BMW M6 Coupe 2005 - Present

BMW's M6 is an awesome piece of machinery. That statement does not set it apart from the rest of the M range, and the fact that £20k sets it apart from the M3 will mean that it's more exclusive, namely less will be sold. Using the same 5.0l V10, award winning engine as the M5, the M6 has power and pull across the rev range. it is restricted to 155 mph (spoilsports), but unrestricted is allegedly capable of 205 mph. There are lots of parts designed uniquely for the M6, which BMW are using to elevate it into the same category as the likes of Aston Martin and Ferrari. It's certainly got the performance to park up with those guys, but has it got the badge?

The M6 cuts quite a figure both stationary and on the road, although on the road it's a bit like Keyser Soze in that it may poke it's head up for a second, but then in the blink of an eye it will be gone, and you'll never see it again. 60 mph is reached in 4.6 seconds all the while giving on-lookers a soundtrack more suited to Silverstone than the south circular. It sits low to the ground and the weight saving carbon fibre roof helps lower the centre of gravity, which in turn helps with cornering and stability. Inside the car the finish is the customary BMW quality, although as with the rest of the 6-Series the back seats are occasional or for kids only. The front seats do an excellent job of keeping the occupants secure and comfortable even at the lunatic speeds on offer.

Behind the wheel there are an array of different options available to the driver, some of which are recommended for driving on the streets. There is an Electronic Damper control System (EDS) which has three settings, giving it more sophisticated behaviour than simply varying assistance according to vehicle speed. EDC's three settings are: normal, comfort and sport. Traction and stability at the rear is aided by a variable differential lock. The default setting is the one which steadies the car when it loses traction. The 'MDynamic' mode allows the driver to experience some scandalous behaviour from the rear of the car before the electronics decide to rein it in and keep you on the road. The third mode has the DSC completely disengaged, which BMW does not recommend for driving on public roads, such is the ferocity of the M6. In normal mode the M6 is a surprisingly capable road car. It can be driven within the limits of the law with ease, although you can always feel like you have the key to Pandora's box under your right foot. The steering system ensures that the car turns with precision, in the direction that you desire, and rewards you with a great level of feedback.

As you pull off you're immediately struck by the awesome power available from the five litre monster under the bonnet, but that's in normal 400 bhp mode. If you have a pregnant lady in the car and you wish to induce labour you can press the ‘power' button and unleash (and that is the word), another 107 bhp into the mix. In this mode the M6 is maniacally fast with seemingly limitless acceleration. The gearbox is a sequential seven speed manual box, so it can either work in manual or automatic mode. One could question how sensible allowing a car like this on the road is, but you won't be asking that as you drive it. Fortunately it's expensive enough that timewasters are unlikely to apply.

The M6 is a taught and lively piece of machinery, that's great to drive and incredible to own. That said it's still something of a square peg; it's beaten on price and practicality by the M3 and M5, while offing similar levels of performance, and the same status. People looking to spend M6 money may want more badge prestige from their automobile, but they wont get more performance.

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