The 2015 BMW 6 Series Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe facelift models made their web debut today, just a month before their official public debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. With the three LCI models, BMW stayed true to their formula of not tinkering too much with a design that people love.
Therefore, the changes to the design are subtle. For example, BMW removed one slat from its kidney grilles, full-LED headlights are now standard, and the fog lights feature three distinct LED units.
The front bumper gets redesigned a bit as well. It now features large lower air intakes with a subtle lip underneath running across the entire lower end.
New exterior colors were added as well: Jatoba metallic, Cashmere Silver metallic, Glacier Silver metallic, Mediterranean Blue metallic and Melbourne Red metallic.
Inside BMW is adding a Finalize Brown Wood as trim and a few other small additions to leather and trim.
The engines and power outputs stay the same, but the xDrive versions get hydraulic steering assistance.
The full press release can be found below:
Through three generations, the BMW 6 Series has defined that unique blend of style and elegance with the performance and handling that one would expect of The Ultimate Driving Machine. For the 2015 model year the third-generation of BMW 6 Series receives a range of enhancements that refine the character that is unique to the 6 Series.
Now offered in three distinct body styles – traditional two-door Coupe, open-air Convertible and unique four-door Gran Coupe – all three are again offered with a choice of BMW TwinPower Turbo engines, the 315 horsepower inline-six in the 640i models and the 445 horsepower V8 in the 650i models.
Sitting at the top of the 6 Series range, in terms power and performance, is the BMW M6 with its 560 horsepower M TwinPower Turbo V8, again available in all three body styles. The 2015 BMW 6 Series will make its world debut at the North American International Auto Show and arrives in US showrooms in the first quarter of 2015.
Sports performance and luxury – a combination rich in tradition.
The new BMW 6 Series model range follows in a BMW tradition of legendary dream cars which now stretches back more than 75 years. Presented in 1937, the BMW 327 Sports Coupe was the most exclusive model in the company’s line-up at the time. Then came the BMW 503 Coupe and BMW 507 Roadster, which were powered by the car world’s first aluminum eight-cylinder engine and continue as 1950s style icons to this day. Later on, the BMW 2800 CS of 1968 pulled back the curtain on an era of luxury cars which took a whole new approach to combining sports performance and luxury.
The BMW 3.0 CS, BMW 3.0 CSi and BMW 3.0 CSL followed in the tire tracks of the 2800 CS. Designed for action in motor sport, the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL enjoyed several years of dominance on the racing stage. On the road, meanwhile, the CS in any form represented a beacon of style and an expression of unparalleled driving pleasure.
Since 1976 these unmistakable characteristics have been grouped together in the BMW line-up under the model designation “6”. The first-generation BMW 6 Series shone not only for its driving dynamics, but also its comfort and state-of-the-art safety technology. Its successor, unveiled in 2003, complemented its dynamic appearance with a wealth of innovations. The debut of the BMW 6 Series Convertible in 2004 brought a unique blend of advanced technology, driving pleasure in an exclusive sports car and open-top enjoyment.
One model series, three different characters.
The latest generation of the BMW 6 Series takes the dynamics, aesthetics, luxury and innovation offered by the model series to new heights. The BMW 6 Series Convertible, Coupe and Gran Coupe provide customers with a choice of three distinctive characters, the introduction of the brand’s first ever four-door Coupe giving the BMW 6 Series’ popularity fresh momentum. Nearly one in two newly registered BMW 6 Series cars is now a Gran Coupe. Worldwide, approximately 80,000 units of the current-generation BMW 6 Series have been sold since the market launch of the Convertible in March 2011.
The new BMW 6 Series Convertible is all about exclusive open-top driving enjoyment, comprising serene ride comfort and engaging performance attributes in equal measure. A key element of the four-seater’s charisma is the transition between the body and the interior, which has been designed to evoke the character of a boat deck – as is typical of BMW Convertibles – when the roof is down. The sophisticated fabric soft-top of the 6 Series Convertible stands out with its unique “fin” architecture, complete with a glass rear window that opens separately, and offers all-season usability and unrivalled acoustic comfort.
