33 Votes

Next BMW 6-Series to get two distinct versions-Exclusive info

Agent001 submitted on 12/30/2007 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 1:03:50 PM

44 user comments | Category: Spy News | Source: www.autospies.com

Tag Link: 2011 BMW 6-Series

When the next 6-series appears somewhere down the road as a 2010 or 2011 model there will be a big difference in the way the model is marketed.

Sources tell the Spies that BMW has identified there are two differnent customers for the 6.

A luxury buyer and a sport buyer.

So the next 6 will get two models (luxury and sport) and the distinction between luxury and sport will show a marked difference.

With the current model you can get a sport package but it does not alter the design enough for the current customers being focus grouped.

The Spies think this is a great idea and we think this is going to be one of the key trends in the luxury market going forward.

We believe you will see it on cars like the next E-Class, 5-Series, Lexus GS and others.

And by the way, we're told the next 6-series is basically a 2-door version of the CS concept that was shown in Shanghai.

And thats a good thing.

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Next BMW 6-Series to get two distinct versions-Exclusive info

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User Comments

Interesting...

Though I don't see why BMW feels that they are unable to strike a 'balance' between Sport and Luxury.

Jaguar Sure Does With The XK-Series - Perfectly!
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 1:28:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

it appears that there are high-end coupe buyers who don't want a 50/50 balance. some would rather have something like 70/30 favoring sport or luxury.

makes sense when you think about it. for example...the sport buyer would be happy to have a firmer ride for better handling--not so the luxury buyer. and the luxury buyer would certainly give up a bit of acceleration for a couple hundred pounds of leather and luxury gizmos. make sense?
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 2:18:46 PM | | Votes: -1

balance implies a compromise. there is no reason why a luxury car should compromise. i see this as nothing more than a market segmentation bs
— vdiv (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 3:22:52 PM | | Votes: -6

vdiv:

it's not bs if you have TWO substantively different products. it's giving TWO sets of people with different needs what they want.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 4:02:50 PM | | Votes: -1

bmw already has a "sports" version, it's called the 3 coupe, and it is a substantively different product. i am amazed they managed not to mess it up as much as they did the "luxury" and, in my view, extremely overpriced 6-series. maybe geremy clarkson is right, the quintessential bmw is the 1-series, everything else is bloated crap.
— vdiv (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 10:47:17 PM | | Votes: -1

I agree with DaHarder. I want my vehicle to look sporty but be luxurious at the same time. When are the auto industry idiots going to wake up and give us one model with the customer having the ability to chose the suspension, tires, transmission, differential and seats that they want. We should be able to mix and match luxury and sport features instead of being herded into the luxury segment or sport segment. Some accessories are packaged into luxury or sport packages at rip-off prices. These accessories e.g. NAV System, sun roof, should always be stand-alone options. I love cars but I hate most of the auto execs that run the industry.
— EnnNorak (View Profile)

Posted on 12/31/2007 12:02:32 PM | | Votes: 3

vdiv:

so you're saying the $50,000 3-series is the 'sports' alternative to the $80,000 6-series. WRONG. different buyers with different means and different expectations of a car.

by your logic, the RS4 must be a 'sports' alternative to the A8 right?
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/1/2008 7:03:32 PM | | Votes: 3

This idea should work and would be nice if the sport model is cheaper than the luxury like the new C-Class.
— SHOWTIME (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 1:28:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The new C is a complete disappointment. It is cramped for interior space, the front bumper hangs too low to avoid costly damage, and the ride is far too harsh.
— EnnNorak (View Profile)

Posted on 12/31/2007 12:05:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

What BMW really need to sell this car is to get a new design. It has a great side elevation, interesting rear, and the ugiest front I've ever seen.

Droopy small eyes ruins everything.
— qweasdzxc (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 1:44:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

makes sense to give those two distinct groups more of what they really want...sport or luxury.

LOVE that the new 6-series will be guided by the gorgeous CS concept.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 2:15:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

How much physical change in apperance could BMW achieve other than maybe ground effects spoilers and such? We can't be talking about two distinct platforms that is not cost conscience. Engines and interior styling I understand, but I am curious how different looking the two models will appear to the naked eye.
— Terminal10 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 2:17:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I just hope that BMW doesn't go over the top with the sport/luxury trim by making the sport a not-so-poor man's M6, and making the luxury a 2-door 7-series.
— EvoAudi (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 3:20:04 PM | | Votes: 1

Well, isn't that essentially what it is now? A two-door 7 Series? Although it's based on the E60 platform, it has much more to do with the larger sedan.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 1/3/2008 1:02:13 AM | | Votes: 1

The next 6 will be the greatest improvment to bmw. if it is based on the cs... well that is just perfect. the cs was such a clean, neat, and expensive looking car, just what bimmer needs. if the cs-based 6 is good, and sells... why not continue it one the 3 series, or x5, or 1 series? it would freshen up every thing for bmw. a new look... a new era possibly. the thing about bmw is sometimes they try a little to hard. for example, the idrive. i hate, most people i know hate, but why does it stay? becuase it is innovative and unique enuogh to where it brings people to bmw to experience it for themselfs. if they don't like it... they move on, if they do like (not many do) they buy, just becuase its a bimmer. same thing here... if poeple like the style and its all good except for a little thing, some will move on or some will buy.

