BMW is having a quieter year at the North American International Auto Show, but that doesn’t mean our favorite Bavarian motor works didn’t bring anything new to Detroit.
They’ve used this week to launch the update of the 6 Series, showing off moderately refreshed versions of all three body styles. The 6 Series Coupe, 6 Series Convertible, and 6 Series Gran Coupe will all be coming to market with new standard equipment. Most notably, this includes full LED headlights and new interior LED accents. Those with a keen eye will also note that the front end of the 6 Series has been reworked. There are now nine slats in each kidney grille instead of ten. Read the press release here for more details.
What is perhaps the bigger story coming from BMW’s booth in Detroit are the rumors that the next M5 and M6 will feature all-wheel drive. This follows a quote from BMW M chief Franciscus van Meel where he states that “The philosophy will remain rear-wheel drive, even if there is all-wheel drive … As we increase power and torque, then the M5 will have large outputs, so we’ll look at [all-wheel drive] solutions with these cars in the future.”
More power requires more grip. Makes enough sense. BMW’s existing all-wheel drive technology, the xDrive system, already has a rear-wheel bias, but it remains to be seen if the M division will merely adapt that system or improve upon it.
Herr van Meel was also quoted as saying there might be a future “business opportunity” for the X3/X4, which could mean M versions of those cars are in the works.
Leith BMW is still your best local source for BMW news, as well as the official BMW dealer for the Raleigh area.