The new BMW 6 Series Coupe embodies the classical character of an exclusive sports tourer. Its two-door body exudes an athletic and elegant aesthetic while its modern interior ambience is designed to immerse four people in complete luxury. The latest round of design and powertrain upgrades lends to the Coupe’s muscular appearance and sporting potential.
The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe conjures up a new balance of dynamic excellence, elegance and luxury. The latest addition to the BMW 6 Series range blends the sporting performance and aesthetics of a coupe with the extended functionality of a four-door. Its distinctive proportions and longer wheelbase accentuate the exterior’s irresistible radiance. The interior of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe delivers luxurious long-distance comfort for the driver and passengers in four full-size seats and offers a third seat in the rear that is suitable for shorter journeys. Detail refinements showcase both the elegance of the body design and the exclusive ambience of the interior.
More powerful, sportier, sharper: BMW kidney grille and front apron.
All the models in the new BMW 6 Series line-up stand out with an adeptly modified design that exudes powerful sports performance and, at the same time, emphasizes the exclusive elegance of these luxury cars. The BMW kidney grille – standing prominently, as ever – is now even more eye-catching. The number of bars in the kidney grille has been reduced from 10 to nine, and the larger openings are an indication of the amount of cooling air required by the powerful engines.
The new contours of the kidney grille bars (in aluminum matt on the 650i variants and black on 640i models) underline the forward-surging stance of the grille. The new front apron, whose lower air intake is now a single stylistic unit that accentuates the 6 Series’ width, radiates sports performance and solidity. The front foglamps, which are positioned at the far outer edges of the front end, consist of three adjacent LED units and now feature a decorative surround. This trim element is chrome on the new BMW 6 Series Convertible and comes in high-gloss black for the new 6 Series Coupe and Gran Coupe.
The standard Adaptive Full-LED headlights on the new BMW 6 Series line-up include a newly developed, sophisticated design for the light sources. This has brought about a new interpretation of the signature BMW look created by the twin round headlights. The low beam light is emitted from the two upper reflectors, the high beam light from the two lower reflectors. The indicators are now integrated into the accent strip cutting across the top of the headlight units.
Profile: aerodynamically optimized exterior mirrors, newly designed model badge for the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.
Like the modified design of the front apron, newly styled exterior mirrors also contribute to the optimized aerodynamics of the models in the new BMW 6 Series, while the side indicators are now integrated into the exterior mirrors in the form of slim horizontal light strips.
The standalone proportions of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and the exclusive elegance of its lines are emphasized even more clearly by a new design for the side window surrounds at the trailing edge of the rear doors. There, a graphic element bearing “Gran Coupe” lettering guides the eye to the “counter-swing” at the foot of the C-pillar, known as the Hofmeister kink. On the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe this element is made from black painted aluminum and bears raised, embossed lettering.
Rear apron strongly emphasises the cars’ width.
On all models in the BMW 6 Series, flared wheel arches and horizontal lines across the rear emphasize the cars’ wide track and resultant surefooted handling. This effect is further enhanced by a chrome strip in the bumper trim. The rear apron of the six-cylinder models also features larger surrounds for the tailpipe embellishers, whose diameter has been increased from 80 to 90 millimeters.
Elsewhere, newly designed 20-inch multi-spoke wheels are now available. The range of exterior paintwork finishes includes the new color shades Jatoba metallic, Cashmere Silver metallic, Glacier Silver metallic, Mediterranean Blue metallic and Melbourne Red metallic.
Luxurious interior ambience, new surfaces, optional bi-color leather trim.
The signature interior design for the new BMW 6 Series is dominated by the driver-focused cockpit, a front passenger area enveloped by sweeping surfaces and a seamless connection between the front seats and rear compartment – all of which makes it a recipe for exclusive comfort in a luxurious ambience.
