Wednesday 7th March 2012

Geneva 2012: BMW M6 and other Munich offerings

They call it a concept - but it's really not. See it on the road this autumn

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BMW has unveiled a gaggle of new models at the Geneva motor show. Chief among these - and of most interest to t a petrolhead - is the new M6 concept-in-all-but-name.

Sharing the running gear with its M5 cousin, the M6 'concept' gets the same 560hp twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8, with 502lb ft on tap. It's also transmitted by the same 7-speed twin-clutch gearbox and active differential as on the F10 M5.

Fans of lightweight sports cars need not apply, however; the new M6 tips the bathroom scales at 1850kg, a thoroughly lardy 140kg more than the old V10-engined model.

That twin-turbo torque and plentiful power will guarantee lots of pace, though: BMW claims a 0-62mph sprint of 4.2 seconds, 0-125mph in 12.6 seconds and a top speed of 189mph with the optional M Drivers pack.

The M6 coupe will cost £93,795 when it reaches showrooms this autumn. Still, with the rate of depreciation the old model enjoyed, you could get yourself a previous generation M6 in the PH classifieds for a heck of a lot less than that...

Other BMWs of note were a mildly updated X6 (unexciting - mostly redesigned lights), BMW's Active Hybrid 3 Series (a bit more exciting, as it add a hybrid tech and power to the 335i's 306hp) the official motor show launch of BMW's range of M Performance tri-turbo diesels, and the first unveiling of the intriguing M135i three-door 1 Series.

[E38Ross]

I like the M6, the rest...not so much. that M135i may be good to drive but i just can't get over the looks and those stripes are really quite tacky IMO. still....the engine in it ain't half bad....

[anonymous-user]

So the M6 has a smaller engine yet is still heavier than the previous model? Well done Audi for making the new models lighter! However, that 1 series looks quite interesting.

[kambites]

Not impressed with BMWs current direction.

[Crusoe]

Can you get a lower shot from the rear of the 135i and see if there is an active diff under there

[Mermaid]

kambites said:

Not impressed with BMWs current direction.

They know which direction they want to go in- the money trail. I agree cars do lack the style/grace/charm/excitement but good to drive apparently.

[kazino]

Wouldn't buy one new at 93k too many other options at that price, but once depreciation has done it's work that would be an epic value gt car

[AdamPT]

that 135 is very tempting......

[R77C]

Where have BMW ever called the M6 a concept?! Nowhere as far as I've seen. Even on their UK website it's priced up and everything...

[E38Ross]

i think someone needs to get their stats right too. the old M6 is not 140kgs lighter than the new one. it was 1785kgs, making the new one a 10 stone passenger heavier. and don't forget that weight includes a driver and a full tank of fuel, the fuel tank is larger than the old one accounting for about 10% of that weight increase.

[anonymous-user]

E38Ross said:

i think someone needs to get their stats right too. the old M6 is not 140kgs lighter than the new one. it was 1785kgs, making the new one a 10 stone passenger heavier. and don't forget that weight includes a driver and a full tank of fuel, the fuel tank is larger than the old one accounting for about 10% of that weight increase.

I still think thats poor going regarding what we know BMW engineers can do.

[Nors]

You know, I really appreciate how well the BMW's are to drive etc, but their styling is just no up there to match the driving experience!!

That X6 is just so wrong!!

The 1 series has never done it for me personally!

[AdamPT]

Nors said:

You know, I really appreciate how well the BMW's are to drive etc, but their styling is just no up there to match the driving experience!!

That X6 is just so wrong!!

The 1 series has never done it for me personally!

Its funny, I hated the first 1 series till my wife wanted one and we got a 130i (which was a cracking car except over speed bumps!!) and the looks really grew on me over time. It was far better looking than a Golf or A3 and that model has aged really really well I think, still looking fresh. The new one will get better with age, I am sure. And any 3 door hatch with rwd and 300bhp+ is ok in my book

[TimS2000]

AdamPT said:

Its funny, I hated the first 1 series till my wife wanted one and we got a 130i (which was a cracking car except over speed bumps!!) and the looks really grew on me over time. It was far better looking than a Golf or A3 and that model has aged really really well I think, still looking fresh. The new one will get better with age, I am sure. And any 3 door hatch with rwd and 300bhp+ is ok in my book

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that, but a 1 series "far better looking" than an A3 / Golf? Really?! I wouldn't classify an A3 or Golf as stunning, but a 1-series has a face only a mother could love...

[Donkey62]

Uninspiring tat i don't car how much power its got how it handles BMW it will ride like wheel barrow with looks so bad these days it makes far eastern stuff look well designed, proportioned with upto date styling.

[Cheib]

Staggering that BMW seem unable to make their cars lighter...or don't want to try....I am guessing because of their superior engine technology they can deliver performance and eco credentials that match their rivals they don't need to try too hard.

The new 6 series is a depreciation disaster anyway (low mile ex-demo cars readily available for £20k off list) so god knows what an M6 will be like.

[MrTappets]

They go on and on about legislating down emissions; why don't they make it illegal to replace a car with one that's heavier?

[Cheib]

I don't actually care that a car is heavier for any other reason than it would have better handling. Although I know that the guy that designed the GT-R insists that a heavy car is necessary to maintin grip given power outputs or some such.

[Dave Hedgehog]

i like the M6 alot

however if its got the fake engine sound track via the speakers they can poke it where the sun dont shine

[Ean218]

That rear shot of the M6 coupe is very reminiscent of my 840Ci, indeed with a 4.4 litre V8 and weighing nearly 2 tonnes it is very similar!

[Guvernator]

Loving the look of the M6 but HOW MUCH!!??

Still, I look forward to seeing these at £30k in a few years time once good old depreciation has done it's work.

Also liking the 135i. Sure it ain't going to win any beauty contests but it's a definate improvement over the previous one and that engine in a 1 series hatch is going to be an absolute hoot I reckon.