BMW's current 6-Series coupe. Image: BMW
The twin-turbo V-8 that BMW uses in the new 750i and 6-Series Gran Coupe makes 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. That’s a significant jump from the 400 horsepower and 450 pound feet of torque produced by a variant of the same 4.4-liter V-8 in BMW’s 5 and 6-Series models. The gains come from the addition of BMW’s Valvetronic valve timing system, which also makes the engine some 25-percent more efficient than the model it replaces.
In the interests of fuel economy and product standardization, Car and Driver says that’s about to change. Beginning with the 2013 model year, BMW’s 550i, 550i GT and 650i coupe will get the higher horsepower V-8 from the 750i, giving buyers one more reason to shop for the Bavarian sedan, coupe and wagon back.
Oddly, there are no immediate changes planned for the X5 and X6 crossovers, which retain the lower horsepower 4.4-liter V-8 for the time being. We’re not sure the logic behind that, unless BMW had a supply of components to burn through before switching to an all-Valvetronic V-8 model.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
