2012 BMW 6-Series

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The BMW 6-Series is completely redesigned for the 2012 model year. With this update, the 6-Series gets a more powerful engine and updated exterior styling. Test drivers note that it’s sleeker than before, but it doesn’t knock their socks off.

Reviewers deemed the 2010 BMW 6-Series a beautiful and upscale luxury coupe that would never make it as a true sports car. However, it looks like BMW wants to make the 6-Series sportier for the 2012 model year. BMW began with a complete redesign, and focused most of their updates on the exterior and the engine. Test drivers who’ve seen the 650i say it’s more streamline than the previous year, but it got a little bigger. They like that the 2012 model isn’t as chunky, but don’t think the upgrades to the front grille make  a dramatic difference. It still looks a lot like the conservative 2010 model. The 6-Series also grew inside, but so far, interior space is pretty much the same: the front seats are comfortable and the back seat is so tight that you can forget about putting passengers back there.

The engine, however, received a more significant upgrade. It now sports a 4.4-liter V8TwinPower Turbo engine. Compared to the 2010 model which had a 4.8-liter V8, the 4.4-liter makes 40 more horsepower and 90 more pound-feet of torque. Few journalists have tested this engine, so there are few critiques available. However, journalists from Autoblog had a chance to take it for a drive, and say that the 650i convertible is grand tourer – just like the 2010.

That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If you’re after a powerful sports car that’s best suited for weekend drives and commuting in style, the 2012 BMW 6-Series may be the perfect fit.

Other Sports Cars to Consider

Super luxury sports cars appeal to two types of drivers: ones after a combination of luxury and speed and ones that want one of the most powerful models on the market and don’t mind skimping in a few features. The BMW 6-Series appeals to shoppers in the first category, which means you’ll probably like the Mercedes-Benz SL. This hard top convertible is one of the most luxurious on the market. Its front seats are comfortable for taller passengers and can be fitted with upscale features like AIRSCARF, which keeps passengers warm when the convertible top is down. Such luxury isn’t cheap: The SL starts at about $103,000.

If you’re after performance, test drive the Porsche 911 Carrera. Not only do reviewers love its V6 engine, but they also call it one of the best performing sports cars on the market. One great thing about the 911 Carrera is that the base model is less than $80,000. It’s also available in three body styles – a hardtop, a soft top convertible and a glass targa roof – which means you can customize the Carrera to your liking. If you budget stops at about $80,000, watch out. The 911 Carrera can get super expensive, especially if you add an automatic transmission or get a targa or convertible top. Don’t be surprised if the price jumps to $100,000.

Details: 2010 BMW 6-Series

The BMW 6-Series is completely redesigned for the 2012 model year. What’s changed? For one thing, the 6-Series gets an engine that pumps out a lot more juice than its predecessor. The 2010 model had a 4.8-liter V8. The 2012 gets a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo engine that makes 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque.

The 6-Series debuts in the U.S. this spring, but only the convertible will be available. The coupe comes out later, but BMW hasn’t said when. The convertible starts at $91,375, making it one of the most expensive in the class.

• "Not only does the 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible share much of its DNA with the 5 and 7 Series sedans, it will also roll out of the same production plant in Dingolfing, Germany. It would also seem to share a similar sort of character: bigger and more powerful than the car it replaces, with a greater emphasis on technology and less adventurous styling." -- Edmunds

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