In the new BMW 6 Series models, the high-gloss black surfaces of the center console around the controls for the audio system and air conditioning form a harmonious and elegant unit with the black-panel displays of the automatic climate control system. The slim, precise chrome surround of the iDrive operating system’s freestanding Control Display and the frameless design of its glass cover create a contemporary and sophisticated feel. The use of LEDs for the illumination of the footwells, door exits and glove compartment provides an even distribution of light.
Customers can specify either Dakota or Nappa leather with extended features, which is now also available for the new BMW 6 Series models in the bi-colour variants Ivory White/Black and Cognac/Black. Fineline Brown wood trim has been added to the selection of optional interior trims.
Black Accent Package, M Sport Edition and BMW Individual: Bespoke luxury, aesthetics and driving pleasure
The new BMW 6 Series offers a unique form of driving pleasure regardless of the body variant or engine. As well as the eight-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission and LED headlights, all models include BMW’s latest navigation system, heated and electrically adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger (including memory function), two-zone automatic climate control with extended features, an electrically adjustable sports leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, dynamic cruise control (with braking function), electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors and a hands-free facility with USB audio interface.
The standard lightweight integral seats for the driver and front passenger come with an integrated belt system, whose optimized retractor mechanism uses electric assistance to enhance comfort. The comfort seats, which are standard on 650i models and optional on 640i models, are also available with the “active” function and active seat ventilation. Both the Dakota and Nappa leather upholsteries in the new BMW 6 Series Convertible are treated with SunReflective technology, which reduces the degree to which the surfaces are heated by the sun’s rays. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe can also be ordered with heated rear seats.
Premiere for Black Accent Package.
The new Black Accent Package highlights the 6 Series’ sporting aura through the specification of a BMW kidney grille with high-gloss black bars, BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim, likewise high-gloss black tailpipe tips and 19-inch bi-color light-alloy wheels in exclusive multi-spoke design. The interior features a new Cognac/Black bi-color Nappa leather highlighted by Fineline Brown fine wood.
Driving dynamics and exclusivity: M Sport Edition and BMW Individual features.
The new M Sport Edition can be specified for the new BMW 6 Series. It combines the content of the Executive Package and the traditional M Sport package, to offer outstanding value. The M Sport Edition blends sporty features such as 20-inch M wheels, M sport steering wheel and M aerodynamic exterior treatment with the luxury of a leather dashboard, ventilated front seats, contrast stitching and soft-close doors.
The BMW Individual options offered for the new BMW 6 Series models satisfy the wish of some customers to maximize exclusivity and infuse the exterior and interior of the car with their personal style. The BMW Individual paintwork finishes, special paintwork finishes and matt paintwork finishes stand out with their exceptional richness and color effects. The Frozen Brilliant White matt shade – a new addition to the BMW Individual range – gives the body surfaces the appearance of being covered in an even layer of ice and, in so doing, showcases the muscular contours of the new BMW 6 Series models to particular effect. The 20-inch, forged BMW Individual light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design also play their part in achieving a striking appearance.
BMW Individual Full Merino Leather upholstery, with carefully selected and meticulously prepared materials taking center stage, helps create an exclusive interior design. The leather used for the seats, door panel trim, center console, armrests and door pulls has a natural open-pored structure; the soft and breathable surfaces are elegant to the eye and offer excellent comfort. Exquisite materials and meticulous handcraftsmanship are defining features of the interior appointments from BMW Individual. The range also includes a BMW Individual headliner in Alcantara for the BMW 6 Series Coupe and Gran Coupe, illuminated door sill finishers with BMW Individual lettering, BMW Individual interior trim strips and a BMW Individual wood inlay for the leather steering wheel. More personalized requests from customers can also be met, extending all the way to one-off creations conjured entirely by BMW Individual.
