Did BMW Really Discontinue the 6 Series? What Happened and Why
The BMW 6 Series has been an iconic flagship grand touring coupe and convertible model in the German automaker’s lineup since 1976. With its combination of luxury, performance, and distinctive styling, the 6 Series earned a reputation over multiple generations as the pinnacle of BMW driving dynamics and passenger comfort.
So it came as a surprise to many BMW enthusiasts when the company announced in 2018 that it was discontinuing the 6 Series after over 40 years of continuous production.
Did BMW really stop making the legendary 6 Series for good?
Yes, BMW officially discontinued the 6 Series coupe and convertible models in 2018. Production of the second-generation 6 Series (F06/F12/F13) ended after the 2017 model year.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at the history of the 6 Series, why BMW ultimately decided to drop it from their lineup, what models are replacing it, and whether the iconic 6 Series nameplate could eventually make a comeback.
Background – The Evolution of the BMW 6 Series Over Four Decades
The 6 Series story begins back in 1976 when BMW launched the original E24 model, the first BMW coupe with a six-cylinder engine. This two-door luxury grand tourer was designed to be sportier and more dynamic than the larger CS and E3 sedans of the era.
The E24 6 Series gained fame in popular culture as the vehicle of choice for Thomas Magnum in the hit 80s TV show Magnum P.I. Its handsome styling, potent engines, and agile handling made it an aspirational coupe for over a decade until production ended in 1989.
In 2003, BMW resurrected the 6 Series badge for an all-new grand touring coupe – the E63/E64. This generation lasted from 2003-2010 and offered more luxury and technology than ever before. Standout variants included the high-performance BMW M6 model and the 650i convertible.
The second-gen 6 Series received a complete redesign in 2011, launching the F12 coupe and F13 convertible models. These were larger yet more fuel efficient than their predecessors, with an even more opulent interior befitting a flagship grand tourer.
Over its lifetime, the 6 Series established itself as BMW’s premier luxury coupe and convertible, a step above the smaller 4 Series in size, performance, and prestige. While it wasn’t a huge sales success like BMW’s SUVs and sedans, the 6 Series had an outsize impact on the brand’s image and served as a technology showcase.
Why Did BMW Discontinue the 6 Series in 2018?
If the 6 Series was so important for BMW, what led to its downfall? There were a few key factors behind BMW’s decision to ax the model after over 40 years:
Declining Sales
Despite its heritage, 6 Series sales had been steadily declining, especially in the United States. BMW sold just over 4,000 units in 2017, down over 50% from 2011. Coupes in general were falling out of favor.
Shift Toward SUVs
Like other automakers, BMW adapted its lineup to capitalize on America’s growing appetite for SUVs over coupes and sedans. The BMW X vehicles became the company’s sales drivers.
Model Overlap
The 6 Series started to lose its place in the BMW portfolio as the company expanded its offerings of luxury coupes and cabriolets. The 8 Series and Z4 Roadster covered similar ground but with more distinction.
Brand Positioning
Discontinuing the 6 Series was part of BMW’s wider strategy to streamline its model range and differentiate models more clearly. The newly launched 8 Series Coupe and Cabrio could serve as the flagship luxury 2-door, allowing BMW to position the 6 Series as redundant.
While the 6 Series had a long, successful run, its discontinuation made sense from a business perspective as market tastes and the BMW lineup evolved. But for many enthusiasts, losing this iconic grand touring coupe still stung.
What Models Are Replacing the 6 Series in BMW’s Lineup?
Although the 6 Series is gone, BMW still offers several models that capture elements of its luxury, performance, and style:
BMW 8 Series Coupe and Convertible
The all-new 8 Series is BMW’s new flagship luxury coupe and convertible, picking up where the 6 Series left off as a more prestigious grand touring alternative to the 4 Series. Launched for 2019, the sleek 8 Series has crisp modern styling and delivers serious power, especially in M8 trim.
BMW Z4 Roadster
For open-air driving thrills with 6 Series styling cues, the latest Z4 Roadster is the closest thing in BMW’s portfolio. This driver-focused two-seater recaptures the spirit of 6 Series convertibles in a smaller package. The Z4 still provides a luxurious cabin and sports car handling.
BMW X6 and X4 SUVs
Buyers who loved the 6 Series more for its style and performance than practicality may find appeal in the X6 Sports Activity Coupe and smaller X4. These SUV “coupes” fuse utility with athletic driving dynamics and bold styling.
BMW X7 SUV
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the X7 full-size SUV is BMW’s new flagship utility vehicle with three rows of seating and the same luxurious experience as a 6 Series for larger families.
So while you can’t walk into a BMW showroom and drive home in a new 6 Series anymore, the brand has shifted resources toward models that capture much of its essence in different packages.
Could the BMW 6 Series Make a Comeback?
The 6 Series may be gone for now, but there’s still hope it could make a triumphant return someday:
BMW Nostalgia
BMW knows the 6 Series holds a special place in the brand’s history and enthusiast’s hearts. Given the iconic nameplate, BMW may eventually want to bring it back to tap into that nostalgia and heritage.
Potential Gran Coupe Model
One option could be launching a new 4-door 6 Series Gran Coupe. This would differentiate it from the 8 Series Coupe while reviving the name. BMW found success with adding Gran Coupe variants to both the 4 Series and 8 Series lineups.
Electric Model
An even more radical possibility is that BMW could resurrect the 6 Series as an electric vehicle. Down the road, introducing an electric 6 Series coupe or convertible could reinvigorate the sub-brand in a new era.
Keep the Dream Alive
BMW learned its lesson when the 8 Series was discontinued in the 1990s only to come back stronger than ever 20 years later. It’s not hard to envision a similar return someday for the 6 Series if market conditions or technology trends align.
The BMW 6 Series Legacy Lives On
The discontinuation of the BMW 6 Series after over 40 years came as an end of an era for the brand and its enthusiasts. This luxury coupe and convertible established an iconic place in BMW’s history through four decades and multiple generations.
While the market ultimately forced BMW’s hand to cut the 6 Series, its spirit lives on through the 8 Series, Z4, and BMW SUV coupes. And who knows – with nostalgia and the possibilities of Gran Coupe or electric variants, the future may just bring the return of this beloved grand touring nameplate.
So while production has ceased for now, the legendary BMW 6 Series maintains its place securely among the brand’s all-time classics, both in the hearts of die-hard fans and as an integral chapter in BMW’s ongoing story.
