BMW M6 Convertible: First Look

Motoring Channel Staff - 23/June/2006

Munich, Germany — It's long and low, sleek and sporty, and hidden away beneath the wide hood is a powerful V10 engine, which gives the car an incredible turn of speed. More than enough to give Mercedes equivalent 4-seater drop top performance car something to chew on.

When Mercedes-Benz released its new CLK 63 AMG cabriolet, powered by a 6.3-litre V8 engine, it bragged that it's expensive toy "produces more power and torque than any other vehicle in this class." That was then, this is now, and BMW's new M6 Convertible has something to say about this lofty claim.

While the Merc can still claim to have the most torque in its class - 630Nm compared to this BMW's 520Nm - the maximum power title now goes to BMW. The 5.0-litre V10 engine, a good 1,300cc down on the Mercedes, has a much higher rev ceiling, and higher revs mean more power. While the CLK 63 AMG is not lacking any performance qualities, producing 354kW (481hp), BMW's dazzling new model revs all the way to 8250rpm, developing 373 kW (507hp), kicking sand in the face of the Mercedes along the way.

BMW's famous M division has just released the BMW M6 Convertible, a car for the genuine motoring enthusiast explains the Bavarian automaker, providing open-air thrills with a V10 engine and a one of the world's quickest shifting gearboxes in the form of the 7-speed SMG (semi-manual gearbox).

One of the more impressive things about the new convertible is that it doesn't look like a tired, demented version of itself when the roof is up, as the cloth roof forms contours and creates a more palatable roof section than most cloth-roofed drop tops, which tend to look dopey. BMW calls it a fin-roof look, which is made from three layers (one of them rubber) to keep noise and heat levels stable within the cabin. Furthermore, the roof can be opened and closed via a button on the dash or, for a stylish entry/exit, a remote control can be used from afar. The roof mechanism takes 25 seconds to fold either way.

Another feature that will interest potential buyers is the vertically positioned rear window, because it can be adjusted (electrically) to move up or down, whether the roof itself is open or closed. Once inside, drivers will note the interior is typical BMW, featuring intuitive ergonomics and high quality materials. There's also a range of luxury features explains BMW, with all essential functions positioned either on or around the steering wheel. A high tech HUD (head-up display) is also part of the package, which projects driving information (speed, gear ratios, engine rpms etc) onto the front windscreen, directly in the driver's field of vision, and driver can also pick and choose which information the HUD presents, with specific 'M' details also available.

The interior also features BMW's iDrive controller, which is used to control a plethora of different systems, from the CD stereo to satellite navigation. The powerful Beemer measures 4,871mm in length, which is a good 50mm longer than the V8-powered BMW 6 Series Convertible, thanks to an extended rear air dam, which has been molded to improve aerodynamic performance.

And performance is something the BMW M6 Convertible is not short on. Powered by a 5.0-litre V10 engine that was built to rev hard, the engine develops  373kW @ 7750rpm and 520Nm @ 6100rpm. BMW says that it's normally aspirated 10-cylinder engine was derived directly from motor sport, featuringindividual throttle butterflies on each cylinder enabling it to reach  engine speeds otherwise only found in a purebred racing car: 8250rpm. Moving such high levels of power to the rear wheels would destroy most transmissions, but BMW's advanced 7-speed dual clutch semi-manual gearbox (SMG) handles the almost 400kW of power without breaking a sweat.

As BMW correctly points out, fast acceleration calls for fast and precise gearshifts, and the 7-speed SMG conveys the power of the engine to the rear wheels automatically or manually, depending on the drivers mood. When the V10 engine and the 7-speed gearbox combine, the result is explosive: 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds. The BMW M6 Convertible can cover the standing-start kilometre in 22.9 seconds, about the time it takes to change radio stations with the iDrive system. The car is electronically limited to a 250km/h top speed.

In addition to its high torque handling ability, the 7-speed transmission gives the driver no less than 11 different driving programmes allowing them to individually adjust the gearshift characteristics of SMG to their preferred style of motoring, explains BMW. There's also the useful Launch Control function, which ensures maximum acceleration from a standing start: push a button, hold the brake, and when the lights go green, wave the traffic goodbye.So quick is the M6 Convertible, that it's lap times on the famed Nürburgring in Germany are almost as fast as in the M6 Coupé.

Other performance features include the speed-sensing M Differential Lock, which enables the M6 Convertible to get high levels of power to the ground in almost all situations, but particularly when the two rear wheels are rotating at different speeds, such as when accelerating hard through a bend in the road. Another feature that helps improve traction and road holding is the DSC system, or Dynamic Stability Control, which can be switched to a less intrusive mode (M Dynamic Mode) if the driver wishes whip the tail out via meaty throttle inputs.

Along with the high-spec diff lock and adjustable DSC system is the Electronic Damper Control system (EDC) that offers three control programmes that affect the levels of body roll and steering response somewhat, ranging from sporting and firm to comfortable. The brakes are another integral part of the M6 Convertible's chassis, and, according to BMW, they mirror the car's outstanding performance, comprised of a high-performance brake system featuring cross-drilled, weight-optimised compound brake discs. On the road, explains BMW, this means a stopping distance of just under 36 metres from 100km/h and less than 140 metres from 200 km/h.

BMW's are known as very safe cars, and though the M6 Convertible is capable of incredible speeds, it also has a number of safety system that - in the event of the accident - will help reduce occupant injuries:

Two-stage frontal and side airbags
Seat belts on all four seats with belt force limiters
Integrated restraint systems on the front seats also feature belt latch tensioners

BMW says that these safety components are controlled and masterminded by the Advanced Safety Electronics (ASE), a safety and information system exactly determining the intensity of a collision and activating the restraint systems quickly and precisely when they are required.

BMW's M6 Convertible is an attractive looking car. It's sleek bodywork is perfectly accentuated by stylish 19-inch wheels, as quad exhaust pipes adorn the rear end, emitting the V10s distinct sound with clarity. In addition to the extended rear air dam, the car also gets a more aggressive-looking front air apron, featuring a trio of enlarged air dams that direct air into the sports car's engine bay.

No pricing was released by BMW at the time of writing, but it will be very, very expensive. The M6 hard top coupe costs $274,000, so we can expect a price close to $300,000 when it lobs in Australia, potentially arriving here by the end of 2006. And as a side note, it now seems as though Mercedes boast of having a convertible that "produces more power and torque than any other vehicle in this class" is now officially incorrect, as BMW's M6 Convertible develops more power. And you know what they say: bragging rights are everything.