third generation M6 was offered in three forms - two-door Coupe ['F13'-series], four-door Gran Coupe ['F06'] and Convertible ['F12']. Either way, it provides a real alternative to more exotically-badged super saloons and high performance luxury sporting coupes and convertibles, offering searing speed, sleek styling and an engine that has few peers.

Modelsword count: 5

2dr Coupe/4dr Gran Coupe/2dr Convertible

Historyword count: 285

BMW's M division certainly knows how to build driver-focused sports cars. In 2012 though, it brought us the most powerful version of its M6 that it had ever made, sharing its twin turbo V8 'S63'-series engine with the uber-fast M5 Saloon. This third generation M6 followed on from the 1st generation 'E24'-series model of 1983 and the second generation 'E63'/'E64'-series model of 2005. For this M6 version, the Munich maker offered customers a Coupe (the 'F13'-series design), a Convertible ('F12') and a four-door Gran Coupe ['F06'). It's tempting to think of this model as nothing more than an M5 saloon in a more sporting suit. After all, it shares the same V8 twin-turbo engine, much of the same M Division technology and, as a result, pretty much the same performance figures. BMW though, thinks differently, pointing out that this car has a stiffer body and cleaves a cleaner path through the air. Whatever your perspective though, this third generation M6 looks to be a devastatingly effective piece of high performance engineering, the kind of car in which, for instance, you might drive to the Alps - but take in the Nurburgring on the way. Initially, it was offered with 560hp. Then in 2014, a 'Competition Package' was made optionally available that boosted output to around 570hp and included a sportier exhaust system with black tips, stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, plus more direct steering. In 2016, this 'Competition Package' was upgraded to included a lot more engine power - 600hp. This M6 sold until 2018, then it was replaced shortly afterwards by the M8. If you must have the ultimate BMW from the 2012 to 2018 period though, then this may well be it.

What You Getword count: 472

Some of BMW's proper M cars are only subtly different from their standard M Sport-trimmed model counterparts. This F06/F12/F13-series M6 though, looks properly performance-packaged. The four-door Gran Coupe variant was offered as a practical alternative to the more conventional body styles that made up the M6 range, a two-door Coupe and a Convertible. All get prominent flared wheel arches that draw the eye to this car's wider track. Plus characteristic M gills, aerodynamically-optimised exterior mirrors and exclusive 20-inch M light-alloy wheels. These neat touches emphasise distinctive looks also enhanced by another M signature, the Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic roof, in this case featuring a dynamic recess in its centre. At the rear, the same material's used for a diffuser that's flanked by twin exhaust tailpipes featuring a black chrome finish. Take a seat up-front and you'll find yourself in a suitably high-end bespoke cabin with both the dashboard and the M Sport seats trimmed in full Merino leather. Ahead of you lies a grippy M leather steering wheel with multi-function buttons and gearshift paddles and a look echoing the double-spoke design of the M light alloy wheels. Though it, you view an M specific instrument cluster with proper red-needled analogue dials rather than the virtual digital ones fitted to mainstream models. Not that you'll need to be looking at them too often, thanks to the provision of a full-colour M Head-up display that projects key information right into your line of vision. A driver-orientated cabin then - and one you'll need to take time to learn and appreciate. Initially daunting are all the little switches around the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission stick for tweaking steering, suspension and throttle feel, along with gear change timings. You won't be using these much either though, thanks to the provision of shortcut 'M1' and 'M2' steering wheel buttons that offer 'one-touch' access to your favourite settings. Dominating the top of the dash is the 10.2-inch iDrive infotainment screen with its usual access to stereo, sat nav, phone and media functions, plus BMW 'ConnectedDrive' connectivity. This is also the portal through which M6 drivers can access the varied functions of the downloadable BMW M Laptimer app which not only times you on-circuit but also delivers info on things like acceleration, steering angles, braking and G-forces. Choose the Gran Coupe model and, in the rear, though it's not quite as spacious as it would be in a 5 or 7 Series saloon, it is very comfortable in the back, this four-door variant's extra wheelbase length doing just enough to make this car a realistic long distance conveyance for two fully-sized rear-seated adults. Finally, a word about luggage space. There's 460-litres on offer in both Coupe and Gran Coupe body styles, though that figure inevitably falls to just 300-litres if you opt for your M6 in Convertible guise.

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Scoring (subset of scores)

Category: Coupes

Performance
100%
Handling
90%
Comfort
80%
Space
80%
Styling, Build, Value, Equipment, Depreciation, Handling, Insurance and Total scores are available with our full data feed.

This is an excerpt from our full review.
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