The third generation of the
BMW 6 Series consists of the BMW F12 (two-door convertible version), BMW F13 (two-door coupé version) BMW F06 (four-door "Gran Coupé" version)
executive-sizedgrand tourers. The F12/F13/F06 generation was produced from 2011 to 2018 and is often collectively referred to as the F12.
The F12 shares a platform and many features with the
F10 5 Series and
F01 7 Series, with the two-door F12/13 models having a shorter wheelbase than the F10, while the four-door F06's wheelbase matches the F10's.
The
M6 versions are powered by the
S63 twin-turbocharged V8 engine mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.[3][4] It is the first M6 model to use a turbocharged engine.
Production of the F12 generation ended, first with the Coupé in February 2017, then the convertible in February 2018, and finally Gran Coupé models which were discontinued in September 2018.[5] The successor to the F12, the
BMW 8 Series (G15), began production in June 2018.[6] The 6 Series nameplate was re-used for the
BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo (G32) which is still
executive-sized being based upon the contemporary
5 Series (G30) and has features of a four-door coupé like frameless doors and sloping rear roofline; however unlike the F06 Gran Coupé which is a sedan the G32 Gran Turismo is a 5-door
liftback succeeding the
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo (F07).
Initial models included the 640i and 650i, while 640d and 650i xDrive models were later added to the lineup.[12] The kerb weight of the model range is 1,715–1,985 kg (3,781–4,376 lb).[citation needed]
Body styles
F12 convertible
F13 coupé
F06 Gran Coupé
Convertible (F12)
The first convertible models were released in March 2011[13] and were produced until May 2018.[14]
Coupé (F13)
The first coupé models were released in June 2011[15] and were produced until October 2017.[16]
The wheelbase of the Gran Coupé is 117 mm (4.6 in) longer than the F13 coupé,[21] and the same length as the
BMW F10 5 Series. Compared with the F13 coupé, the body is 112 mm (4.4 in) longer, and 23 mm (0.9 in) taller.[22] The Gran Coupé has a 4+1 seating arrangement, meaning there are two full-size rear seats, and one smaller rear middle seat.[23] Compared to the
F01 7 Series, the Gran Coupe has a larger trunk (16.2 cubic feet versus 14 cubic feet) less headroom in the back seats due to the sloping rear roof line.[24]
Production of the Gran Coupe models began in March 2012 and ended in September 2018.[25][26][27] Although production ended in the fall of 2018, the F06 Gran Coupe was available in the 2019 model year.
6-speed
Getrag GS6-53BZ (650i / M6 models in US markets only)[31]
Equipment
The F06/F12/F13 6 Series introduced selectable driving modes with ECO PRO, Comfort, and Sport, affecting the acceleration, transmission shift points, and
climate control system.[32]
Convertible models feature sun reflective front seats, and Gran Coupé models feature 60:40 split-folding rear seats.[33] 6 Series models are also available with the M Sport package, featuring M exterior and interior styling, LED foglights, 19-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, and an
Alcantara interior.[34] Additional options include
automatic parking, a
Bang & Olufsensurround sound speaker system, and all-wheel drive (
xDrive).[35]
M Performance Parts can be fitted to all models. These include black grilles, carbon fibre mirrors, a sport exhaust system, M rims, sport pedals, a sport steering wheel and a carbon fibre gear selector.
The M6 version was produced in convertible (F12), coupé (F13) and four-door coupé (F06) body styles. It was launched in the coupé body style alongside the standard 6 Series Gran Coupé at the 2012
Geneva Motor Show,[36] and at the
Auto Mobil International Leipzig in convertible form.[37]
It is powered by the
S63 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8. In most countries, the only transmission offered was a
Getrag 7-speed
dual-clutch transmission (called "M-DCT"). In the United States, a 6-speed manual transmission was also available.[38]
Compared to the standard car, the M6 features M-styling, merino leather upholstery, an M-specific
head-up display, and a
carbon fibre roof.[39]
The
Alpina B6 Gran Coupé xDrive was launched in 2014 and is a high performance model based on the 650i.[40] It shares the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 found in the
B5 BiTurbo rated at 397 kW (532 hp) and 730 N⋅m (538 lb⋅ft), with a top speed of 318 km/h (198 mph).[41] B6 models receive 20-inch alloy wheels, aerodynamic elements, and exclusive trim and paint options.[42] In 2015, the B6 was refreshed and received performance improvements of 59 kW (79 hp) and 70 N⋅m (52 lb⋅ft), and now had a top speed of 324 km/h (201 mph).[43]
The B6 was manufactured alongside the regular 6 Series in
Dingolfing, and was then completed with remaining components at the Alpina factory in
Buchloe, Bavaria.[44][45] Alpina independently sells the B6 in most countries. However, the B6 is sold by BMW in the United States and Canada alongside BMW's own M6; with the M6 being sportier and more responsive (due to its dual-clutch transmission, turbochargers, and lighter weight being rear-wheel drive only) while the B6 is geared more towards on-road driving rather than the racetrack. [46]
Exterior changes include redesigned hood, front and rear bumpers, LED fog-lights, adaptive LED headlights, turn signals on the wing mirrors, revised wheel design, and new paint colours.[55][56]
Models feature an updated iDrive system with a 10.2-inch touch-sensitive glass display.[61]
2017
Production of Coupé models was discontinued in February.
Models now available with iDrive 5 with Professional Navigation.[62]
2018
Production of Convertible models was discontinued in February, while Gran Coupé models was discontinued in September.
2019
Gran Coupé remained on sale for the 2019 model year with some standard features added, being sold alongside the
BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo (G32).[63] Both the Gran Coupé (final year of sale, as production ceased in 2018) and the Gran Turismo (which continued to be available outside the USA) were discontinued in the USA market after the 2019 model year. [64]