BMW's All-New 6-Series

BMW will show a thinly-disguised concept version of its new 6-Series coupe at the Paris motor show. BMW has lifted the lid on its new 6-Series ahead of the Paris motor show, unveiling a “concept” coupe the company admits is close to the final production version.

The new 6-Series has lost the awkward boot of the current model and sports a more contoured bonnet and flanks, with a new crease line from the front wheel arches to the rear. The Concept 6-Series Coupe will pave the way for an all-new coupe and convertible 6-Series range that should make its way down-under in mid-2011.

The convertible will arrive ahead of the coupe and there’s also talk of a “shooting brake”-style two-door wagon on the horizon. BMW has previously confirmed it will build a four-door coupe-style limousine based on the Gran Coupe concept car unveiled at the Beijing motor show in April.

BMW Australia spokesman Piers Scott says there’s no word on the shooting brake concept, but suggests there could be “some exciting surprises”, first at Paris, then at Detroit in January next year. The 6-Series concept is shaped around the classic sports coupe bodylines of its predecessors, with a long bonnet and long wheelbase, short front overhang and a cockpit that appears to be positioned miles away from the nose of the car.

The new front end has what BMW describes as a “shark-nose” front end with a new-look grille and LED headlights. At the rear, the styling is more cohesive than the current model, with a revised boot, rear bumper, and an L-shaped tail-light design which incorporates LED brake, blinker, and tail lights.

BMW hasn’t yet confirmed what will power the new 6-Series, but it’s likely that BMW’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 will be available, both in its standard 300kW guise as well as the high-output 408kW version which is borrowed from the sporty X5 and X6 M models. Turbocharged six-cylinder petrol and diesel powerplants are also on the cards.

The interior of the new 6-Series Coupe borrows from the recently-launched 5-Series, but has been designed to be driver-centric, with a centre console that sweeps dramatically up into the dash, separating the driver from the passenger.

There’s also a new 26cm central screen which houses the new 6-Series iDrive system, and also acts as the controller for the Bang & Olufsen stereo system.BMW recently discontinued the current model 6-Series, as well as its optional high-revving V10 engine. (Kompas)