What a beautiful balance between luxury and mobility
In any case, the BMW 6 series that will be launched in 2003 will make tongues loose when it is launched. Its appearance is controversial, but wait with judgment until you have seen it in real life, we advise in 2003 … A look back at its arrival, already 20 years ago, and what AutoWeek did with the second 6-series in the early days of its career.
The balance between luxury, agility and refinement is optimal”, we write at the introduction. “After fifteen years there is another 6-coupe, and it was worth the wait: The 645 Ci is the first to be released to the consumer. At least if you have at least 101,000 euros in your pocket.
First comparison test: 6 Series against Jaguar XKR
“Mineral Silver Metallic versus Jaguar Racing Green.” For the first test confrontation, the Jaguar XKR Coupe is dragged out of the predatory cat enclosure: the BMW has 333 hp, the Jaguar 400. That does not stop the Bavarian newcomer from winning. We like the Jag (supercharged V8) but with the BMW you can go “rude fast… and it’s the most balanced of the duo.” But it doesn’t really matter that much. “The cars have such a distinct style and character that the potential buyer has long since made his personal choice.”
The 6-series Convertible can compete with a 911 Carrera S Convertible
There will also be a convertible and in 2005 we wonder whether such an open variant of the 645 Ci still has any meaning as a ‘real’ sports car. We also fire the same question at the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet. We marvel at the style difference: with Porsche it is back to the origins, the BMW is the avant-garde. Remarkable how that comes across now: the Porsche can still keep up while the BMW has really become a bit dated. Or are we judging too soon? The Porsche wins the duel: “It has the most attraction to offer, the BMW is more of a good-natured long-distance machine.” Read the PDF of the double test again.
The M6 against the Mercedes CLS 55 AMG
Little of that good-natured remains when you switch to the M6 with 507 hp. BMW’s supreme brute takes on the Mercedes CLS 55 AMG. There was no Gran Coupe of the 6-series we are discussing here, so a logical comparison? “Actually, you’re completely out of control if you want to compare these cars… the BMW is raw, the Benz still offers some comfort. We compare the Germans to Germanic gods: The M6 is Thor, the strongest god … defeating him, however, is almost impossible.” Enough said.
Last performance in 2008
The last appearance of this generation Six comes from Germany: in 2008 the colleagues from AutoBild put the then new Mercedes SL in the spotlight and repeat the duel with the 911 SC. “In the BMW seats you sink like in a water bed… The BMW and the Mercedes whisper, while the Porche roars.” And wins. “The Carrera is the real crack iron.” The Sechs ohne M especially knows how to impress with its GT capabilities. Even when the final judgment has been passed.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl