So, what does this faster version of the already super-fast 2016 BMW M6 have to offer and will it finally be worth the added scratch that BMW is asking for it?

It’s odd to see BMW put this much work into the M6, which fits a pretty narrow niche and doesn’t have a plethora of competitors breathing down its tailpipe. However, the 15-horsepower bump and the slight suspension tweaking of the previous Competition Package likely wasn’t too enticing to buyers, so I assume this is the reason for giving it a significant boost for 2016.

In the 2014 model year here in the U.S., BMW added the Competition Package to the M6 lineup. Now, with the 2016 M6 rolling into dealers, the German automaker has released an updated version of the Competition Package that carries a much bigger stick.

Exterior

For the 2016 model year, the M6 with the competition package caries over all of the stunning looks it had last year. This includes its aggressive body kit, large air inlets, quad-exit exhaust, black tailpipes, and a black kidney grille with chrome-faced slats.

These relatively subdued looks are just a part of the charm of the M6, as it can roll around town nearly unnoticed as a true powerhouse. However, once you hit that go-fast pedal the entire world knows that this is no normal Bimmer.

Side-by-side comparison

Interior

The cabin doesn’t change one bit when you tick the “Competition Package” box, but you still get one of the finest interiors in a sports coupe with the M6. You get an M-specific instrument cluster, M doorsill plates. M sports seats, a special heads-up display, and an M-specific leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain is the star of the show for the M6 with the Competition Package. The standard M6 is plenty powerful, as its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 puts out 560 horsepower and 680 Nm (501 pound-feet) of torque.

The power bump results in a bump in acceleration too, as the M6 Coupe and Gran Coupe with the Competition Package now hit 100km/h (62 mph) in just 3.9 seconds, while the convertible does the same in 4 seconds.

In previous years, the Competition Package bumped this output to 575 horsepower while torque remained unchanged, but thanks to this update to the package, it now turns the juice up to 600 horsepower and 700 Nm (516 pound-feet) of torque.

The power bump results in a bump in acceleration too, as the M6 Coupe and Gran Coupe with the Competition Package now hit 100km/h (62 mph) in just 3.9 seconds, while the convertible does the same in 4 seconds. BMW limits the M6 with the Competition Package to 155 mph, but buyers can opt to have this cranked to 189 mph with the M Driver’s Package.

Despite these power increases, fuel economy and emissions remain unchanged. The M6, M6 Gran Coupe still get fuel consumption ratings of 9.9 liters every 100 km and emit 231 g or COS per km, while the M6 Convertible consumes 10.3 liters of fuel every 100 km and emits 239 g of CO2 per km.

On top of the more powerful engine, the Competition Package also includes stiffer springs, damper, and antiroll bars for more precise handling. Lastly, an Active M Differential chimes in to help give you optimal traction on the road and track.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology Output 600 HP Torque 516 LB-FT @ 1,500 - 6,000 RPM 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) 3.9 seconds 0 – 200 km/h (124 mph) 11.8 seconds Top Speed 305 KM/H (189 MPH)

Prices

There are no prices yet on the updated Competition Package, but the last package was a $6,645 upgrade on the 2015 M6’s sticker. Chances are that this price will increase minimally if at all, so look for the all-in price for the standard 2016 M6 with the Competition Package to run roughly $128,000.

If this pricing remains true, them this is a great deal for the added power.

Competition

With the Jag XKR-S out of production following the 2015 model year, there is not a horde of competitors for the M6 with the competition package, so I had to dig deep to find a decent one. The first GT car that comes to mind is the Maserati GranTurismo. This model comes in a little weak at 454 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque from its 4.7-liter V-8, leaving it well behind the M6 at 4.7 seconds to 60 mph. What’s more, with a $134,750 MSRP, the trident-badged coupe is a little pricier than the M6, but it is much more exclusive.

Read our full review here.

Mercedes-AMG E63 S Coupe

Note: E-Class Coupe with AMG Package pictured.

I know that there is no E63 Coupe, but there have been rumors of one, and even Mercedes has mentioned that it feels there may be a market for one. Therefore, I will entertain the possibility. The 2017 Mercedes-AMG E63 will reportedly arrive with the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 as its C-Class cousin, but with its power turned up to 575 horsepower. While this may seem underpowered compared to the M6 Competition Package, you need to keep in mind that the 4MATIC all-wheel drive will help get its 0-to-60 time into the mi-three-second range. As I said before, this is all dependent on whether Mercedes decides to create an AMG-tuned E-Class Coupe in the next generation.

Conclusion

Though the updates are limited to just the engine, the new Competition Package is nothing short of awesome. The extra 40 horsepower and 15 pound-feet of torque over the standard M6 are welcome additions. My hat goes off to you, BMW, for going above and beyond, despite the lack of competition pushing you.