The 2009 BMW M6 comes as both a coupe and convertible and both ways exhibits the kind of performance and luxury that makes the competition cry. It’s lucky there isn’t much competition out there. This sporty version of the M5 sedan is powered by the same massive 500hp V10 engine and includes most of the same high-tech features, but in the coupe and convertible skin takes on a whole new dimension of driving pleasure. This is no family car. It is a full-bred driver’s car and despite the four seats, any passengers are incidental to the experience of driving this awesome vehicle to its full potential. There are few changes this year after last year’s freshening.
2009 BMW M6 Performance
The BMW M6 sports the awesome 5.0-liter V10 that generates a massive 500hp and 384lb-ft of torque. It features a seven-speed automated manual transmission with BMW’s Drivelogic system that shifts seamlessly and super-fast, and allows the driver to change gears from either the steering wheel-mounted control, paddles without the use of a clutch. The automatic transmission in the M6 exhibits a surprising lack of refinement with gear changes often causing a shudder that you would not expect from a $100,000 plus car let alone a BMW. For this reason we highly recommend the optional six-speed manual transmission for smooth and responsive performance. Launch Control maintains speed through the whole range of gears in the automatic transmission and the M6 makes 60mph in a glorious 4.5 seconds.
BMW has been working overtime recently to improve emissions and in the M6 they use the Double-Vanos variable valve timing to maximize fuel efficiency and performance while also reducing emissions. Fuel economy is pretty much as expected for a V10, doing 11/17mpg in city/highway driving for both the seven-speed automated manual and six-speed manual transmissions.
To optimize the driving experience, the M6 features an aluminum chassis for reduced weight and precision steering, and allows even greater stability in sharp cornering. Aluminum suspension offers three settings including Comfort, Normal and Sport which make use of the Electronic Damping Control to automatically adjust according to road conditions.
Braking is superb thanks to the high-tech system care of BMW’s racing team, and the M6 pulls to a stop from 62mph in just 120 feet. The variable differential lock automatically adjusts traction between the left and right rear wheels for impressive cornering.
While BMW has done a brilliant job of creating a car that allows a high level of customization according to the driver’s taste, it can be extremely overwhelming to work out even the simplest functions. There are more than 250 different combinations of transmission and suspension alone. Clearly BMW is targeting the intelligent driver with all this high-tech customization, but we can’t help feel that it will put off as many drivers as it will impress.
2009 BMW M6 Interior and Features
The interior is typically BMW in its understated yet luxuriously-appointed cabin. The leather heated 14-way powered sports seats are superbly bolstered and comfortable and there is a large center console that gives oodles of storage as well as imparting an even more bolstered feel to the interior. Both the M6 coupe and convertible feature two seats in the rear, but these are strictly for the tiny because legroom is virtually non-existent and head room is not much better with the coupe’s swooping roofline. Trunk space is, as you would expect in these basically sports cars, fairly limited.
Standard interior features on the M6 include voice recognition navigation system with real time traffic information that appears on the screen and offers audio instructions. Google Maps is new this year and allows drivers to search for businesses as well as streets. Bluetooth wireless phone system automatically registers phones and complete contacts lists and can be used through the steering wheel controls and the iDrive system. iDrive integrates all of the electronic functions inside the cabin and although it has been widely criticized for its extremely complicated system, with each progressive year BMW manages to make it a bit more user-friendly. The sound system features 16-speakers with 6-disc CD changer, MP3 capability and digital media connection. Of course full power accessories are included, as well as heated door lock and washer nozzles, universal garage door opener, power door closing, self-dimming and automatic high beam headlights and iPod adapter. 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels are also standard with high performance tires as well as xenon headlights with adaptive lighting for projecting light in the direction of steering.
2009 BMW M6 Safety
Being a BMW, safety is impressive, with full airbags covering the driver, front passenger, side and head curtain. Adaptive headlights increase night driving safety, and rear park assist, front and rear obstacle detection, ABS brakes, brake assist and Dynamic Stability Control are all standard. Active head restraints help to prevent whiplash by snapping forward in the event of an impact.
Safety features:
- Dual front, front side and curtain airbags
- Adaptive headlights
- Dynamic stability control, brake assist, ABS brakes
- Front and rear obstacle detection
- Adaptive head restraints
Overall the 2009 BMW M6 is a pure driver’s car that satisfies the senses on a whole range of different levels. While there will always be a market for BMW’s brand of premium vehicles with superior engineering, the $100,000 plus price is not for everyone, and there are still alternatives that offer great performance at a more affordable price. The Audi A5 and Chevrolet Corvette both offer different variations on the same theme and may be worth checking out.