BMW.SG | BMW Singapore Owners Community The Ultimate BMW Community – Established Since 2001
GTSpirit pits the BMW M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible against each other to see which one drives better. Both M cars are powered by the S63Tu engine, a 4.4-liter unit with an output of 560 hp (412 kW) at 5,750 – 7,000 rpm, and maximum torque of 500 lb-ft (680 Nm) on tap between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. The rev limiter intervenes at 7,200 rpm. The engine is mated to a 7-Speed M-Double Clutch Transmission and Active M Differential.
We had both cars for twenty four hours on our favorite local European roads, having also been fortunate enough to obtain access to both current members in the third generation M6 family; the Coupe and Convertible. Both share the exact same powerplant, drivetrain, suspension, and body modifications, but differ with respect to their presence. The Convertible is more of a luxury four-seater – the equivalent of automotive jewellery, while the closed version will probably appeal more to those that buy it for the experience. Although that isn’t to say the two are mutually exclusive!
On the subject of technical highlights there is not a lot between both M6 models. The single test enabled us to compare the duo with a surprising result. The handling of both Coupe and Convertible is almost identical, with the extra weight of 130kg in the cabriolet being no penalty at all. While both are similar in a straight line, the dissimilarity starts at the rigidity of the body work.
The removal of the canvas roof on the Convertible opens a different world in which the cabriolet tends to absorb dips, grooves and seams in the road, a lot better than the Coupe does. With the roof up the Convertible feels like a different car. It becomes almost as rigid as the Coupe and provides more road feedback to the driver. The differences were most noticeable when you opt for the Sport Plus settings in the Drive Dynamic Control system. The amazingly supple and compliant comfort mode changes to a quite firm and totally planted set up. Simply removing the well-insulated cloth roof brings back most of the suppleness, which we found to be a rather intriguing behavior, not favorable of the F13M’s rigidity.
…
This leaves us with the choice between the Coupe and the Convertible. The rigidity and suspension altering character induced by the removable roof makes the Convertible our least favoured option. Those requiring the open-top driving experience for long jaunts over sweeping mountain roads with an incredible sound track will find their way easily to the roofless M6. But we take a different path asking for a more rewarding experience behind the wheel and a more aggressive exterior coupe package with only one single remark; we would definitely take the stunning looking 20 inch wheels, the Merino Silverstone II leather interior and the head-turning San Marino Blau Metallic color of our Convertible tester and fit them onto the Coupe!
