2006 BMW M6 Preview

When you’re arguably one of the best luxury automotive brands on the market, coming off of a banner sales year, and charged with protecting the reputation of the “ultimate driving machine,” what do you do next? Why, offer selective and well-to-do buyers the 2006 BMW M6, of course.Due to hit lots this May, the 500-horsepower M6 comes ready to play among powerful rich kids with names like AMG, Maserati, and Porsche, all of whom will be forced to respect the BMW’s 500 horsepower and precise athleticism. The 50-yard dash has been supplanted by the 60-mph sprint, a feat accomplished by the M6 in only 4.5 seconds.At nearly $97,000, the M6 is undoubtedly running on a big-boys playground, but this Bimmer promises to make you yearn for recess like you did all those decades ago.

What it is

With 500 horsepower on tap, the 2006 BMW M6 is the mac daddy of the 6 Series line. The “basic” version offers only 360 horsepower and can be configured as a coupe or convertible, and sells for about $72,000 to $79,000, plus options. The M6 is available only as a four-passenger coupe and starts at just under $97,000. For you math freaks, that translates to $194 per horse, but like the living and breathing kind, these ponies might run you dry on feed, especially if you run ‘em hard.

Why it matters

BMW is well represented in the luxury coupe market with the 6 Series, a model that accommodates four adults and moves briskly thanks to its 360-horsepower, 4.8-liter V8. However, this Bimmer pales in comparison to AMG models from Mercedes-Benz, and lacks the visual appeal of the Porsche 911 Carrera. To combat any relative styling and/or power deficiencies, the 2006 M6 is a must-have for BMW to remain competitive in this highly-exclusive yet lucrative niche of the market.

What’s under the hood

Power for the 2006 BMW M6 comes from the same normally-aspirated, 5.0-liter V10 as found in the magnificent M5 sedan, a car with which this new large coupe shares the MDrive system. Under normal driving conditions, the engine puts out 400 horsepower, more than enough for most folks. But with some quick programming, drivers can unleash 500 horses with a simple tap of the M button on the steering wheel. Torque is rated at 383 lb.-ft. Furthermore, there’s a Sport setting that ties maximum power with a stiffened suspension and a tightened steering system. A seven-speed SMG transmission with Drivelogic directs the 2006 BMW M6’s power to the rear wheels, while a variable locking differential and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ensure that all those ponies don’t go up in smoke. That tenacious grip allows the M6 to reach 60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds, and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

What’s inside

Though most people will rave about the 2006 BMW M6’s powertrain and hardware, the cabin is equally impressive. Inside, up to four passengers will enjoy leather-clad bucket seats, with those in the rear enjoying their own center console and adjustable headrests. Those up front are treated to significantly-bolstered sport seats with multiple power adjustments, while the driver gets to grip the thickly-padded, multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters. Clearly marked gauges are ringed in silver, and the instrument panel is adorned with either wood paneling or carbon fiber.

What it looks like

Based on the all-new 6 Series, the 2006 M6 adds a touch of understated aggressiveness to BMW’s sleek four-passenger coupe. The front end features a unique air dam that acts to cool the large engine and cross-drilled brakes, whereas the muscular sides are accented by side gills in the fenders and distinct mirror housings. Fitted to the rear is a diffuser that helps maintain high-speed stability, and quad tailpipes. Of the seven available colors, four are specific to the M: Silverstone II, Interlagos Blue, Sepang Bronze, and Indianapolis Red. Like most BMWs of the past several years, the 2006 M6’s rear end is of the tiered, bubble-butt variety. For those who find the look unpleasant, Fisker Coachbuild will soon be offering the Latigo CS, a rebodied 6 Series with a much more svelte tail.

What BMW says

Despite polarizing design, infuriating i-Drive systems, and a general lack of M models, things have been good at BMW lately. Last year’s sales totaled more than 266,000 units, which caps a decade of exponential growth for the company. To keep the momentum going, 2006 will see the launch of several new products, including a freshened Z4 Roadster, an all-new M Roadster, a new line of Z4 Coupes, and the 500-horsepower M6. All of these rides are designed to get more buyers behind the wheel of an Ultimate Driving Machine.

What we think

There’s little doubt that a 500-horsepower BMW coupe will be attractive to a number of selective buyers, most of whom won’t mind the still polarizing styling of Chief Designer, Chris Bangle. Indeed, as an increasing number of competitors adopt his vision, escaping this look is becoming increasingly futile. Besides the horsepower, and regardless of your perspective on the styling, the handling characteristics of the 2006 BMW M6 should be nearly faultless, while the interior aims to support four flyers in relative coupe comfort. Our main concern, at first, was the base price that is breathing heavily on $100,000. However, a quick comparison with the likes of the less powerful Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG and Porsche 911 Carrera S made us realize that, while extraordinarily expensive, the 2006 BMW M6 is priced well within its segment.

When you can buy it

The BMW M6 will go on sale in May of 2006 with a starting price of $96,795, including destination charges.

Photos courtesy of BMW