BMW's Grand Tourer gets new sports package The BMW 6 Series Coupe and Convertible are now offered with a new sports package aimed at enhancing driving dynamics and adding a more sporting appearance.

Available on all non-M derivatives, the Edition Sport package comprises a new contoured bonnet for an aggressive look, bespoke 19-inch light alloy wheels and M anti-roll stabilisation system for improved handling. The suspension enhancement will benefit Edition Sport model customers with the insertion of stiffer anti-roll bars for a 10 per cent firmer front axle and a 30 per cent firmer rear axle rear. This results in improved handling and a more composed ride during enthusiastic driving.

A Brushed Aluminium interior, Extended lighting and the opportunity to specify one of seven colours, of which Imola Red and Carbon Black are new to the 6 Series range, completes the offering. Building on this specification, BMW 650i Edition Sport Coupes and Convertibles also come with a Sports exhaust for enhanced engine breathing and aural pleasure.

BMW 6 Series Edition Sport Coupe (2008)
BMW 6 Series Edition Sport Coupe (2008) - picture 1 of 3
BMW 6 Series Edition Sport Coupe (2008) - picture 2 of 3
BMW 6 Series Edition Sport Coupe (2008) - picture 3 of 3

Prices for the new derivative of BMW 6 Series start at ?53,445 OTR for a 630i Edition Sport Coupe rising to ?65,820 OTR for a 650i Edition Sport Convertible.

Model Output Hp Torque Nm Zero to 62mph Seconds Top speed mph Combined mpg Emissions g/km Price OTR
BMW 630i Edition Sport Coupe 272 320 6.2 155* 35.8 188 £53,445
BMW 630i Edition Sport Convertible 272 320 6.7 155* 34.0 198 £59,145
BMW 635d Edition Sport Coupe 286 580 6.3 155* 40.9 183 £58,100
BMW 635d Edition Sport Convertible 286 580 6.6 155* 39.2 190 £63,845
BMW 650i Edition Sport Coupe 367 490 5.1 155* 24.1 279 £60,300
BMW 650i Edition Sport Convertible 367 490 5.5 155* 22.4 299 ?65,820

*Electronically-limited

BMW M3 and M6 receive further enhancements as changes announced to other models The BMW M6 Coupe is to be offered with a competition package aimed at offering enhanced driving dynamics. The new package features a revised suspension configuration comprising a 12mm lower front end and 10mm lower rear, retuned Dynamic Stability Control and ABS settings, and a modified Variable M differential for greater cornering capability.

Visually, a competition package-equipped M6 Coupe has a new bonnet with precision lines for an increased sporting look and M double-spoke light alloy wheels with wider rims that are shod with new Pirelli P Zero Corsa System tyres. The competition package costs ?2,180 in addition to the ?84,475 OTR price of a BMW M6 Coupe.

Following the announcement of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring, the M3 Saloon has also been updated for September. The pinnacle of 3 Series Saloon ownership now gets the same rear end enhancements as the ‘standard' cars. A new light cluster with integrated LED indicators features alongside changes in the profile of the boot lid and the rear valance. Inside, and a light redesign of the centre console and the introduction of pearlescent chrome switchgear adds an additional tier of refinement.

News of the changes coincides with the introduction of the new iDrive platform on all 3 Series models and the 5 and 6 Series ranges for cars built from September. All 3 Series models now have active head restraints as standard to guard against whiplash injury in a rear end accident.

BMW X6 xDrive50i comes to the UK The BMW X6 range is to get a new flagship with the launch of the BMW X6 xDrive50i. Powered by a unique twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the vehicle's 408hp powerplant is capable of propelling the vehicle from zero to 62mph in 5.4 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.

The 4,395cc engine features the novel design of two turbochargers and catalysts within the vee of the engine. Such a configuration aids packaging requirements while also boosting responsiveness courtesy of the shortened exhaust pipes. To highlight the competitive advantage this arrangement yields the BMW X6 xDrive50i is 1.8 seconds quicker from zero to 62mph than the flagship Range Rover Sport. The BMW's CO2 emissions figure of 299g/km is 75g/km cleaner than the Range Rover and, in recording a combined 22.6mpg figure, it is also 4.8mpg more fuel efficient. It is a similar story when comparing the same BMW X6 to the Porsche Cayenne GTS. The Porsche is 1.4 seconds slower from zero to 62mph, 2.3mpg less efficient and, at 332g/km, it is 33g/km more polluting*.

The BMW X6 xDrive50i goes on sale in November priced at ?53,930 OTR.

*Note: Performance figures are for the Tiptronic-equipped Porsche Cayenne as the BMW X6 is only offered with an automatic gearbox.