Spy shots: Next-gen BMW 6-series takes to the 'Ring

Posted Wed Apr 29 2009 6:18 PM by Kenneth Hall

2011 BMW 6-series Cabrio spy shots
Don’t be fooled by the canvas top, there’s a folding hard-top hidden underneath

BMW’s next-generation 6-series isn’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. Prototypes of the new car, however, are already testing in Europe and have been captured by spy photographers for the first time at Germany's benchmark Nurburgring circuit.

The current 6-series has proven to be a sales success, with numbers averaging just on 20,000 units per year. BMW doesn't want to risk hurting sales of the next-generation model so for the new car designers will be dialing down the controversial styling. The spy shots and previous video reveal a much sleeker look and a wider stance. The wheelbase will also be slightly longer than the current car, but overhangs, both front and back, will be shorter.

The ‘Bangle Butt’ bootlid remains but isn’t as distinct as the lid on the current car. Don’t be fooled by the black canvas soft-top as this is simply a ruse to hide a new folding hard-top underneath. The material’s ill-fitting form and mysterious bumps suggest that the next-gen 6-series will in fact sport a folding hard-top. There are also rumors the car will be offered with two different versions, a more luxurious GT and an aggressive sports model.

Inside, the 6-series 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 will likely get a new twin-turbo V10 engine and dual-clutch transmission.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 6-Series spy shots

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Gallery: Preview: 2011 BMW 6-series coupe and cabrio

2011 BMW 6-series cabrio spy video

Reader Comments

  • Wed Oct 29 2008 9:12 PM

    james says

    i liked the controversial styling on the current version. it was a love or hate thing, for sure, but i hope they don't boring it down to the extent that they did to the 7 series. that would be a true tragedy

  • Thu Oct 30 2008 3:58 AM

    azlan says

    i agree, i thought the m6 looked tough, i wasnt the biggest fan of just the normal 6 series.. but i like that bmw took that risk.

  • Wed Jan 21 2009 7:39 AM

    azlan says

    this looks like the bum is alot smaller which is always good ha, but i hope this doesnt just blend in with all the other convertibles now, the sl is getting pretty boring, if it turns out like those images it will be alot better than the current model.

  • Wed Jan 21 2009 2:10 PM

    NoNameDenton says

    I never liked the 6 as much as the other BMWs, make it look like a bigger 3 series coupe and convertible

  • Wed Jan 21 2009 8:21 PM

    Josh b says

    Because thats what current 6 owners want NoNameDenton. A bigger 3 series coupe/convertible for 3 times the price.
    The current 6 my be disliked by some but it sells very well for the asking price and is a head turner were ever you live. It has more presence on the road then a 3 or CLK.

    BMW did a great job with the car and im sure the new one will be just as good.

  • Wed Jan 21 2009 11:11 PM

    NaBUru38 says

    The rear picture by Schulte is perfect. I hope is looks as handsome as that.

  • Thu Jan 22 2009 12:00 AM

    Mike says

    The back-end looks much better. I think the current car is very handsome except for the tail. This is a nice step forward.

  • Thu Jan 22 2009 1:41 AM

    azlan says

    yes i agree, the current model is ugly but that made it kinda cool. this model seems alot sharper, but i hope it just doesnt turn out boring.

  • Thu Jan 22 2009 6:58 AM

    arnaud454 says

    This Spy Shot is available since 10 November 2008 on ThePassionCars... >http://thepassioncars.blogspot.com/2008/10/scoop_30.html

  • Fri Mar 13 2009 5:38 PM

    NoNameDenton says

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Josh b
    Because thats what current 6 owners want NoNameDenton. A bigger 3 series coupe/convertible for 3 times the price.
    The current 6 my be disliked by some but it sells very well for the asking price and is a head turner were ever you live. It has more presence on the road then a 3 or CLK.

    BMW did a great job with the car and im sure the new one will be just as good.


    More presence from being ugly and the 3 series at least looks good, so yeah, that is what people want, good looking vehicles.

  • Mon Mar 16 2009 1:33 AM

    Josh b says

    @ NoNameDenton-
    I love the looks of the current 6 series. You may think it has presence because of its "uglyness" but i have never seen someone turn around and go, "wtf is that? its ugly!" Like with many other cars. The reaction of people are always positive. The 3 series is everywere, your neighbour has one and your dads friend has one. But how many people have a 6 series? Its exclusive due to its high price. Its a great car. I like the 3 series but its no were near a 6. Its a smaller, less attractive car.

  • Thu Mar 26 2009 1:59 AM

    Countach says

    Dailing down the controversial design????

    What's with the current crop of execs in Germany lately?

    First, they added that ugly headlights on the SL which was already very amazing a design and very sleek looking and now, to bore down the current and very beautiful 6 series?

    WTF?

    I am with Josh B. on this one! 3 series is never a car I see myself driving and no matter how nice it is right now. I prefer a coupe that is bigand everyone I know wants to have one. Especially when we saw those with aftermarket 20" wheels on it.

    Anyway to each their own. I only like 3 cars and hated all the rest of the cars from Japan, I don't like most Ferraris, don't like the current Lambo models, couldn't care less about Maserati

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