The changes to the new BMW 6-Series are hard to spot at first glance.

It’s case of spot the difference with the distinctive looking BMW 6-Series that’s just been updated.
A mild facelift to the large, four-seat luxury coupe has brought some extra equipment and minor styling revision to freshen a car competing in the most image conscious of segments.













Only enthusiasts will spot the revised bonnet (with 3-Series-like creases converging on the iconic kidney grille) and larger, 19-inch alloy wheels on the updated BMW 6-Series.

But those trainspotters will notice the V8 engine is linked to a revised exhaust set-up that forgoes traditional steel or chrome exhaust tips for a black finish to add an element of mystique to the challenging design that’s still dominated by a bulbous snout and chunky tail.

The 4.8-litre engine, too, still delivers 270kW of power, although given the lack of references to its capacity in the glossy brochure you get the impression the new V8 engine will soon adopt the twin turbochargers available in other BMW models, bringing improved performance and better economy.

Still, in line with BMW’s well marketed Efficient Dynamics – which uses various technologies to reduce fuel use without impacting driving dynamics – fuel economy is one area the 6-Series has improved by as much as 6.8 per cent thanks to adoption of a smart alternator that only operates when the car is decelerating.

However, it’s still no fuel miser, with the V8 using a claimed average of 10.5L/100km.

BMW 6-Series coupes – the sportier M version with the M5’s V10 engine doesn’t get the updates for now - accelerate to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds, while the 210kg heavier convertible takes another 0.4 seconds for the same benchmark sprint. The V8 in the 6-Series is linked to a standard six-speed automatic transmission. Inside, there’s the same basic dash layout that includes a pod housing a new colour screen on top of the dash.

The controversial iDrive system that replaced myriad buttons with a single control knob now gets changes made to those on other BMW models – namely the addition of buttons and a more user friendly menu system.

An onboard 80gb hard drive is indicative of minor value improvements to a car that sells from $227,300, plus on-road costs.

Seating in the BMW 6-Series is for four people, with the coupe offering a hard-top incorporating a generous sunroof.

The 6-Series convertible – it’s priced from $245,100, plus on-road costs - has a fabric folding roof that’s fully electric, retracting neatly in to the boot before repositioning the upright glass rear window to act as a wind deflector.

However, while the roof requires only the push of a button to operate, it can’t be opened or closed while the car is moving.

source: smh.com.au