Preview: Next-generation BMW 6-Series Coupe and Cabrio

Viknesh Vijayenthiran February 25th, 2009

By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Author February 25th, 2009

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December 31st, 1969 BMW’s next-generation 6-Series Coupe and its Cabrio variant aren’t due to arrive until late 2010 at the earliest as the current model was only given its mid-cycle facelift a little over a year ago. However, prototypes of the new car are already testing in Germany but heavy camouflage material have kept most of the details hidden. What we could gather from initial spy shots is that the new model will feature a longer and sleeker design than the current car. These latest computer generated renderings show the car will likely be heavily influenced by 2007’s CS Concept. The wheelbase will be slightly longer than the current car, but overhangs, both front and back, will be shorter. The new 6-Series will also sit much lower than the current model, with a sleeker roofline adding to the sportier look. The 6-Series has proven to be a sales success for BMW, with numbers averaging just on 20,000 units per year. BMW doesn't want to risk hurting sales of the next model so for the new car designers will be dialing down the controversial styling. The ‘Bangle Butt’ bootlid remains but isn’t as distinct as the lid on the current car. The conventional folding soft top roof appears to have also remained, however there are claims that the roof seen on the Cabrio prototypes could be a ruse to hide a new folding hardtop underneath. The material’s ill-fitting form and mysterious bumps suggest that the next-gen 6-Series will in fact sport a folding hardtop. Given that the new 2010 Z4 features a folding hardtop, there is a strong chance the next 6-Series will as well. There are also rumors the car will be offered with two different versions, a more luxurious GT and an aggressive sports model. Inside, the cars will still feature plenty of luxury appointments as well as a new eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle-shifters. The current engine lineup is expected to carry over relatively unchanged, however the range topping M6 could get a new twin-turbo V10 engine and dual-clutch transmission.Preview: 2011 BMW 6-series coupe and cabrio2011 BMW 6-Series spy shots2011 BMW 6-series cabrio spy video

The new 6-Series will sit much lower than the current model, with a sleeker profile providing a sportier look

Enlarge Photo

BMW’s next-generation 6-Series Coupe and its Cabrio variant aren’t due to arrive until late 2010 at the earliest as the current model was only given its mid-cycle facelift a little over a year ago. However, prototypes of the new car are already testing in Germany but heavy camouflage material have kept most of the details hidden.

What we could gather from initial spy shots is that the new model will feature a longer and sleeker design than the current car. These latest computer generated renderings show the car will likely be heavily influenced by 2007’s CS Concept. The wheelbase will be slightly longer than the current car, but overhangs, both front and back, will be shorter. The new 6-Series will also sit much lower than the current model, with a sleeker roofline adding to the sportier look.

The 6-Series has proven to be a sales success for BMW, with numbers averaging just on 20,000 units per year. BMW doesn't want to risk hurting sales of the next model so for the new car designers will be dialing down the controversial styling.

The ‘Bangle Butt’ bootlid remains but isn’t as distinct as the lid on the current car. The conventional folding soft top roof appears to have also remained, however there are claims that the roof seen on the Cabrio prototypes could be a ruse to hide a new folding hardtop underneath. The material’s ill-fitting form and mysterious bumps suggest that the next-gen 6-Series will in fact sport a folding hardtop. Given that the new 2010 Z4 features a folding hardtop, there is a strong chance the next 6-Series will as well. There are also rumors the car will be offered with two different versions, a more luxurious GT and an aggressive sports model.

Inside, the cars will still feature plenty of luxury appointments as well as a new eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle-shifters. The current engine lineup is expected to carry over relatively unchanged, however the range topping M6 could get a new twin-turbo V10 engine and dual-clutch transmission.

Preview: 2011 BMW 6-series coupe and cabrio

Gallery

2011 BMW 6-Series spy shots

Gallery

2011 BMW 6-series cabrio spy video

Tags: Spy Shots

Posted in: 2008, BMW, Spy Shots, 6-Series

By Gus #1, Posted: 4/1/2008

It looks so much better than the current 6, with it's unbelievably ugly rear end, it's hard to put into words.
Looks like BMW is finally on the right track again...
By chris #2, Posted: 4/1/2008

i'm with you gus. that is really nice. really muscular looking. don't know how many women will want it,... i always thought the current generation looked soft for that reason.
By eee #3, Posted: 4/1/2008

What's with the Aston Martin knock-off side strakes? Is BMW turning into the Kia of luxury car markers?
By james #4, Posted: 4/1/2008

When BMW switches off of gasoline and onto whatever the next fuel will be (be it hydrogen, fuel cells, w/e) I want to get this car. i've always loved the six series and have even cut the rear end on the current model some slack. This is a beautiful machine
By nebil #5, Posted: 4/1/2008

It is really great to have serie6 with a hard top instead of cavanas roof.
Probably, I will buy it in 2011
Thanks bmw if you do that: serie6 coupé-cabriolet( like serie 3 convertible)
By Gus #6, Posted: 4/1/2008

James, you will be waiting a very long time...