the 6 has alway been a slow selling car. too unusaul for the american taste. too... um, out of the box. most people like the cs syling, becuase its new and original and not to out of the box. the cs will change the face of bmw...

if successful
— pacotacolol (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 2:19:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

yeah, but think of the problems with idrive.
— user75 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 4:47:51 PM | | Votes: 0

well idrive is probably gonna be axed on the next 7 series
— pacotacolol (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 8:35:26 PM | | Votes: -1

^^^^^^^^^^^why do you alway post multiple times?
— user75 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 2:24:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Personally I think thats a stupid idea,and an excuse for BMW to rip off its customers by mnost probably offering the sport version for a 10k premium.

If I wanted a so called sport version of the BMW 6, I would then buy myself an M6 period.

I think thats just an idea to gouge its customers by another 10K more or less.

I may be wrong on this but then again I wouldn't so surprised if it happened.
— Johnel (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 3:10:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Imho, having sport and luxury models has always been a bit tacky.
— EvoAudi (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 3:21:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Is it really any different than today? They offer sport packages on their current cars for more money, right, just no substantial design differences.

Sounds like a benchmark the new C-Class has set for the industry with the marked differences in the grill for their C300 and C350.
— senorgato (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 3:23:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

You know what I like about the current 6-Series is the way the backend looks.

It looks like the tail section on a jet airliner with the way it curves downward.

:-)
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 7:37:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The technical term is a "Bangle Butt"
— EvoAudi (View Profile)

Posted on 12/31/2007 7:45:49 PM | | Votes: 0

Another original idea from BWM no doubt. Again, other companies had the nerve to copy them a few years ahead (i.e. ES vs IS).
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 8:03:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

what does IS vs. ES have to do with two versions of a 6-series? those are two completely different models. please explain...
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 8:13:18 PM | | Votes: 2

Hes just being a troll... a usual daily 'huu' activity...
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 12/31/2007 2:44:12 AM | | Votes: 3

kraut_master, youre full of beans!

The Germans have alway been way more advanced than most any other country.

Look at this jet they were designing to be used during WWII.

http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Fea1/301-400/Fea334_Ta-183_Dalton/images/01_ta183_8portrear2.jpg
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 9:07:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

hopefully if this true....the luxury models wont be any softer than the current models
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 8:21:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

This sounds like a good idea.
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 8:56:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

The current BMW 6-Series in my opinion is the best looking model BMW has. I wish they would of make the concept BMW M10 posted on this website awhile ago.

And I hope the next BMW 6-Series will look better than the current gen.
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 9:02:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

As a current 6-series owner I'm not too sure I like the sound of this idea. I optioned for the sport package on my 650i coupe but I probably wouldn't have had it compromised the luxury.

I just hope that they don't exclude certain options depending on what package you opt for.
— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 9:11:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

I also have a 650 sport package, convert.
The styling is different but has grown on me. I would agree the front anf back ends are not traditional.
Overall I live with the exterior, my lest favorite aspect of the car. However, I have been most impressed with the fit and finish, performance combined with luxury. Also recently went to the performance driving school, which was so much fun!!

So 2 segments of this car, in my opinion is probably not necessary.
This car appeals to a slightly different buyer than a pure sports car like the 911 or a mostly luxury car witha little sport like the MB SL.
— stevej125 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 9:44:09 PM | | Votes: 2

"original idea from bmw"? sounds like someone's been smoking too many bmw articles. MB is doing it with its C300/C350, to an extent.
— senorgato (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 9:18:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I would market a lighter, hardcore coupe with no convertible option for the hardcore, and for the luxury buyer, a retractable roof convertible where weight will not make much difference.
— stone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 10:34:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

You know, I think that's a bunch of hype when a car company does that.

How many people would actually consider buying a 6 Series like that?

It's like how many people listen to Pungent Stench or Napalm Death compared to how many people listen to The Beatles or Hannah Montana.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/30/2007 11:07:30 PM | | Votes: 1

This is going to make the 6 Series even better.
— bmwfan1513 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/31/2007 12:38:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Happy New Year!
— pacotacolol (View Profile)

Posted on 1/1/2008 10:12:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I guess I'm one of the few that doesn't like the CS concept. To me it looks like it was designed by a 1st yr student in design school, not a finished product that BMW would use. The front end is crude, and the Subaru WRX STi rear flanks look out of place.
As far as sport vs. luxury 6 series - why not just offer a sports package like offered on the 3 and 5 series.
— BMW995 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/2/2008 10:43:46 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

OMG, are you that clueless enthusiast?
2 distinct 6-series for two buyers in the same car class.
The ES and IS are the same car class, designed for two different buyers.
I get it, not seeing 'DIESEL' mentioned anywhere must have confused you.

M53,
If the truth hurts too much, read a BMW brochure.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/2/2008 11:11:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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