Next-gen BMW 6-series line to include four-door coupe?

Over a week ago, we brought you a cover scan from a new issue of Germany's Autobild showing an artist's rendering of BMW's proposed Mercedes CLS rival. At the time, we didn't have a copy of the full article, and our best bet was the four-door-coupe would mark the revival of BMW's 8-Series. There were even some ridiculous media reports suggesting the illustration depicted the forthcoming BMW X6 crossover. The latter, of course, is completely false. But it turns out this is no 8-series, either. While that idea was on the table, the car is actually the next-generation 6-Series, according to Autobild. Apparently, BMW is planning to offer the car in both two- and four-door variants.





The report indicates that there were three possible routes for the CLS fighter. The first was a coupe derived directly from the 7-series -- a car that undoubtedly would have been called 8-series. The second option was a sports wagon of sorts based on the current 6-series. The third option -- which as been selected by BMW -- is to offer the next-generation 6-series in both two- and four-doors.

The new 6-Series coupe (F12) and Convertible (F13) will arrive in early 2011. The four-door version (F14) -- whole silhouette will nearly match the standard coupe's -- will follow in September of that year.

BMW decided not to match Mercedes right away with a CLS competitor, and instead will wait for the next-generation CLS, which is also due in 2011. BMW plans to improve on the CLS concept by eliminating the b-pillar, and offering reverse-opening suicide doors instead of regular ones.

The next 6-series convertible may also get a folding metal roof, the report noted.

Autobild says its renderings (see Front View, Rear View) provide a good indication of where the 6er is headed.