We’ve known for some time now that BMW would switching its 6 Series model line from the sleek, svelte coupe that it currently is to a frumpy Gran Turismo model. We’ve even seen pictures of the new 6 Series GT driving around in all of its frumpy glory. Yet, could we be wrong in thinking that BMW isn’t also working on a svelte sports car to wear the 6 Series nameplate, something that could compete with the Porsche 911?
The upcoming BMW 8 Series Coupe and Convertible will be replacing what we know as the current 6 Series, as the grand-touring coupe/convertible in BMW’s lineup. However, that car will grow in size, luxury and price, to compete with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe/Cabrio. So there will be a void in BMW’s lineup where the 6 Series used to be and where the Porsche 911 resides. It’s a spot the BMW should fill, regardless of whether or not it plans to.
Porsche’s 911 has been the most popular and successful sports car in the segment for decades. It’s the quintessential luxury sports car in its price range and the car that every other carmaker tries to beat. Mercedes-Benz currently has its own Porsche 911 fighter, in the Mercedes-AMG GT, and even Audi is planning on an entry-level R8 to take on the 911. So it would only make sense for BMW to create another 6 Series Coupe to do battle with the famous Porsche.
It also wouldn’t be unheard of for BMW to develop to completely different types of car with the same nameplate. It did it with the 3 Series and 5 Series Gran Turismo, as BMW sold regular sedan variants of both those cars. BMW also currently sells the 2 Series Coupe/Convertible and the 2 Series Active Tourer. So it’s not like it would be completely out of line for BMW to make a 6 Series Coupe and a 6 Series Gran Turismo.
However, I think it’s smart for BMW to create the 8 Series first. Let the top-of-the-line 8 Series set the standard for style, technology and luxury and then borrow from that. From what we’ve seen of spy photos of the new 8 Series, it’s going to be a real looker, with long, sexy coupe styling that evokes images of the Aston Martin DB9. So if the 6 Series can borrow some of the 8 Series’ looks, just in a smaller package, as well as its luxuries and technologies, it would be better off. Plus, with the 8 Series occupying the space in BMW’s lineup for a grand tourer, the 6 Series could be more focused on performance, much like the 911. It wouldn’t have to straddle that line between sports car and GT car like the current model does. This seems like the best case scenario for BMW and something we hope happens in the future.
