BMW 6 Series (F12)


The third generation of the BMW 6 Series consists of the BMW F12, BMW F13 and BMW F06 grand tourers. The F12/F13/F06 generation was produced from 2011 to 2018 and is often collectively referred to as the F12.
The F12 uses a shortened version of the F10 5 Series platform and shares many features with the 5 Series.
The M6 version is powered by the S63 twin-turbocharged V8 engine mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. It is the first M6 model to use a turbocharged engine.
Production of the F12 generation ended when the Gran Coupe models were discontinued in September 2018. The successor to the F12, the BMW 8 Series, began production in June 2018.

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. The exterior was designed by Nader Faghihzadeh, and the interior by Christian Bauer.
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.
Initial models included the 640i and 650i, while 640d and 650i xDrive models were later added to the lineup. The kerb weight of the model range is.

Body styles

Convertible (F12)

The first convertible models were released in March 2011 and were produced until May 2018.

Coupé (F13)

The first coupé models were released in June 2011 and were produced until October 2017.

Gran Coupé (F06)

The F06 Gran Coupé is the four-door coupé variant of the 6 Series, and was launched in June 2012 at the Geneva International Motor Show. The design of the Gran Coupé was inspired by the 2007 BMW CS Concept.
The wheelbase of the Gran Coupé is longer than the F13 coupé, and the same length as the BMW F10 5 Series. Compared with the F13 coupé, the body is longer, and taller. The Gran Coupé has a 4+1 seating arrangement, meaning there are two full-size rear seats, and one smaller rear middle seat.
Produduction of the Gran Coupe models began in March 2012 and ended in September 2018. and were produced until September 2018.

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

Transmissions

Most models were only available with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The M6 models were available with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a 6-speed manual transmission in the United States.
The available transmissions are:
Top speed for all models is electronically limited to.

Petrol engines

Diesel engines

Special models

M6 version

The M6 version was produced in convertible, coupé and four-door coupé body styles. It was launched in the coupé body style alongside the standard 6 Series Gran Coupé at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and at the Auto Mobil International Leipzig in convertible form.
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. In the United States, a 6-speed manual transmission was also available.
Compared to the standard car, the M6 features M-styling, merino leather upholstery, an M-specific head-up display, and a carbon fibre roof.

Alpina B6

The B6 Gran Coupé xDrive was launched in 2014 and is a high performance model based on the 650i, made by Alpina. It shares the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 found in the B5 BiTurbo rated at and, with a top speed of. B6 models receive 20-inch alloy wheels, aerodynamic elements, and exclusive trim and paint options. In 2015, the B6 was refreshed and received performance improvements of and, and now had a top speed of.
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. It is sold by BMW in the United States and Canada, and is also independently sold by Alpina in other countries.

Model year changes

2012

At the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, BMW introduced the F06/F12/F13 facelift models:
The F12/F13/F06 6 Series was produced at the Dingolfing BMW plant.
The following are production figures for the F12/F13/F06:
YearTotal
20119,396
201223,193
201327,687
201423,988
201520,962
201613,400
201711,052
Total:129,678

Awards