The BMW 6-Series began its life back in 1976 with the E24 6 Series and saw its second generation unfold in 2003 with the E63/E64 6 Series. This generation 6-Series was powered by a 3.0L inline-six engine (petrol and diesel), a 4.8L V8, and a 5.0L V10 BMW M6 engine. These engines were mated to a choice of a six-speed manual or automatic, and a seven-speed SMGIII.
The third generation of the 6-Series is nearing with the first model appearing as the 650i Convertible. The vehicle will be powered by two gas engines: a 6 cylinder twin turbo engine producing 320hp at 5800rpm and a V8 twin turbo engine producing 407hp at 5500 rpm.
The most awaited BMW of the time its finally out! As a response to models like Mercedes CLS-Class or Porsche Panamera BMW has launched today the 6-Series Gran Coupe - a production version of the Gran Coupe concept unveiled at the beginning of 2010. On the US market the new 6-Series Gran Coupe will firstly be offered in a 640i version, but a 650i and a 650i xDrive version will join the line-up later in the summer of 2012.
The new Gran Coupe will be immediately recognized as a 6-Series, but it adds a unique combination of top-class sporting dynamics, stunning design and luxurious touring comfort. However, compared with a standard 6-Series coupe the new Gran Coupe version is being built on a 4.5 inch longer wheelsbase and its distinctive profile is dominated by its four-door, elegantly stretched roof line.
The 640i - the first to be offered on the US market - is powered by a TwinPower turbo 6-cylinder engine with an output of 315 HP at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 330 lbs-ft delivered between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. The model will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds and will hit a top speed of 155 mph.
Updated 12/12/2011: After making its official debut during the week-end, BMW is now offering an online configurator for the new 6-Series Gran Coupe. This will give you the chance to play a bit with the car’s exterior colors, list of wheels, interior colors, but also to add the options from the M-Sport package. Enjoy!
Hit the jump to read more about the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe.
The new generation BMW M6 is preparing to rev its way to dealerships in Summer 2012 after its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and its promising to be the most powerful super-coupe in BMW’s history. Its twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with 552 HP and 502 lb ft of torque makes it capable of running its owner to their job on a daily basis, as well as running the track in superior fashion. That being said, a BMW insider has stated that the M6 should not be referred to as a "pure sports car." That designation should be left to the super car that the BMW M Division is trying to develop, again.
"M wants to build its own car. BMW has a great heritage of super-coupés and the M6 is the latest part of that. But we also want to do something that we can call a ’super sports car’."
By the time this M Division super car is ready to be launched, BMW is hoping it will take on vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with ease. BMW and its M Division have been trying to come up with a business case for the future super car for a long time, using the BMW M1 Hommage (pictured above) as a starting point. When that concept first debuted in 2008, it was rumored to get a powerful V10 5.0 liter engine capable of delivering 600+ HP, even though the original 1978 BMW M1 only pushed out 270 HP.
We figure that if BMW can attempt at least a happy medium between the original 270 HP and the rumored 600 HP, then the M Division’s super car may be a tough contender in the tough "pure sports car" market. Let us know what you think in the comments section below!
After unveiling the 6-Series Gran Coupe at the end of 2011, BMW has started testing the most powerful version in the series: the M6 Gran Coupe. Interested buyers will have to wait until the end of 2012 before actually laying their eyes on it, but we can assure you that it will be worth the wait.
As with any other M6 model in BMW’s line-up, the Gran Coupe will be distinguished by a more aggressive and sportier look compared to the standard model. The list of changes will include more aggressive front and rear fascias with the usual M-type elements, larger wheels, and, of course, a quad-exhaust system.
As far as power goes, the M6 Gran Coupe will be powered by the same turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 engine found in the M6 Coupe with about 600 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque on tap. What’s better is that BMW will be offering the M6 Gran Coupe in both coupe and convertible versions.
Right after unveiling the new 6-Series Coupe, BMW unveiled its M-Sport package to jazz up the coupe that much more. British magazine, Fifth Gear, then went out to test whether the added package was worthy of the added price tag.
When equipped with the M-Sport package, the BMW 6-Series gets special M-Sport elements, including a new front bumper, rear diffuser, side skirts, wheels, and dark chrome tail pipes. Fifth Gear tested the 640d model, specifically, which means they were working with a twin turbocharged diesel powerplant that delivers a total of 313 HP and 464 lbs-ft of torque. This engine allows the vehicle to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 155 mph. It delivers a fuel economy of 51.4 mpg.
Fifth Gear’s conclusion was that the BMW 640d M-Sport is an incredible mixture of power, fuel economy, luxury, and excitement. Too bad we won’t be seeing the diesel coupe on our side of the pond anytime soon, if ever.
Just a few days ago BMW has unveiled the 6-Series Gran Coupe - competitor for Mercedes famous CLS luxury four-door coupe. And, as Mercedes has promised a CLS Shooting Break - set to be released in March 2012 at the Geneva Motor Show - of course there might be a possibility for BMW to offer a Touring version for their Gran Coupe model.
Of course that exactly like with the CLS Shooting Brake the BMW Gran Touring model will add some extra space, but will feature the same design language and technology as with the sedan version.
If built, the Touring model will be powered by a TwinPower turbo 6-cylinder engine with an output of 315 HP at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 330 lbs-ft delivered between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. The model will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds and will hit a top speed of 155 mph.
