BMW 6 Series (F12)

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-sized grand 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).

Development and launch

The new 6 Series was first shown as the "BMW Concept 6 Series" coupé concept car at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.[7][8] The exterior was designed by Nader Faghihzadeh,[9][10] and the interior by Christian Bauer.[11]

Unusually for BMW, the production version of the convertible was released before the coupé. The convertible version was officially introduced in January at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, while the coupé was introduced in April at the Shanghai Auto Show and New York Auto Show. The Gran Coupé was introduced at the 2012 New York Auto Show and the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

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 1715 - 1985 kg.

Body styles

Engines

Top speed for all models is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Transmissions

Most models were only available with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The M6 was available with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (called "M-DCT"), and a 6-speed manual transmission in the United States.[30]

The automatic transmissions consist of:[31][32]

The manual transmission option was a consists of:

• 8-speed ZF 8HP45Z automatic (640i)
• 8-speed ZF 8HP70Z automatic (640d / 650i)
• 7-speed Getrag GS7-D36BG dual-clutch automatic (M6)

• 6-speed Getrag GS6-53BZ (650i / M6 models in US markets only)[33]

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.[34]

Convertible models feature sun reflective front seats, and Gran Coupé models feature 60:40 split-folding rear seats.[35] 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.[36] Additional options include automatic parking, a Bang & Olufsen surround sound speaker system, and all-wheel drive (xDrive).[37]

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.

M6 model

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,[38] and at the Auto Mobil International Leipzig in convertible form.[39]

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.[40]

Compared to the standard car, the M6 features M-styling, merino leather upholstery, an M-specific head-up display, and a carbon fibre roof.[41]

Alpina B6

The Alpina B6 Gran Coupé xDrive was launched in 2014 and is a high performance model based on the 650i.[42] It shares the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 found in the B5 BiTurbo rated at 397 kW and 730 Nm, with a top speed of 318 kph.[43] B6 models receive 20-inch alloy wheels, aerodynamic elements, and exclusive trim and paint options.[44] In 2015, the B6 was refreshed and received performance improvements of 59 kW and 70 Nm, and now had a top speed of 324 kph.[45]

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.[46][47] 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. [48]

Yearly changes

Production volumes

The F12/F13/F06 6 Series was produced at the Dingolfing BMW plant.

The following are production figures for the F12/F13/F06:[68]

Awards

• 2011 Red Dot Award (6 Series Convertible)[76]
• 2011 Good Design Award (6 Series Coupé and Convertible)[77]
• 2012 iF Gold Award for Outstanding Design (6 Series Coupé)[77]
• 2012 iF Product Design Award (6 Series Convertible)[77]
• 2012 Red Dot Award (BMW 6 Series Coupé and Gran Coupé)[77]