( Autoweek ) - Four years after the 6 Series reintroduction, BMW is revising the coupe and convertible for 2008.
Styling changes are subtle-so subtle that only those intimately familiar with the current model likely will notice differences in the car when it goes on sale in North America later this year. However, new driveline technology, including a brake energy regeneration system now in the 5 Series, improves the 6 Series' already impressive performance.
Exterior changes are many. They include a front bumper with a larger central cooling duct, redesigned headlamps with LED indicators, sharply chiseled side sills, a trunk lid that incorporates the high-mounted third brake light on coupe and convertible models, jewel-like lenses for the tail lamps, and a deeper rear bumper. Inside are new trim options and a simplified iDrive system with six preselect buttons, as introduced recently on other BMW models.
The 650i retains the same 4.8-liter V8 engine with 360 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed Sports Automatic (at no extra charge). In Europe, the 6 Series line includes a 630i 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder and a new 635d running a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel.