What's all this about?
BMW is reminding us that it has recently updated its trio of 6 Series models, the Coupé, Gran Coupé and Convertible. These revisions also apply to any version of it wearing the letter M and its associated tricolour stripe.
Why is BMW doing this?
Probably because the updates were so minor that nobody noticed; these cars have been on sale since 1st March. But then, as 80,000 pre-facelift version of the Six were shifted globally in its three years on sale, there was no need for Munich to get drastic on it. Worldwide, the Gran Coupé now accounts for 50 per cent of Sixes sold.
Could you remind me what has changed?
Inside, just new trim materials, centre console surfaces and lighting. Obviously, as per BMW's recent announcement about fleet-wide satnav, every model gets ConnectedDrive navigation and infotainment, while there are more personalisation options too. Outside, it's like a particularly tough game of spot the difference. The kidney grilles now feature nine bars instead of ten (no, we're not kidding), and they're black on the six-cylinder cars and matt aluminium on the V8s. There's a full-width air intake in the front bumper and LED headlights are standard fit, while round the back a horizontal chrome bumper insert makes the car look wider. New side mirrors, alloys and exterior colours round up the changes.
Is there anything else you'd like to tell me?
The petrol Sixes have a sports exhaust with a switchable valve in them, which makes the car louder under full throttle.
What are the models and what are the prices?
There's the 640d (313hp, 630Nm, 0-62mph in at most 5.5 seconds and economy up to 54.3mpg with 139g/km CO2), the 640i (320hp, 450Nm, 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds and 38.2mpg with 172g/km), the 650i (450hp, 650Nm, 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and 32.9mpg with 199g/km) and the M6 (560hp, 680Nm, 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds and 28.5mpg with 231g/km). All cars are electronically limited to a 155mph top speed. The range starts at £62,295 for the 640d Coupé/Gran Coupé and rises to £97,300 for the M6 Convertible.
Matt Robinson - 28 May 2015
