BMW 6 Series History: From BMW E24 to G32 GT
The history of the BMW 6 Series, or BMW 6 Series history, is the story of one of the most elegant and at the same time one of the most underrated models in the history of the Munich brand.
From the iconic BMW E24, through the controversial BMW M6 E63 with its V10 engine, to the refined Gran Coupé – the 6 Series has always balanced between sport and aristocratic luxury.
It was never a mass-market car.
It was a Gran Turismo for connoisseurs.
BMW E24 (1976–1989). Birth of the “Shark” Icon
The history of the BMW 6 Series began in 1976. The E24 replaced the legendary E9 series and from the very beginning had one goal: to create the most elegant luxury GT in its segment.
The design by Paul Bracq is still regarded today as the benchmark for classic BMW coupé proportions:
- Long bonnet,
- Low roofline,
- Distinctive “shark nose.”
BMW M635 CSi – The First True Predator
In 1984, the BMW M635 CSi appeared (sold in the USA as M6).
Under the bonnet was the M88/3 engine:
- 3.5 inline-six
- 286 hp
- 0–100 km/h: 6.4 s
- 255 km/h top speed
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This was technology straight from the BMW M1.
Today, the E24 – especially in M specification – is a fully fledged classic and one of the most desirable BMW models of the 1980s.
Fun Fact: The BMW M635 CSi used the M88/3 engine derived directly from the BMW M1 supercar. This meant that in the 1980s you could buy an elegant Gran Turismo powered by an engine with pure racing pedigree – without compromise.
Silence and Return. The Z9 Concept Changed Everything
After the end of E24 production, the brand took a long break. The luxury coupé segment was taken over by the BMW 8 Series E31.
The return of the “6 Series” name came only in 2003, but earlier the world saw the concept: BMW Z9.
This prototype initiated:
- A new design philosophy,
- Minimalist interiors,
- The debut of the iDrive system.
Chris Bangle’s styling was bold, at times shocking. But in hindsight – groundbreaking.
Top Versions of the BMW 6 Series – Generation Overview
| Generation | Top Version | Production Years | Engine | Power | 0–100 km/h | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E24 | M635CSi (M6) | 1983–1989 | 3.5 R6 (M88/S38) | 286 hp (EU) | 6.4 s | RWD |
| E63 / E64 | M6 | 2005–2010 | 5.0 V10 (S85) | 507 hp | 4.6 s | RWD |
| F06 / F12 / F13 | M6 Competition | 2013–2018 | 4.4 V8 Biturbo (S63) | 575–600 hp | 3.9 s | RWD |
| G32 | 640i xDrive | 2017–2023 | 3.0 R6 Turbo (B58) | 340 hp | 5.3 s | xDrive |
BMW E63/E64. The Era of the V10 Engine and F1 Technology
The second generation 6 Series (E63 Coupé / E64 Cabrio) debuted in 2003.
The emotional peak arrived in 2005 with the BMW M6 E63.
Under the bonnet:
- Naturally aspirated V10 S85 engine
- 507 hp
- 8,250 rpm
- SMG III transmission
It remains one of the most extreme engines ever fitted to a road-going BMW.
Today, the V10 is treated as a relic of the golden era of naturally aspirated engines – unique and increasingly valued by collectors.
Fun Fact: The V10 engine in the BMW M6 E63 revved to 8,250 rpm and was one of the most technologically advanced engines in BMW history. At launch, it was inspired by Formula 1 technology – something we are unlikely to see again in road cars.
F12 / F13 / F06. Elegance and Twin-Turbo Power
The BMW 6 Series F13 debuted in 2011 as a luxury Gran Turismo coupé, serving as the direct successor to the E63.
The model combined elegant styling with modern technology and a wide range of engines, while the top-spec M6 delivered performance on par with the supercars of its era.
The third generation returned to more classic proportions.
- F12 – Cabrio
- F13 – Coupé
- F06 – Gran Coupé
Especially the four-door Gran Coupé proved that a luxury GT could be both practical and visually spectacular.
BMW M6 with V8 Engine
A new era meant the end of the V10.
It was replaced by the 4.4 V8 biturbo (S63):
- 560 hp
- Up to 600 hp in Competition version
- Massive torque available from low revs
This was the moment when the 6 Series became not only high-revving fast, but brutally effective.
Fun Fact: The BMW M6 Gran Coupé (F06) was one of the first M models to genuinely combine supercar performance with full four-door functionality – paving the way for later top BMW M sedans.
BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo (G32)
The BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo (G32) debuted in 2017 at the IAA motor show in Germany as the successor to the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo.
The model combined upper-class limousine comfort with liftback functionality and was the most spacious variant in the history of the 6 Series line.
A lighter construction using aluminium and high-strength steel improved driving dynamics compared to its predecessor.
Standard rear air suspension, optional adaptive suspension and Integral Active Steering ensured high comfort and stability at high speeds.
- Production Period: 2017–2023
- Engines: 2.0–3.0 l (140–250 kW / 190–340 hp), Inline-Four and Inline-Six
- Body Style: 5-Door Liftback
- Dimensions (L/W/H): 5,091 / 1,902 / 1,538–1,540 mm
Fun Fact: G32 was the only generation of the 6 Series offered exclusively as a Gran Turismo – without coupé or convertible versions. The true successor to the sporty F12 and F13 variants became the BMW 8 Series (G14/G15), which in 2018 took over the role of the brand’s luxury, dynamic GT.
Why Is the History of the BMW 6 Series So Important Today?
The 6 Series always played the role of a technological and stylistic bridge between sport and luxury.
It was here that BMW tested:
- New design concepts,
- Powerful M engines (R6, V10, V8 biturbo),
- New interior solutions.
The 6 Series always positioned itself between the 5 Series and the 8 Series.
It was more emotional than the “Five,” but less ostentatious than the “Eight.”
This niche positioning is precisely what made the model so distinctive.
Is the BMW 6 Series a Good Investment?
From a classic car market perspective:
- BMW E24, especially M635 CSi – Increasing value
- BMW M6 V10 (E63) – Growing collector interest
- F06 Gran Coupé – Still undervalued
If you think long term, classic 6 Series variants have investment potential – provided they are in good condition with proper service history.
The 6 Series Legacy Today
Although the 6 Series name is no longer the brand’s flagship coupé, its DNA lives on in the 8 Series and the most powerful BMW M models.
A luxury BMW Gran Turismo will always exist – even if the name changes.
FAQ – History of the BMW 6 Series
When Was the First BMW 6 Series Created?
The first generation (E24) debuted in 1976.
Was the BMW 6 Series Available with a V10 Engine?
Yes. The BMW M6 E63/E64 featured a naturally aspirated V10 S85 producing 507 hp.
What Made the BMW M635 CSi Special?
Its M88/3 engine derived from the BMW M1 and performance comparable to 1980s supercars.
Why Did the 6 Series Disappear from the Lineup?
BMW rotates its flagship segments. The role of luxury GT was taken over by the newer 8 Series.
Source: BMW
