Let’s get it out of the way; the new M6 is the same car as before, only now it wears all the fresh bits from the general update BMW has applied to the whole series.

That means that apart from some redesigned lights and minor trim changes, this is still the same 552hp continent-crushing BMW M devil. The spectacular powertrain, a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 mated to a seven-speed DCT gearbox, remains unchanged, and the only difference resides at the optional Competition package, which now brings the total output up to 592hp (600PS) and 516lb-ft (700Nm) of torque, matching the numbers produced by the limited edition ’30 Jahre’.

The numbers alone are very exciting and BMW says that it will do 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds despite the near 2-tonne weight figure. Having 502lb ft (680Nm) of torque constantly available from 1,500rpm all the way up to 5,750rpm will do that.

Super GT

If someone asked me what all the fuss about Bangle and BMW was, I would just show him the previous generation next to today’s Sixer. The fluid lines and the muscular stance are just perfect, representing one of the finer moments in modern BMW history. If I had to choose which BMW looks the best out of the current range, I reckon I’d go for the Six in a heartbeat, especially the gorgeous Gran Coupe body. And the M treatment has given it just the proper amount of presence.

On the road the M6 never feels like a smaller car. You are always fully aware of its size but it responds to your inputs with great agility and that helps you in placing the car better, building your confidence despite the big footprint of it. The gearbox adds to that agility, being one of the nicest double-clutch transmissions on the market, with a really smooth auto function and very responsive and quick reactions through the paddles on manual mode.

Colossal Performance

And the straight-line performance is just staggering; the moment you floor it, the twin-turbo motor just punches you into the seat angrily, holding you down while the torque tsunami slaps you in the face across the rev-band. This is one of the cars you rarely have the chance to utilize its full power on the road. The most impressive though is the way it revs, almost like it’s unaware of its turbocharged nature, pulling harder and harder as the limiter approaches at 7,200rpm. The nature of the soundtrack remains still the drawback of the package, with fake noises added from the speakers in an attempt to sound more exciting with the end result simply not doing the trick. At least the exhaust bangs and pops like it should, especially on full-throttle upshifts. Having the roof down also helps a lot.

On The Twisty Stuff

The body control is just exceptional and the grip on offer is massive, with the front end firmly grabbing the tarmac, even on tighter corners. The Active M Diff keeps everything in order, allowing you to use the power much earlier than 502lb ft of torque would ever think of letting you. Of course when you turn everything off and stab the throttle, the M6 is right there with you, sweeping the exits out of corners with its rear end, demonstrating its sublime chassis balance. Corner after corner, you start to realize that the car is not trying to intimidate you but is rather inviting you to drive it hard, showing you a much friendlier face despite the big numbers attached to it. But then again, it has to be like that, since people buy this sort of cars for daily drivers.

Lovely Workspace

Relax the powertrain via the buttons next to the gear lever and you can start appreciating the beautiful cabin, now lavished with Merino leather as standard, with the trademark driver-centric character and the expensive switchgear. The updated iDrive now incorporates BMW’s ConnectedDrive platform as standard, while the instruments remain analogue instead of the fully-digital the rest of the range got. It’s a special environment to say the least and the ride on comfort mode will allow you to cross a continent without even breaking a sweat.

As a device, the M6 is just a stunning piece of kit. It offers immense pace, great looks and a surprising friendliness. It’s far from being the sharpest model of the M line up or even the most exciting but the powertrain is mighty impressive, combining that mega engine to one of the best DCT boxes out there. The digitally-enhanced soundtrack is not enough to spoil the driving experience although it is arguably a bit lame next to some competitors. For those who want even more power, the Competition package adds 40hp, firmer suspension, an even sportier exhaust and more for a price that starts at £6,300.

BMW has added the equivalent of around £10,000 worth of kit as standard now, with UK prices starting at £92,350 for the Coupe, 94,750 for the Gran Coupe and £97,300 for the M6 Convertible.

M6 CONVERTIBLE

M6 COUPE

M6 GRAN COUPE