BMW Reveals the Lightly Refreshed 2016 6 Series

2016 BMW 6 Series Grand Coupe (Credit: © BMW)

BMW has been steadily updating its entire lineup over the past few years and now it’s the 6 Series’ turn for some updates. Unlike what it has done with other models in its lineup, the 6 Series is only receiving a mild update that is nearly unnoticeable without the 2015 and 2016 models side by side.

Heading into 2016, the 6 Series will continue in its three variants — Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe — and the one with the most significant changes is the Grand Coupe. Last year, BMW moved the 6 Series Coupe and Convertible to a wide, single-opening air intake on the lower apron, while the Grand Coupe kept the multiple openings. Well, for 2016, the Grand Coupe is adopting the single-opening look, giving it the most obvious separation between the 2015 and 2016 model years.

Also changed up is the grille, which is larger than last year’s model. Helping enhance its larger appearance is a reduction in vertical bars that the grille contains from 10 in 2015 to nine in the 2016 model year. The contour of the bars in the grille give it a more protruding appearance, giving the 6 Series a more aggressive look. The fog lamp surrounds are also modified slightly, accenting the aforementioned single-opening grille with a chrome surround on the Convertible models and a gloss-black surround on the Coupe and Grand Coupe models.

The front-end  facelift is wrapped up with slightly revised headlights. These new units features a revised high- and low-beam positioning, and the turn-signal indicators are now integrated into the accent strips on the top of the headlights — in 2015 they were on the bottom of the headlight.

2016 BMW 6 Series Grand Coupe (Credit: © BMW)

Down the sides, BMW slightly revised the side-view mirrors to decrease aerodynamic drag and added thin turn-signal repeaters to the mirror caps. Additionally, the Grand Coupe receives a revised window surround that better accentuates the shape of the greenhouse and “Grand Coupe” lettering on a panel on the trailing edge of the rear-door window.

Around back, the 6 Series gains a chrome strip just under the license plate holder to help enhance the wide stance of the model. On six-cylinder models, there are larger exhaust surrounds, plus there are new 20-inch wheel designs across the board and new exterior colors.

2016 BMW 6 Series Grand Coupe (Credit: © BMW)

Under the hood of the 2016 6 Series, things carry over nearly unchanged. The 640i carries a 315-horsepower, 3.0-liter engine; the 650i is powered by a 4.4-liter V-8 with 445 ponies; and the M6 carries a 4.4-liter V-8 with 560 horsepower. BMW was able to make the 640i slightly more efficient, reducing its EU cycle consumption by 0.2L per 100 km; sure, that’s not much, but any little bit helps.

There is no pricing available for the 2016 BMW 6 Series lineup, but it will hit dealers in the first quarter of 2015.