Photo: SB Medien
Usually, when BMW releases a facelift for a new model, they focus on upgrading the technical bits to keep up with the times and the visual changes are small to non-existent and usually focused on the exterior. This time, though, things seem to be different.
Our team of spy photographers caught up with the 6 Series facelift models once again and they noticed something rather interesting. The interior of one of them was wearing camouflage, as if something new was in the works and BMW didn’t want us to see it.
Since the new model is supposed to come out next year as a 2016 model, it’s rather understandable why BMW would want to change some things inside. If there’s one thing most people complain about on recent models, it’s the cabin.
And we’re not referring to the materials or the fit and finish. We’re referring to the design that doesn’t seem all that new compared to older models. Basically, it’s just a slight evolution over the last 10 years.
Since the new 7 Series that will also be unveiled next year, at Frankfurt, will have a completely new interior (as our sources claim) the 6 Series should keep up with it. Don’t get your hopes up, though.
Judging by the photos posted below, you can only expect slight changes around the cabin, not a complete rework. The center console will have slightly reshaped HVAC controls most likely, along with a new face for the CD player, right under the center vents. The display also seems a bit bigger, according to our photographers.
Could that be a sign that the new iDrive will be making it on the 6 Series as well? Probably not, considering the major revamp the system will be getting and the new touchscreen integration. Those will most likely be launched on the 7 Series for the first time.
Up front, the headlamps will be reshaped only slightly as well as the air intakes in the front bumper. You might’ve also noticed the camouflage on the front fenders but don’t expect any changes over there either.
On the rear, the taillights appear to be the same in size but small details could pop up once the camo is taken off. The strip of camouflage going from end to end seems to point to a new chrome strip a là 7 Series but we think it’s rather a new crease for the boot lid cover.
The new plant will bring about new designations for the 2, 3 and 4 Series range, replacing the 335i moniker with the 340i (240i and 440i too, of course). The power output they are rumored to be making is close to 330 HP.
The 640i model already uses an upgraded version of the N55 plant, however, the one that makes 320 HP. Therefore, we’re expecting the new 640i to be rated somewhere closer to 350 HP with the torque figure going up to around 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) as well.
Other than that, a new software for the 8-speed gearbox and some new ratings in mpg and CO2 emissions are expected but nothing more. The production of the new model is expected to kick off in July.
Since the new model is supposed to come out next year as a 2016 model, it’s rather understandable why BMW would want to change some things inside. If there’s one thing most people complain about on recent models, it’s the cabin.
And we’re not referring to the materials or the fit and finish. We’re referring to the design that doesn’t seem all that new compared to older models. Basically, it’s just a slight evolution over the last 10 years.
Since the new 7 Series that will also be unveiled next year, at Frankfurt, will have a completely new interior (as our sources claim) the 6 Series should keep up with it. Don’t get your hopes up, though.
Judging by the photos posted below, you can only expect slight changes around the cabin, not a complete rework. The center console will have slightly reshaped HVAC controls most likely, along with a new face for the CD player, right under the center vents. The display also seems a bit bigger, according to our photographers.
Could that be a sign that the new iDrive will be making it on the 6 Series as well? Probably not, considering the major revamp the system will be getting and the new touchscreen integration. Those will most likely be launched on the 7 Series for the first time.
The exterior
On the outside, you probably already guessed that not a lot will change either. Our latest photos show that only key areas of the design will be restyled, mostly on the front and rear fascia.Up front, the headlamps will be reshaped only slightly as well as the air intakes in the front bumper. You might’ve also noticed the camouflage on the front fenders but don’t expect any changes over there either.
On the rear, the taillights appear to be the same in size but small details could pop up once the camo is taken off. The strip of camouflage going from end to end seems to point to a new chrome strip a là 7 Series but we think it’s rather a new crease for the boot lid cover.
The tech details
Under the bonnet we might see less improvements than you might expect. Since the 6 Series uses engines of a rather large displacement (over 3-liters) we reckon only the N55 plant will be replaced with the new generation B58 mill that is supposed to be launched first on the 3 Series facelift at Geneva.The new plant will bring about new designations for the 2, 3 and 4 Series range, replacing the 335i moniker with the 340i (240i and 440i too, of course). The power output they are rumored to be making is close to 330 HP.
The 640i model already uses an upgraded version of the N55 plant, however, the one that makes 320 HP. Therefore, we’re expecting the new 640i to be rated somewhere closer to 350 HP with the torque figure going up to around 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) as well.
Other than that, a new software for the 8-speed gearbox and some new ratings in mpg and CO2 emissions are expected but nothing more. The production of the new model is expected to kick off in July.
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