What's all this about?
It's the BMW M6 Coupé ramped up to 11, as Spinal Tap might say. This is called the Competition Edition and it has been revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
I hate to burst your bubble, but this is nothing new...
Ah, but it is. You're thinking of the Competition Package (CP), whereas this is the Competition Edition (CE). A subtle - and somewhat confusing - difference, we grant you, but a difference nonetheless.
OK, so what do I get over and above a CP M6?
Carbon fibre and some lurid paint schemes, it would seem. Available only in Alpine White or Austin Yellow (the colour of almost every BMW M4 you've ever seen), opt for the former and the M6 gets some M Power tricolour stripes - tying it in to the M6 GT3 race version also revealed at Frankfurt. The kidney grilles, door handles and side gills (these feature 'M6 Competition' logos) are finished in black chrome, while the door mirror caps, M boot spoiler and rear diffuser are carbon fibre.
How about the interior?
Quite tasteful, as the BMW Individual fine-grain Merino full leather cabin comes in black with contrast stitching: Opal White for the Alpine White bodywork, and Yellow for Austin Yellow. The M6 Competition moniker is repeated on the door sills and cup holder lids, while there's lots and lots of carbon trim and some Alcantara on the steering wheel.
So what extra power does this give me over a CP M6?
Er, none. And this is where we think BMW has been a bit naughty. In the UK, the CP is a £7,300 option as it is on the M6 and you have to specify it to be able to upgrade to the CE. Thing is, the power and torque are unchanged from CP to CE, at 600hp and 700Nm, leading to the same 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds, a top speed of 190mph (with the optional M Driver's Package) and eco-stats of 28.5mpg and 231g/km CO2. All for around another £13,000.
You what? Thirteen grand?!
Yup, for some carbon fibre here and there. You'll also need the 343M 20-inch light alloy double-spoke wheels in matt black (£1,980), although at least over here the multifunction seats are standard fit. Oh, and the CE requires the smoker's package, for reasons we can't quite fathom.
Gulp. Are there any other cost options?
Just sound systems, with a choice of the Harman Kardon Surround Sound or the Bang & Olufsen high-end kit with 16 speakers and an output of 1,200 watts. Although with that 4.4-litre V8 on board, you should really be listening to the Competition Edition's engine.
Matt Robinson - 15 Sep 2015