The Shark is Back: 6 Series Concept Analyzed & Compared to the E63
by by 
The upcoming 6 Series is a departure from the previous generation in one way, it ‘s instantly likable. Where the E63 could be challenging at some angles and disarming at others, the concept has been almost universally liked from the start. It ‘s easy to see why. The lines, the shapes and the form is all aggressive while having a touch of sophistication. Yet the difference between the generations isn ‘t has dramatic when you get the two side by side.
The general shape and form is the same. The details are where the new concept succeeds over the E63. The latter took on the convex shapes of the 7 Series which seemed at odds with the sporting nature of a coupe layout. To put it bluntly the car says Florida retiree where the 6er concept shouts elegance and aggressiveness.
The 6 Series Concept features much more taut lines that add to the tension and dynamic feel – especially in the front. With a higher belt-line and nose the new car also harkens back to the E24 6 Series in overall shape. While defined by pedestrian impact regulations the shape does help create an attitude of aggression that the E63 lacked.
The side features a defined line angling from the top of the front wheel down to the side valance. It ‘s the kind of line usually seen on a front wheel drive car meant to define the power source. Here it seems to serve the purpose of doing the opposite by setting the stage for the subtly bulging rear flank.
Around back the rear has lost the highly criticized bustle trunk designed by Adrian Van Hooydonk on both the last 6 and 7. Instead more taut and flowing lines creating athleticism and aggressive qualities.
Inside the car is dramatically made over by not reinvented. If you ‘re used to the E63 the overall layout likely will feel familiar. Yet the details are extraordinarily better (not to mention the materials in this concept car). It all adds up to the best executed coupe interior of any modern BMW.
The 6 Series concept will be an unquestionable success from a design perspective when it ‘s released next year. People will hail it has a dramatic improvement over the previous 6er. Yet has you can see in these pictures, the difference is more evolutionary than revolutionary. The work done by Van Hooydonk and overseen by Bangle clearly has set the state for this new state in BMW ‘s design language. It laid the ground work for a more conservative yet impossibly handsome line-up that will surely sell better than it ‘s predecessors.
And we think you ‘ll actually enjoy seeing this one on the road next to you.