BMW's Bold Revamp: The Return of the 6 Series and Farewell to the Controversial XM
In a bold move that blends nostalgia with cutting-edge innovation, BMW is set to revive the defunct 6 Series while also making the dramatic decision to phase out the much-debated XM. According to insider reports from AutoNews, BMW is planning to reintroduce the 6 Series in coupe and convertible body styles, completely diverging from the old Gran Turismo model built on the G30 5-series platform. This revival of the 6 Series is scheduled for the second half of 2026, stirring up considerable excitement among automotive enthusiasts.
The Return of the 6 Series
While nothing is yet official, the speculation is sourced from a reliable supply-chain industry insider. The upcoming 6 Series is described as a 'mid-size' model that fits into BMW's evolving lineup perfectly. By 2026, the G1X 8 Series will be nearing the end of its lifecycle, potentially making way for the new 6 Series to replace not just the 8 Series but possibly even the 4 Series. This move is reminiscent of Mercedes' strategy of phasing out two-door variants of the C-Class and E-Class to introduce the CLE series.
Targeting the Mercedes CLE
BMW's reimagined 6 Series will likely square off against the Mercedes CLE, leading to an exciting new matchup in the luxury coupe market. Leveraging BMW's versatile Cluster Architecture, the 6 Series is expected to offer a range of powertrains, from traditional gasoline engines to fully electric options. A high-performance M model is also likely, aimed at taking on the AMG CLE 63.
Photo: BMW
While the return of the 6 Series is thrilling news, it appears that fans of the Gran Coupe variant might be left disappointed. According to industry whispers, there's no indication that a future 6 Series Gran Coupe is in the works. This is a potential loss for the brand's array of aesthetically appealing four-door grand tourers, much admired in their previous 6 and 8 Series incarnations.
Production and Launch Details
The revamped 6 Series is rumored to commence production in July 2026, with assembly taking place at BMW's Dingolfing factory in Germany. This facility is historically significant as it also produced the previous iterations of both the 6 Series and the current 8 Series.
The End of the XM
Amidst these revivals, BMW is also reportedly planning to retire its bold but polarizing XM model. As per AutoNews, the XM will cease production in November 2028, with no plans for a direct replacement. While the XM aimed to push the boundaries within BMW’s M Division, it clearly didn't resonate with the broader audience and will be leaving the lineup for good.
The sentiment surrounding the XM's departure is mixed; while its innovative design and engineering were commendable, many felt it didn't live up to the badge it carried. Hence, BMW's choice to discontinue the model can be seen as a strategic maneuver to refocus on designs and models that align more closely with consumer desires and brand heritage.
BMW's Strategy Moving Forward
BMW's future planning is a delicate balancing act of bringing back past icons while moving away from less successful ventures. The potential return of the 6 Series and the discontinuation of the XM are just the beginning of a series of strategic maneuvers from the Bavarian automaker aimed at fine-tuning its product lineup. Whether you're a purist awaiting the classic driving dynamics of the 6 Series or a critic of the XM's unconventional design, BMW's upcoming changes promise to make the coming years incredibly engaging for automotive enthusiasts.