2017 BMW M6 Convertible Review

The BMW M6 has been on sale for a number of years now yet it still offers a level of performance and dynamic ability that place it at the top of its segment. For 2017 the M6 drops the coupe body style, receives updates to its infotainment system as well as minor changes to trim levels and available feature.

What’s it like inside?

The interior of the M6 has no surprises in store for shoppers familiar with the current generation of midsized luxury BMWs, the just-launched 5-Series may offer a more modern interior design but the M6 still offers a very classy and luxurious cabin and the latest iDrive and infotainment systems too.

The front seats are generously proportioned and offer a wide range of settings for just about any shape or size. The rear seats are a tight fit in the convertible and best suited for two occupants who don’t mind limited knee room and headroom when the roof is up. Cargo space is generous with the convertible top taking up far less trunk space than you might expect.

How does it drive?

The BMW M6 is not a light car, tipping the scales at around the 4000-pound mark depending on specification you would expect it to be a handful around tight bends and challenging roads. However, thanks to some masterful suspension tweaking, a well-balanced chassis and the usual M-performance upgrades this big BMW actually drives much like its smaller M siblings.

It may not be quite as responsive to direction changes as an M2 but when it comes to grip levels and ultimate cornering ability, this big M car is truly impressive. All of this handling ability does not come at the cost of cruising refinement and the adaptive suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps and road imperfections.

What about the performance?

The 2017 M6 is available with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 which produces 560 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. An available Competition Pack pushes the power output up to 600 hp. All of this power is sent to the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, or happily for enthusiasts, an available 6-speed manual transmission.

Acceleration off the line is electric, the claimed 0-60 mph time of 4.3-seconds for the dual-clutch model would be even quicker save for the traction limiting two-wheel drive layout. The Competition Pack shaves another tenth off this time but the M6 really only gets into its stride when the speedometer heads into triple digits. When it comes to in-gear acceleration, this convertible rocketship will humble many junior supercars.

What are my options?

The 2017 BMW M6 is available in either convertible or Gran Coupe body styles, our focus here is on the convertible model however they are both very similarly equipped.

There is one very comprehensive trim level offering just about every safety and luxury item you could desire. The latest 10.2-inch iDrive infotainment system with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity is standard as is a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Luxury items include full leather seats with heating and power adjustment in the front as well as soft-close doors.

Available options include the Competition Pack which raises power to 600 hp and 516 lb-ft and revises diff and suspension settings as well as adding 20-inch alloy wheels. An Executive Package adds active front seats an upgraded audio system and a heated steering wheel.

A color head-up display, leather covered dashboard, Carbon Ceramic Brakes and night vision with pedestrian detection as well as a rare but desirable 6-speed manual transmission are notable available options.

The Verdict

The classy M6 convertible offers warp-speed acceleration capabilities allied with driving dynamics that are at the core of every BMW M-car.

A comprehensive list of standard luxuries and safety devices are expected at this level and the M6 does not disappoint, if you are after a thundering luxury vehicle that can cosset on a highway cruise and still thrill down a mountain pass then look no further.