With over 75,000 6-Series sold in the model's life, BMW has kept the car's mid-life facelift to a minimum. The big news is the introduction of the 286 hp VVT diesel to the range. This, and some fine-tuning to the car's front and rear lines, will appear on cars due for delivery in October 2007.

The changes are available in both body styles; coupe and convertible. As well as the insertion of BMW's mighty twin-turbo oil-burner, the company has also re-vamped the two other (petrol) engines in the range. The 4.8-litre eight-cylinder developing 270 kW/367 hp is now 5% more fuel-efficient, while the smooth 200 kW/272 hp at 6,700 rpm 630i six-cylinder has an average fuel consumption to EU standard of 7.9 litres/100 km (equal to 35.8 mpg imp) (with automatic sports transmission 7.7 litres/36.7 mpg imp) - that's 15% better than before.

As an option, all cars can be fitted with a newly developed six-speed automatic sports transmission (standard in the BMW 635d), that gives extremely short reaction and gearshift times, direct connection to the engine, gearshift paddles on the steering wheel, a sports button for an even faster gearshift, as well as adjustment of the accelerator pedal progression and Servotronic control map on the regular steering.

The 6-Series is now available for the first time with Adaptive Headlights and variable light distribution, the only car in its segment with Active Cruise Control incorporating an automatic brake application function, Active Cruise Control with stop & go function to maintain distances in flowing traffic and when driving dead slow, Lane Departure Warning with vibration signal on the steering wheel, Head-Up Display, BMW Night Vision and high-beam assistant, navigation system with full-word voice entry, BMW Individual High-End Audio System.

Two new exterior colours are available on the facelifted car, Deep Sea Blue and Space Grey, as well as new light-alloy rims and many new interior features such as the optional leather upholstery in 'SunReflective Technology' in the 6-Series Convertible, reducing the heat effect of the sun

Prices for the new car in Europe are:

BMW 630i Coupé 66.800 €
BMW 650i Coupé 79.400 €
BMW 635d Coupé 72.500 €
BMW 630i Cabrio 75.100 €
BMW 650i Cabrio 87.700 €
BMW 635d Cabrio 80.800 €

Text:Classic Driver
Photos: BMW