BMW’s followup to the dramatic 6-Series won’t bring anything shocking to the table, but it should address concerns with the existing model and increase the large coupe’s competitiveness, according to a new report by Germany’s AutoBild.
While the current 6-Series — introduced in 2004 — is arguably one of BMW’s most aggressive and controversial designs, its successor won’t do anything to push the envelope further. Instead, it will serve to move the 6er further toward grand tourer territory.
Longer than today’s model, the 2011 6-Series will offer more legroom for rear passengers. At the same time, it will get a sportier cockpit with a more driver oriented console layout.
As signaled by BMW’s new CS concept, the automaker will be abandoning its awkward trunk design features on the 5-,6-, and 7-Series in favor of a more streamlined design.
Three engines options will give customers a choice between 306, 408, and 507 horsepower, the report claims. The 306 hp model will make use of BMW’s new twin-turbo inline-six found in the 335i. It’s unlikely the 635i will make it to U.S. shores, since Germany luxury makers generally don’t offer entry-level engines in premium cars in America.
The 650i’s successor will climb in output to 408 horsepower — up from 360 horsepower in the current model, which itself was a significant jump from the 645i’s 325 horsepower. The M6 is expected to retain BMW’s 5.0-liter V10, with output of at least 507 horsepower.
The convertible version is expected to make use of a folding metal roof, like the new 3-Series convertible. Front overhang on both models will decrease by an inch and a half, despite increased pedestrian safety requirements. Wheelbase will grow three inches.
A previous Autobild report suggested BMW would also offer a four-door variant of the next-gen 6-Series codenamed F14, but it now appears rivaling the Mercedes CLS will be the job of the CS-based 8-Series.
Illustrations
05/23, 8:51 AM
posted by:
PrimeGTP
Don’t really like the illustrations, but I have been pleasantly surprised by BMW before. Will wait and see. So far I’m still more interested in the new CTS-V.
05/23, 8:59 AM
posted by:
LP640
looks virtually the same
05/23, 9:16 AM
posted by:
LovemyAP2
God I love BMW…especially when they turn the heat up.
05/23, 9:20 AM
posted by:
SRT-4Ken
———>PrimeGTP while we’re thinkin bout it, i bet that new CTS coupe gonna B nice too…
05/23, 9:26 AM
posted by:
stupid_nut
“controversial” = kinda ugly?
05/23, 9:45 AM
posted by:
PrimeGTP
LOL, stupid_nut. Yea, when automakers like GM and Ford make a bad design, it’s “ugly and ill-conceived”, when BMW does it it’s “controversial”.
05/23, 10:10 AM
posted by:
joseph
Good point PrimeGTP!!! The front end looks tired and saggy, while the rear STILL needs work. It’s less ugly, but still….it’s ugly IMHO.
05/23, 10:37 AM
posted by:
RotaxKart
I am going to say it again. Why does everyone have to talk shi* about everyones cars like 2 year olds. I will admit that I did this kind of Ford Chevy crap when I was 12 but I grew up and have a respect for any kind of automobile. Respect. Even though the car company might be trash just talk about how they might be able to improve?
05/23, 11:02 AM
posted by:
F451
I like it. My wife has been hinting at one so I’ll have her take a look at the concept to see what she thinks.
05/23, 11:34 AM
posted by:
rey323
I thought the 6 had a great design. I am not too sure how much “weight” these illustrations carry, but it still looks good though I am still trying to figure out if I like those creases on the hood.
05/23, 11:36 AM
posted by:
Jordan
that illustration is horrifying. the current car is much, much better.
05/23, 11:41 AM
posted by:
CTS DRIVER
ROTAXCART, this isnt very bad so far the people who posted above are very subjuctive and mostly fair.
I do agree with you though 100%, look how bad gm gets crucified here, and I really like your point about how instead of trashing the company, talk about what people might have to think about improving. GOOD POINT.
although I am not a fan of the current 6 series (I really like the 5 series)I would like to see the new driver oriented cocpit layout, I want to see how they can improve a perfect layout.
05/23, 12:33 PM
posted by:
Wickedated
Not digging the illustrations.
05/23, 12:41 PM
posted by:
purdue
My 2 year old says BMWs suck!
05/23, 12:57 PM
posted by:
Driven
The illustrations arent from BMW. They show guesses from the graphics department at AutoBild. No need to debate whether BMW is going in the right direction… these arent BMWs designs.
05/23, 1:02 PM
posted by:
buenos
Though I ilike the current 6, I always thought the back end (from the C-pillars rearward) was overly complex and awkward, and really, the back seat has never been anything more than a suggestion. I guess it’s about time that BMW started to move away from the so-called “bangle-butt” as it’s now being adopted by pretty much every other car maker.
05/23, 1:43 PM
posted by:
Syrax
looks like they’ve photoshopped the rear of the benz cls and mixed with 335’s rear.
05/23, 2:12 PM
posted by:
400horseSS
bmw makes the best looking and performing cars in the world seriously
05/23, 2:16 PM
posted by:
jonnycat
I’m sure that any GM or Ford car that is “ugly” or “ill-conceived” would be called controversial if they had a 500hp mill under the hood, which still makes them desirable.
05/23, 3:06 PM
posted by:
Fromes
They should add a 4 cylinder option, awd, a sedan model, and a 3rd row seat…that would make the 6 more competive…no but seriously, I really like the look of the current one, Im a huge fan of the M6
05/23, 4:14 PM
posted by:
SR
Looks exactly the same… Wow, I can’t wait four years to get one.
05/23, 4:33 PM
posted by:
m6-500attouchofabutton
the current 6 is a LITTLE better looking i think particularly the rear. i hope they change the interior from the current six
still nice looking though
05/23, 6:18 PM
posted by:
deutschetouring1337
oh god help us, there was a time BMW made beautiful cars, now it seems they are copying Hyundai lol.
05/23, 8:42 PM
posted by:
Egbert Souse
I love my bmw, but I dont care for the new ones at all, long live the E46!!
05/23, 9:46 PM
posted by:
A4
The 8-series needs to be a 2-door V8 and V12 monster - just like the old one.
05/24, 1:34 AM
posted by:
fan
#
The 8-series needs to be a 2-door V8 and V12 monster - just like the old one.
Comment by A4, posted on May23 at 9:46 pm
–> you’re aware of the fact that this article is about the six-series, not the eight?
05/24, 5:44 AM
posted by:
Veda
We already have a bland looking large coupe called the A5, why do we need the 6 to follow the same path?
05/25, 2:26 AM
posted by:
Saud
Nuts, one of the main reasons I had become such a big fan of BMW was because of their designs. Atleast they had the guts to do some standout designs whether for better or worse.