Options for bespoke driving pleasure and comfort.
Customers can also dip into the list of high-quality optional extras to further enhance levels of driving pleasure and comfort in the new BMW 6 Series models. These include Soft Close Doors and a wind deflector for the 6 Series Convertible which reduces turbulence when driving with the roof down. Electrically operated sunblinds can be ordered for the rear window of the new BMW 6 Series Coupe and 6 Series Gran Coupe, and for the rear side windows of the four-door model.
The iDrive operating system’s touchpad controller has a touch-sensitive surface for inputting characters. Customers can bring further variety to the range of in-car entertainment, not to mention maximize their listening pleasure, by specifying options such as the Harman Kardon HiFi system and the Bang & Olufsen high-end surround-sound system.
The driving experience: TwinPower Turbo technology, sport exhaust and a range of options to enhance the driving experience.
Abundant power development, impressive refinement and exemplary efficiency are attributes shared by both engines available for the new BMW 6 Series. The range consists of a V8 producing 445 hp and a 315 hp inline six-cylinder. Both enjoy the benefits of the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology developed under the BMW EfficientDynamics banner, all meet the EU6 exhaust emissions standard and all link up with an eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission.
As an alternative to sending their engine power to the rear wheels – as is customary for BMW cars – all new BMW 6 Series model variants can also be specified with the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The variable distribution of drive between the front and rear wheels not only optimizes traction and directional stability in all weather and road conditions, it can also enhance cornering dynamics and acceleration. BMW xDrive further improves the 0 to 60 mph performance of all the 6 Series models. The best figures here are recorded by the V8 BMW 650i xDrive Coupe and BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe, which both complete the sprint in 4.3 seconds (preliminary).
Standard sports exhaust system for an emotion-rich sound.
The engines powering the new BMW 6 Series models are designed to deliver captivating performance, as a new addition to the range of standard equipment is not afraid to emphasize. The BMW 640i models are now equipped with a sports exhaust system, which provides an emotionally dramatic soundtrack to their engines’ instantaneous and sustained wave of power.
The system features a switchable exhaust valve, whose position can be adjusted using the Driving Experience Control switch. In SPORT and SPORT+ modes, the valve opens to reduce exhaust backpressure and generates a dramatic aural response. The engine management system allows further acoustic optimizations, including dynamic load-reversal damping.
Sporting performance, optimized efficiency.
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology helps the engines to develop their power instantaneously, gives them a vivacious appetite for revs and imbues them with impressive efficiency. The extensive array of BMW EfficientDynamics technology and the cars’ optimized aerodynamic properties also contribute to a further reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. For example, all BMW 640i models are all powered by an inline six-cylinder engine burning 0.2 liters less fuel per 100 kilometers than their direct predecessors (based on EU test cycle). The eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission also plays a role in the powertrain’s outstanding effectiveness thanks to its excellent internal efficiency, while its impressive fast-shifting ability sharpens the sporting characteristics of the new BMW 6 Series models.
As well as gearshift paddles on the steering wheel, the eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission also comes with a Launch Control function, which enables the driver to power away from the line with maximum dynamic force.
Cutting-edge suspension systems enhance dynamics and comfort.
State-of-the-art suspension technology honed even more precisely to each individual model strikes a fine balance between dynamic potency and comfort. And customers can specify sophisticated options to complement this technology: Dynamic Damper Control adapts its responses electronically to the situation at hand, and the Adaptive Drive system – which includes Active Roll Stabilization – further enhances the driving qualities of the new BMW 6 Series models.
In addition to controlling the amount of speed-dependent steering assistance generated and regulating the steering angle of the front wheels, Integral Active Steering also adjusts the steering angle of the rear wheels. This helps to reduce the amount of steering effort required, provides excellent agility in dynamic driving situations, ensures comfortable and assured responses when changing lanes and navigating through corners, and reduces the car’s turning circle.
