BMW M6 coupe (2012-2018)

The BMW M6 is a super fast rear-wheel drive coupe based on the stylish 6 Series, and sits at the top of BMW’s performance car tree. It features a 560bhp, 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine and is capable of 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds. However, in truth it feels even faster, with plenty of power for overtaking at any speed. As you'd imagine, it's an accomplished motorway cruiser.

If that's not enough, buyers can reduce that 0-62mph time to just 3.9 seconds by choosing the optional M6 Competition Package. Should you want to go faster than the standard car's 155mph, another option, the M Driver's Package raises the electronic speed limit to 189mph.

The M6 is distinguishable from the standard coupe by its large alloy wheels, aggressive bodykit and flared wheel arches, while at the rear it gets unique M6 badging and quad exhausts. Inside, top-notch BMW build quality is present throughout.

It counts a wide range of performance models among its rivals, including the Porsche 911 coupe, Mercedes-AMG GT, Audi R8 and Nissan GT-R.

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As you’d imagine with a £90,000+ super-coupe, the BMW M6 is far from cheap to run. Taxing the car will cost £490 per year, fuel (around 25mpg if you're lucky) and insurance will both burn a hole in your pocket, and that’s before taking into consideration consumables like tyres, brakes and servicing. Depreciation will be a big hit, too – with the M6 predicted to lose over 50 per cent of its value in just three years.

In a straight line, the BMW M6 is devastatingly fast. On paper, the 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine develops 560bhp and propels the car from 0-62mph in a not-inconsiderable 3.9 seconds, but in reality it feels even faster. The huge amounts of power allow the BMW to keep accelerating well past 100mph, while the immediate gear changes from the seven-speed automatic give instant thrust, no matter what gear you’re in.

The M Driver's Package removes the 155mph speed limiter, raising the top speed to 189mph. The Competition package adds uprated suspension, dampers and anti-roll bars to further stiffen the car. It makes an arguably minor difference on the road, though, but the M6 still remains comfortable at high speeds.

However, the M6 is a big, heavy car and never feels quite as nimble or controlled as an Audi R8. That said, the huge rear tyres provide impressive grip, while the variable suspension, gearbox and steering settings allow the driver to alter the car’s behaviour depending on whether they want a sporty or comfortable setup.

Thanks to a selection of driving modes, adjustable through the car’s on-board computer, the driver can alter things like the suspension, steering and gearbox settings. This allows total control over how the car behaves and thus the level of comfort or sportiness.

The softest settings make the M6 a capable long-distance cruiser, while the quiet interior and soft-but-supportive leather seats make the flagship BMW 6 Series a special place to sit.

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The Competition Package is available as an option, costing around £7,000 extra. It equips a sports exhaust, 20-inch alloy wheels and some small mechanical improvements like uprated suspension. The car is quick enough and pretty comfortable as it is, though, so it feels a little unnecessary.

The great thing about the BMW M6 is that it’s just as practical as any other 6 Series coupe, but with a storming 552bhp V8 petrol engine under the bonnet. For a coupe, the boot is generous – boasting 460 litres of loadspace. Measure this against the 330 litres in a Jaguar XKR or the slight 100 litres on offer in an Audi R8, and the M6 looks comparatively huge.

What’s more, cabin space is generous and there's room in the rear for two averagely sized adults. There aren’t many cars that can mix performance and usability quite as well as the M6.

As with all BMWs, the build quality is right up there with the best in the industry. The materials are top notch, while everything from the heating controls to the steering feel solid and well built. As for reliability and owner satisfaction, BMW finishes consistently well in the Auto Express Driver Power survey (a solid 10th out of 33 manufacturers in 2014) – but it’d be fair to expect greater wear and tear on an M6 than on one of BMWs more mainstream models.

At more than £90,000, the BMW M6 doesn’t come cheap. When you consider the capable and quick BMW 650i can be yours for less than £75,000, you start to wonder whether the M6’s initial outlay can be justified. That said, performance is genuinely astonishing and standard kit is generous – dual-zone climate control, sat-nav and a useful heads-up display are all included in the price. Using BMW's 'remote services', you can also keep tabs on your M6 via a smartphone app, and even lock or unlock its doors.