Sometimes, fixing a minor blemish here and accentuating a detail there is all that's needed to convey a sense of change while retaining a familiar feel. With the 2008 6 Series, BMW is banking they've done just that.
Under the hood, the 4.8-liter V-8 -- rated at 360 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque -- is a carryover from the 2007 model, and 0-60 mph times remain at 5.3 seconds for the coupe and 5.6 seconds for the convertible. The six-speed manual also stays as the base transmission.
But the SMG and Steptronic automatic options have both been shown the door. In their place is BMW's new six-speed Sport Automatic transmission (also available on the 2008 5 Series) with steering-wheel paddle shifters. Sport Automatic is designed to match rpms during downshifts and also comes with a Sport button that BMW says delivers even quicker, more dynamic shift action.
Exterior updates include a slightly larger air intake, more extruded side sills, and LED-accented headlights similar in detail to the design seen on the Audi R8. The crystalline effect LEDs located above the bi-xenon beams also act as the turn signals. The car's rump has been rounded out slightly, with the center brake light now integrated into the chunkier spoiler lip. To fit the modified sheetmetal, the now LED taillights have been reshaped. New color options are also available.
In the cabin, new and updated leather and trim options have been added to the mix. The much maligned iDrive also gets a few updates in an effort to make it easier to get to favorite functions. In the convertible, the leather upholstery gets BMW's innovative SunReflective Technology. First seen on the 2007 3 Series convertible, the specially-treated leather helps to reflect much of the sun's infra-red radiation, resulting in a significant reduction of seat temperatures.
Also added to the 6 Series option list are the automaker's lane departure warning system, adaptive cruise control with a 'stop and go' heavy traffic feature and newly-developed adaptive headrests, most of which have also been introduced on the 2008 5 Series.