BMW ConnectedDrive: Intelligent connectivity for the ultimate in driving pleasure
The progressive nature of the BMW 6 Series is also reflected in its diverse range of standard and optional driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive, which are aimed at optimizing convenience, safety and the use of infotainment functions. When it comes to the intelligent link-up of the driver, car and outside world, all new BMW 6 Series models play stand-out roles in their respective market segments.
All new BMW 6 Series come standard with on-board navigation system with touchpd controller, enhanced Bluetooth and USB interface. An embedded SIM card enables use of the stand enhanced BMW eCall system and BMW TeleServices, as well as data transfer for other functions, such as ConnectedDrive Services and Advanced Real Time Traffic Information for the navigation system.
Important information exactly where you want it: BMW Head-Up Display.
One of the highlights of the range of BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems is the BMW Head-Up Display, which projects relevant driving information onto the windshield using a full spectrum of color. As well as vehicle speed, 3D graphics also show Check Control messages, navigation information – including lane recommendations and speed limits – and further information supplied by the driver assistance systems in the driver’s direct field of view. When required, telephone contact lists and entertainment information can also be displayed.
The multifunction instrument display also contributes to the full-blooded driving pleasure laid on by the new BMW 6 Series. This variant of the cockpit display takes its cues from the mode selected using the Driving Dynamics Control switch, the graphics and colors of the displays indicating clearly which of the COMFORT, ECO PRO and SPORT settings has been engaged.
Speed Limit Info and the Lane Departure Warning system are also designed to promote assured driving. Meanwhile, the Park Distance Control, rear view camera and Surround View options help to provide a better overview of the area around the car and the road ahead. The optional Parking Assistant helps the driver to identify and drive into parallel parking spaces. Driving enjoyment and safety in darkness are enhanced by the standard Adaptive LED Headlights and the available BMW Night Vision system with pedestrian and animal recognition.
Active Cruise Control Stop & Go + Active Driving Assistant use intelligent connectivity to optimize safety.
Among the other innovative technologies on the options list is the Active Cruise Control Stop & Go + Active Driving Assistant safety package. This camera and radar-based driver assistance system includes the Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go function, the Lane Departure Warning system and a Pedestrian and Collision Warning system with Braking function. This system detects standing vehicles and vehicles travelling ahead and also, at speeds up to 37 mph, pedestrians who are on a potential collision course with the car. Visual and audible warnings are given if a hazardous situation is detected, and at the same time the brake system is primed in order to reduce the stopping distance. If the driver fails to react to the warning, the brakes are automatically engaged, if necessary applying maximum deceleration.
ConnectedDrive Services for greater convenience and mobile office functions.
An embedded SIM card in the BMW 6 Series models opens up new scope for mobile communications and the use of online services inside the car. ConnectedDrive Services take the levels of convenience and variety offered in the areas of onboard office applications, navigation capability and in-car information to unrivalled heights – thanks to innovative services such as the remote functions and the BMW Online portal. One feature unmatched by the new BMW 6 Series’ rivals is the Concierge Service from BMW ConnectedDrive. This option offers the driver a personal information service which – using a mobile phone connection – can be contacted via the iDrive menu around the clock, at the touch of a button and at no additional cost.
The staff at the call center can take care of hotel reservations, for example, look up flight information, seek out addresses of after-hours pharmacies or ATM machines and provide information on points of interest. Telephone numbers and addresses for the navigation system can be sent directly from the call center to the car and then transferred by the driver at the touch of a button into their navigation system.
Many other BMW ConnectedDrive services can be installed at any time using apps, via a smartphone or the embedded SIM card. Among other things, these apps support web radio functions, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, and the BMW ConnectedDrive range of online entertainment features, which offer access to more than 24 million music tracks and thousands of audio books. This flexible apps concept makes it possible to incorporate not just applications developed by the BMW Group but also “BMW Apps ready” applications from other providers.
