The BMW M6 makes its sporting intentions clear from the outset. Its swooping body sits on 19in wheels that in turn are shod with massive tyres. At the back are four aggressive exhaust tailpipes, not to mention the coveted M badge, highlighting the fact that it has been tuned by the company’s sports division. Despite all of this, most drivers are still taken aback by the sheer power of the M6.

The car was introduced to the UK in November 2005 and was dismissed by some critics as a cynical marketing ploy. As it was priced at about £80,000 when new, they argued the customer wasn’t getting enough car for the money. And they had a point: a standard BMW 650i was some £26,000 cheaper, and surely no amount of extra power could justify the hike.

Once behind the wheel, though, you realise what that extra money buys you: performance, and lots of it. For the secondhand buyer there’s an added incentive: depreciation has made the M6 an affordable option for those looking for a brutally quick sports coupé.

The M6 has a top speed artificially limited to 155mph. There is little doubt that, if derestricted, it could join the 200mph club. A little surprising, then, that the car’s 0-60mph time of 4.6sec is good rather than spectacular, particularly when compared with cheaper, less exotic offerings such as the Subaru Impreza 2.5WRX STi (£25,000 new and 0-60mph in 4.8sec) or the Lotus Exige S (£35,500 new and 0-60mph in 4.1sec). Drive this car, though, and you’ll realise 0-60 times are not the full story. On the open road, or better still on a racetrack, you start to appreciate its true abilities.

Driven around the famous Nürburgring circuit in Germany, the M6 regularly turned in sub-8min laps during testing. That kind of pace puts it in the company of some esteemed machinery, including out-and-out sporting cars such as the Porsche 911 GT2.

The M6’s power comes from a 5 litre V10 engine producing 507bhp. It’s the same unit that’s found in the BMW M5, though in the slightly lighter M6 coupé it feels even more vigorous. The absence of turbo or supercharging gives it a distinct, instant and very satisfying character. This engine redlines at 8250rpm and produces its maximum power at a heady 7750rpm. Such elevated revs produce a wonderfully heady soundtrack from the quad exhausts. If you can keep the engine revving you won’t want to switch on the stereo.

The M6 is not a small car, and making its 3,935lb handle like a sports car is no mean feat. And to achieve it, BMW has used electronic damper control, which constantly adjusts the suspension characteristics to match the driver’s demands.

It comes with three settings: comfort, normal and sports. In comfort mode the ride is suitable for motorway cruising, but slip the setting to normal and the M6’s cornering sharpens noticeably, while the firm sport setting makes for a stiff ride on all but the smoothest of surfaces. The massive brakes are equally effective, pinching the car to a halt from 62mph in a braking distance of just 118ft – more than 60ft less than the typical distance given in the Highway Code.

With so much power on tap, BMW has been careful to manage its delivery to the rear wheels. The first line of defence is the default electronics that limit power to 400bhp, a prod of the M-Drive button mounted on the steering wheel being required to access the extra 107bhp.

In this mode (called M-Dynamic), not only is the car faster, but there is also a reduction in the electronic intervention of traction and stability controls.

In addition to this, the M6 is stuffed full of luxury features. Electric memory seats, xenon headlights and satellite navigation are all supplied as standard, leaving the choice of exterior and interior colours as the biggest dilemma for buyers.

Limited production numbers mean that used M6 coupés are never going to be a common sight on UK roads. And with early cars now changing hands for just over £50,000, it’s a realistic purchase for those who otherwise might have shelled out on a new, but distinctly less exotic, 6-series coupé.

Roof Carbon fibre roof keeps weight down, but carbon panels are prone to sun damage, so check carefully

Wheels Standard 19in rims look sensational and are shod with 255/40 ZR19 tyres on the front and 285/35 ZR19 on the rear. But as there’s no room for a spare, aerosol sealant will be needed

iDrive Simplified since its first appearance in the 7-series, iDrive is still a love-it-or-hate-it feature; head-up info display is very effective, though

Gearbox Seven-speed SMG gearbox offers clutchless manual or full automatic

Boot space 450 litre boot is great for a coupé, but rear seats are best left to the kids

Engine Check oil levels frequently as the V10 eats oil and the warning light can lag

Climate control Multi-zone climate control is standard

Servicing Impeccable service history a must. As service intervals vary with driving style, previous short intervals may suggest the car has had a hard life

Insurance Group 20, with some insurers insisting on additional security

Brake lights Cleverly, brightness increases with harder braking to help warn following cars of an emergency situation

Fuel tank Holds 70 litres, so if driven energetically the M6 needs refuelling every 220 miles

Vital statistics

Model BMW M6 Coupé Engine 4999cc, 10 cylinders Power 507bhp Transmission Seven-speed automatic Fuel 19.1mpg (combined cycle) Acceleration 0-62mph: 4.6sec Top speed 155mph (limited) The one to buy

Values

A 2006 06 BMW M6 Coupé with 10,000 miles. Pay £55,500 at a BMW dealer or £54,000 privately

Mileage 5,000 10,000 20,000

2005 55 Trade £45,400 £44,500 £42,700

Retail £53,750 £52,750 £51,000

2006 06 Trade £48,300 £47,200 £45,300

Retail £56,500 £55,500 £53,500

2007 07 Trade £53,200 £52,000 £49,900

Retail £60,000 £59,000 £57,000

Or for similar money

1997 R Bentley Continental T Coupé

2003 03 Aston Martin DB7 V12 GT Coupé

2005 55 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupé

2007 56 Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG

2007 07 Jaguar XK Coupé