Tag Archives: 6 Series
4 Things To Remember About The 2018 BMW 6-Series
Did you know that the BMW 6-Series originally started out as a sporty coupe? The current generation includes a sedan called the Gran Coupe. For the 2018 model lineup, BMW is adding more and taking away some of those unloved cars under the 6-Series.
According to a report, the 2018 model-year will see BMW moving away from the coupe body style to introduce a five-door liftback called the 6-Series Gran Turismo. This is the replacement for the 5-Series Gran Turismo, which even BMW lovers are not a fan of. BMW hopes that the more premium aesthetics and feel of the liftback will attract enthusiasts back.
1. BMW 6-Series Wide Range of Vehicles
BMW’s 6-Series now has a “complete” range of vehicles: a convertible, a sedan, and a liftback. The convertible and sedan, which are both based on previous-generation design, will soon be phased out while the liftback is based on the German automaker’s latest platform.
2. Convertible and Coupe to be Phased Out
The 6-Series convertible and coupe will be replaced for the 2018 model year by the new 8-Series models. BMW hasn’t revealed yet if there are plans to make an 8-Series Gran Coupe, but both China and the United States are big fans of sedans, so that maybe bound to happen.
3. 2018 6-Series in Powertrains
The 6-Series GT is being offered exclusively in 640i xDrive guise for the 2018 model year. The trim will come packing a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that produces 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. It also arrives with the standard 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive system.
There would likely be more powertrain options once the launch was done, including a 630i option and the more powerful M650i option. The latter will most probably pack a 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8 engine that will have an output of 455 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque.
4. Tech Goodies in Surplus
Since the 6-Series will be based on the latest platform coming out of BMW’s plant, it’s safe to assume that the series will also receive all the tech goodies from the platform—LED headlights, self-leveling air suspension at the rear axle, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen display, voice activation, numerous electronic driver aids, and gesture control.
2018 BMW 6 Series Convertible vs Mercedes SL Roadster
Let’s get this out of the way: the 2018 BMW 6 Series Convertible has a whopping price tag of $85,100, which comes very far from the likes of the Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet and the Audi S5 Cabriolet. Because of that, we’re pitting this against the SL Roadster, which is very much its competitor, price-wise in particular.
Based on the spy shots, the 6 Series is sporting a new fascia, grille, and headlights. The front end will have slightly wider kidney grilles, sleeker and slimmer headlights, and some other minor restyling. There could also be some changes in the overall bodyline.
There are two different trims available for the US market. The 640i and the 640i xDrive will get the 3.0-liter, twin-turbo, inline-6 while the 650i and the 650i xDrive will get the 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V-8. The 3.0-liter should produce around 350 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque while the 4.4-liter should cough up at least 475 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.
Each engine will be paired with a “sport” automatic transmission while xDrive models get an all-wheel drive. Non-xDrive models get a rear-wheel drive.
Mercedes SL Roadster
If you’re planning to spend $90,000 on a car and don’t really need a backseat, then you can check out the Mercedes SL Roadster. It’s an evil little car in terms of sportiness, power, and speed. Currently, it’s available in four trim levels—the entry-level SL450 at $86,950 can deliver 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque thanks to the 3.0-liter V-6.
On the other end is the AMG SL63 and SL65, which are priced at $151,250 and $219,850, respectively. The SL63 makes use of a 5.5-liter V-8 machine that comes up with 577 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. The SL65 has a 6.0-liter engine that produces 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque.
The 2017 Mercedes SL Roadster has many improvements on the exterior and interior, but none is better than what it changed outside. This model now has a power-folding hardtop that has a speed of 40kph or 25mph. It has a redesigned front and rear fascia, with the former coming with large air inlets under the new LED headlights, chrome or carbon fiber accents. You can choose from either a 10-spoke or five-spoke designs for the 19-inch wheels. Aside from the existing color palettes, the 2017 model welcomed two more colors—Brilliant Blue and Selenite Grey Magno.