More kit but prices up for 6
BMW has freshened its 6 coupe and convertible for 2008Added equipment and price increases are the way of the world when it comes to midlife model updates, and it's no different at the rarified end of the new car spectrum. Thus BMW has made-over its 6 Series range for 2008, adding some aggression to the controversial-styled coupe and convertible's lines and equipment from up (and down) the family tree -- at a relatively modest dollar increase.
Though the changes are subtle, the 2008 6 gets new bodywork front and rear, as well as revised headlamps and taillights. New re-sculptured sills help visually lower the car, says BMW. The front air intakes are more aggressively styled and there are new integrated foglamps, while at the rear, the high-level stop lamp moves to the reprofiled boot spoiler.
Just one engine variant is offered in the non-M 6 Series hard and soft-top models, the same 270kW 4.8-litre V8 as is featured in the latest X5 4.8i and 550i.
Pumping out a useful 490Nm, the powerplant is unchanged in the update. What is changed is the gearbox. Featured on the 650i and now optional on selected 5 Series models, BMW's new Sports Automatic transmission promises faster reactions and shifts and says BMW, delivers "a myriad of [sic] advances and advantages for drivers".
No actual shift time improvements have been quoted by BMW Australia at this time. In practice, however, the box does seem more eager to respond in 'manual' gear mode -- whether the driver is using the new steering wheel mounted paddles or the electronic centre console lever. There is no longer a manual gearbox offered in the 6 Series Down Under.
As well as the upgraded gearbox, the new 650i models also feature a multi-faceted 'Sport' mode that at the push of a button further sharpens suspension, throttle response and steering characteristics. In terms of suspension response the difference is marked.
Hardly Spartan previously, the 650i Coupe and Convertible get even more luxury inside for 2008. The general softening of BMW's cockpits that we've seen across 1, 3 and 5 Series models continues in the 6, with the choice of new interior trims and colours offered in the update models.
The soft-top model gets Sun Reflective Technology leather as standard for the first time. Previously this was optional and required buyers to upgrade the level of leather trim at a cost of around $5000, says BMW.
The standard specification level for both the coupe and convertible vehicles has been enhanced with the update. Changes include addition of keyless entry and start, 'Soft Close' doors (from the 7 Series), the latest generation of cruise control (with brake Function), as well as the latest iDrive iteration (with 'Favourite' buttons) and revised USB/audio interface. Adjustable, active headrests augment the safety suite.
Options available for the first time include Night Vision ($4000), Lane Change Warning System ($1200), Active Cruise Control with 'Stop & Go function' ($4500), BMW's latest Individual premium sound system ($3000) and new active headlamps (Variable Light Distribution Technology).
BMW has increased the 650i Coupe's recommended retail to $212,000 while the 650i Convertible is now $228,800 (both a $6000 increase). The company claims that specification adjustments more than address the price increase.
At the very top of the BMW range, for 2008 the M6 coupe and soft-top models also pick up the interior and system changes detailed above plus added equipment such as soft-close doors, etc. The V10-engined seven-speed SMG equipped hotshoes are now priced from $279,400 for the Coupe.
This update defines the mid-life point for the 6 Series. There's no performance crisis, however -- thanks to the new gearbox the 650i Coupe cuts its 0-100 km sprint time from 5.5 to 5.2sec. The soft-top improves 0.2sec to 5.6sec. BMW claims combined fuel economy of 11.1L/100km for the Coupe with the soft-top 0.6L/100km thirstier, no doubt in part due to the open car's 210kg weight penalty.
BMW says around 86,000 6 Series models have been delivered worldwide in the three and a half years since its launch. Around 700 6 Series have found their way to Aussie owners -- almost two-thirds of them coupes.
Look out for the Carsales Network's launch review of the updated 6-Series range soon.
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