BMW 6 Series (Germany, 2011-present)

The third generation BMW 6 Series was launched in 2010 with the unveiling of the convertible version of the model. The new series arrived to the market in 2011 and in the same year the coupé version was revealed.

Cabriolet

The BMW 6 Series Cabriolet has drawn inspiration from the Concept 6-Series Coupe, presented at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, and features a long bonnet, a forward-slanted grille, xenon headlights, distinctive LED fog lights and 18-inch alloy wheels. In order to reduce the weight of the vehicle, BMW has opted to retain the 6-Series' double buttress soft top which can be lowered in 19 seconds and raised in 24 seconds at speeds up to 40km/h.

Coupé

The sweeping bonnet, short front overhang and set-back passenger compartment team up with a 74-millimetre increase in body length (4,894 mm) over its predecessor and a 75-millimetre longer wheelbase (2,855 mm) to create the hallmark proportions of a BMW Coupe. Meanwhile, the extra width of the new car – it is now 39 millimetres wider (at 1,894 mm) thanks to its increased track width – makes for an exceptionally powerful stance that emphasises its impressive roadholding.

The inspiration for these design features was the natural movement of waves. In the same way as water is parted by an object in flowing water, the car body’s shaping lines fan out from the BMW badge on the bon-net to both sides of the body.

Cabriolet

The third generation 6 Series Cabriolet will be offered at launch with two different engines: the 640i and the 650i.

The 640i is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 320 hp and 450 Nm of torque. This engine enables the 6 Series Cabriolet to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and hit an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Its average fuel economy in the EU test cycle is expected to be 7.9 liters per 100 kilometers (35.8 mpg imp), corresponding to CO2 emissions of 185 grams per kilometer.

As for the 650i version, it will be powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with 407 hp and 600 Nm of torque. The 650i also reaches the electronically controlled top speed of 250 km/h and is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. With average fuel consumption of 10.7 liters per 100 kilometers in the EU test cycle (26.4 mpg imp) the 650i version will produce 249 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer.

Both versions will be available with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.

Coupé

Two choices of petrol engine are to be available; the first is a 4.4 litre twin turbo V8 on the 650i Coupe which produces 300 kW/407 hp at 5,500 to 6,400 rpm and 600 Nm of torque at 1,750 to 4,500 rpm. This gives a 0-100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds and fuel consumption of 11.3 l/100 km. The 650i is also the first 6 Series that can be bought with xDrive for four-wheel-drive traction. The less powerful 640i has an in-line3.0 litre six under the hood with twin-scroll turbochargers. It outputs 235 kW/320 hp at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and 450 Nm at 1,300 to 4,500 rpm allowing for 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Average fuel consumption is 7.6 – 7.8 l/100 km. The 640d houses a 3.0 litre diesel turbocharged six making 230 kW/313 hp at 4,400 rpm and 630 Nm at 1,500 – 2,500 rpm. It reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in 5.5 seconds and uses 5.4 – 5.5 l/100 km of fuel. 

Cabriolet

In order to enhance 6 Series Cabriolet’s handling, BMW engineers have installed an advanced suspension which features an aluminum-intensive double wishbone front axle and a multi-link rear. Dynamic Damper Control is standard, but optional Active Roll Stabilization can also improve the stability in the convertible.

Coupé

Tech upgrades include Adaptive LED Headlights for low and high beam which feature a cornering function, LED fog lamps and rear lights, head-up display, active cruise control, BMW Night Vision, parking assist and a new Bang & Olufsen surround sound system.