And nebil, before you go all gaga for a folding hard top, go check out a 3 series with the hard top folded. Then open the trunk and tell me what you see...
By james #7, Posted: 4/1/2008

gus, unfortunately you're absolutely right
By lexlife #8, Posted: 4/1/2008

I like the styling clearly inspired by the CS Concept. It looks considerably better than the current 6 series which I feel only looks nice in its M6 wardrobe. I think the rear rendering here needs sexier lines as it looks as if it was taken directly off of a Toyota Avalon. I'm hoping for a very aggresive look that both pays homage to BMW coupes of the past and compliments the most beautiful coupe of our times- the DB9.
By Sir Yappie #9, Posted: 4/2/2008

hmmmn not bad...i do think they could go just that bit more agressive....but thats just my preferances...
By Tony #10, Posted: 4/4/2008

BMW will never disappoint me. This is just sex on wheels as usual. Can't wait to see it so I can dream of owning it.
By moataz #11, Posted: 4/13/2008

brilliant looks .. i love this machine.. i drive 630 cabrio ..with no hesitation iwill upgrade !!cant wait
By Wizards Lore #12, Posted: 4/14/2008

kidneys are too big imho
By chris #13, Posted: 4/15/2008

This is a lot better than the previous 6 model. I think if this was made BMW would make a huge amount of money off of this car especially from people who have lots of cash on them to pay for more than one in different colors.
By Kumi #14, Posted: 4/17/2008

Terrible! BMW seems to be losing it in terms of styling... I agree the current six series looks best in the M6 style but this just screams BUY A CLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By cj #15, Posted: 4/20/2008

the rear looks boring compared to the front
By cj #16, Posted: 4/20/2008

csl looks old now as well would not want to be driving one of these...BMW need to hury the f**k up and release the cs
By james #17, Posted: 4/22/2008

i think the cs was just a concept on which they'll be deriving newer models. i could be wrong, but they'd probably keep their large sedan concepts to the 7 series idea (which better receive a significant upgrade in looks and power in its next generation)
By Wizards Lore #18, Posted: 4/23/2008

and the CLS was a concept and was never intended to be a released model..but public interest drove it to production. Hopefully the pusch behind the CS will be the same...
By nebil #19, Posted: 5/23/2008

Who wants a serie6 coupé-cabriolet , just go to newport convertible and they will make you what you want ( it is better to have 2 in 1 car).
Just ask for the tranformation price
By mr real #20, Posted: 6/26/2008

i feel like throwing up when i see this car
the front grill is completly not proportional to the car
the car doesnt flow together, it just looks like something mashed together
by HECTOR #21, Posted: 2/25/2009

Man! This is two steps ahead of the current 6 both from the front and the back. BMW is not exactly knocking them out of the park lately so this is a welcome change.
by azlan #22, Posted: 2/25/2009

i dont think any bmw is particularly really good looking but that doesnt mean it cant be cool, this is getting much better from the last model.
by Gus Chyba #23, Posted: 2/25/2009

I still like it. Super aggressive, but nicely done.
by justinhk2000 #24, Posted: 2/25/2009

I really can't get past that the grille to me is hideous. I loved the current generation 7 series, it was serene and yet powerful and made a strong statement. In my words, it wasn't ugly at all. But, after seeing the new one with the nostrils as big as angelina jolie's lips, i think to myself, how could BMW design something this ugly. This also goes for this 6 series. Everything about it is amazing except for the grille. It's hideous, worse than the current 6 series. But, idk... i guess i might get use to it, but it'll take a while.
by NoNameDenton #25, Posted: 2/25/2009

Bring the twin turbo inline 6 and use the twin turbo V8 and some diesels
by James Martinez #26, Posted: 2/25/2009

this is not a recent rendering. these images were generated many months ago. honestly, i like the fact that its taking styling cues from the CS but this is obviously a very primative image. i doubt that we will see even a remote version of this styling on the production model. it will still resemble the CS but take on less immitative looks. in other news, the rear lights are horrifyingly ugly which highlights my only dislike about this concept
by Siddarth Raja #27, Posted: 2/26/2009

James - the original renderings are a few months old but they have been updated with new details.
by TURBOSMART #28, Posted: 2/26/2009

This looks better than the older one. Don't u think?
by Gus Chyba #29, Posted: 2/26/2009

MUCH better than the current 6.
by Joelthecar #30, Posted: 2/26/2009

So much better than the ugly current 6. Put me down for one of each!
by James Martinez #31, Posted: 2/26/2009

am i the only one who appreciated the "controversial styling" of the current six?
someone please confirm that i'm not stylistically out of touch
by Siddarth Raja #32, Posted: 2/26/2009

James - I am a fan too. It's probably the only Bangle styled vehicle I like.
by Josh b #33, Posted: 3/1/2009

james i am 100% with you!
My mum has a 650 convertible and it is a head turner where ever she goes! It is a great looking car and has some seriouse presence on the road, it doesnt look out dated and tierd like most other cars today and has all BMW's best technology in it! It is simply a truly amazing and UNIQUE car! I love looking at it everyday when i wake up. My mum used to have a CLK and that got boring very quikly, this is still going strong after a few years.
by AUstin #34, Posted: 4/5/2009

I have the 2009 3 series and boy thos it give speed.the new 6 series will be machine of light