Even by the standard of subtle mid-life updates, the latest BMW M6 is especially discreet. The power is identical, the "athletic and dynamic appearance" only slightly tweaked (that's the new car above) and the main change inside is an "iPhone-look Central Information Display." Whatever, we remain cheery that BMW can still justify three more 560hp V8 models in its range. Don't forget too that the
Competition Package
remains available for "drivers with particularly lofty sporting ambitions." Do your ambitions scale such heady heights?
Subdued exterior, anything but inside
So what better time to root around the classifieds for some old M6s with 'new' car imminent? The earliest versions of the current twin-turbo V8 car are just over £50K and there is in fact a San Marino Blue
Competition Pack car
at less than £60K. Going from a £100K list price (£94,180 plus £6,500 to fulfil your lofty ambitions), it has lost £5.62 for every mile driven. If you can sustain further depreciation it will surely be a fine GT sports car. There are cabrios
below £60K
too but, well, you just wouldn't, would you? A
four-door M6
is certainly more justifiable but perhaps not in this
colour scheme
... Just finally, as if to prove how far M6s can depreciate, this
Gran Coupe
is already more than £20K under list at £76,850 with 10 recorded miles. Tempting...
The very cheapest of the old V10 E63 M6s seem to have bottomed out at around £15K and this 2006 car looks great at £20K with relatively few miles. Yes it won't be a cheap car to run (see the full PHer insight here), but it possesses an engine the like of which we won't see again; isn't that good enough?
Finally, no investigation into BMW's big sports coupe would be complete without the M6 that never was: the M635 CSi. This is my personal favourite of all three generations, the combination of that M88 straight-six with effortlessly cool styling creating a hugely desirable car. I would actually have one over an E28 M5. Prices continue to strengthen with the best cars being offered at
nearly £50K
Motorsport Edition
car is exceptionally rare but one of the more affordable at £24K thanks to its six-figure mileage. Isn't it fantastic? If you forego the M badge, this
635 CSi manual
makes a strong case for a great classic you could use regularly.
So there is a new BMW M6 if you really must be the first name on the V5. But there are plenty of other ways to scratch the M6 itch should you be so tempted!
BMW M6 COUPE (2013)
Engine: 4,395cc V8, twin-turbo, direct-injection
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto (M DCT), rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 575@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 501@1,500rpm
0-62mph: 4.1 sec
Top speed: 155mph (limited)
Weight: 1,925kg (EU, unladen)
MPG: 28.5mpg (NEDC combined)
CO2: 232g/km
Price: £100,680 (£94,180 for standard M6, Competition Pack £6,500)