First look: M6 goes topless!

MARKING the first time an M version of the 6 Series convertible has ever been built, BMW’s blistering M6 cabrio will make its world debut at the London International Motor Show next month before the first batch arrives in Australia during December priced from an estimated $290,700.

As with the coupe version and the M5 sedan, the headline act in the M-branded 6 Series is BMW’s 5.0-litre 40-valve V10, which produces 373kW at 7750rpm and 520Nm at 6100rpm.

Combining with the quick-shifting seven-speed SMG III sequential-manual gearbox, the engine can send the drop-top from 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.8 seconds – 0.2 seconds behind the coupe.

Consumption from the engine which some are describing as the "best in the world" is 15.1L/100km across the combined urban/extra-urban lab-tested standard. The coupe returns 14.8L/100km.

Slightly longer (51mm) than the standard 6 Series convertible as a result of its rear airdam, the M6 cabriolet takes on familiar M-car cues such as quad tailpipes, aggressive front spoiler and 19-inch double-spoke lightweight alloy wheels with low-profile tyres (255/40 at the front and 285/35 behind).

They provide a good view through to the lightweight compound ventilated and cross-drilled disc brakes, which measure 374mm diameter at the front and 370mm at the rear. Other weight-saving measures from the coupe include carbon-fibre bumpers and high-strength composite and aluminium panels.

The roof has three layers (the middle component being polyurethane foam) which is claimed to be "near identical" to the coupe in terms of acoustics and thermal insulation.

In keeping with other 6 Series Convertible models, the hood also has a "fin" design for a coupe-like silhouette and it is opened or closed via the remote-locking fob or a button on the dashboard in around 25 seconds – longer than it takes the car to complete the standing-start kilometre (22.9 seconds)! As with the standard 6 Series cabrio, the M6 version has a 300-litre luggage volume when the roof is down, increasing to 350 when raised. An electric rear window can be used whether the roof is up or down.

Standard equipment on the M6 convertible will mirror the coupe with bi-Xenon headlights, 13-speaker Logic7 stereo, 8.8-inch TV monitor, voice recognition, leather trim and heated, multi-function power front seats.

The variable, speed-sensing M diff lock and dynamic stability control with M dynamic mode will also be an integral part of the package.