2012 BMW 6 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$73,600 to $93,500

Original MSRP

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expert review

3.7

avg user rating

(21 reviews)
2012 BMW 6 Series Preview summaryImage

Longer, wider and heavier, the 2012 BMW 6 Series somehow manages to avoid looking like any of the three. Serious styling attention has been paid in small increments that add up to a much more svelte-looking 6 Series despite gaining 3 inches in length and 1.5 inches in width and carting around a portly 4,500+ pounds. While that sounds heavy, BMW has tried to keep things in check with aluminum doors, hood and front suspension mounts as well as composite front fenders, roof and rear decklid.

Designed under the managerial guidance of BMW’s VP of Design, Adrian Van Hooydonk, the new 6 Series has been shaped and sculpted to remove some of the bulbous visual heft of the previous generation, sharpening and scalloping the flagship of the BMW lineup. It blends elements of the CS concept that inspired so much vitriol, combined with elements from its 5 and 7 Series stablemates.

While the design changes are welcomed, the adjustment whetting everyone’s appetite is the new mill sitting below the swooping hood: a 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8. Adding 40 hp to the previous generation’s total, the new lump offers 400 hp through almost 1,000 rpm of the rev range – 5,500 to 6,400. The equally impressive 450 lb-ft of torque stick around between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm, easily handing off the baton once those twin turbines spool.

Inside, you’ll choose to apply that power through a new 8-speed double-clutch automatic or a traditional three-pedal 6-speed manual. Fitted into the new interior design, either choice will slot into a driver-centric layout that points you physically and visually toward the horizon, as opposed to the offset arrangement more traditionally utilized in car design. Savvy fans will recognize this from the Vision ED concept paraded about not too long ago, and here it’s implemented even more gracefully.

Seats get similar attention with standard 20-way multi-contour adjustability, including lumbar as well as integrated seatbelts and optional venting. The infotainment system is now centered around a 10.2-inch HD LED screen that stands bolt upright from the dash, contrasting the shoehorned look of the previous generation and boasting the new, fourth generation of iDrive as standard.

As expected from a flagship GT car, the technological wonder is not in short supply. BMW’s Dynamic Damper Control system adjusts the front double wishbone and rear multilink suspension on the fly, while optional Active Roll Stabilization will work in concert to keep things flat during hard cornering. You’ll also get standard Driving Dynamics Control, which allows you to adjust throttle and steering response, suspension damping, stability control and automatic transmission shift response through Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ modes. At the top of the tech options, Integral Active Steering will involve the rear wheels in the steering process, counter-steering at low speeds for a shortened turning radius and steering in tandem with the front wheels at speed for increased maneuverability and roadholding.

The pricetag may be the heaviest thing about the 6 Series, which starts at $83,875 for the coupe and $91,375 for the soft-top convertible, which comes with a power rear window. But keep eyes peeled for an M6, which is reported to be arriving very soon.

Michael Perkins
Published May 31, 2022 by Michael Perkins
A CarGurus contributor since 2008, Michael started his career writing about cars with the SCCA - winning awards during his time as editor of Top End magazine. Since then, his journalistic travels have taken him from NY to Boston to CA, completing a cross-country tour on a restored vintage Suzuki. While his preference is for fine German automobiles - and the extra leg room they so often afford - his first automobile memories center around impromptu Mustang vs. Corvette races down the local highway, in the backseat of his father's latest acquisition.

User reviews for 2012 BMW 6 Series

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User rating:
by Racheen P
May 03, 2024
I like the features of that particular model it was an M package and you can compare it to a Mercedes S500 CoupeMay 03, 2024
by Mark L
Sep 22, 2023
Started the car up and it malfunctioned from just sitting in the lot. Went to limp mode and check engine light came on. Sep 22, 2023
by Lyncory H
Jun 19, 2023
The bmw 6 series is my favorite series of all bmw all the way down to the details, the performance, just an all around car to haveJun 19, 2023

2012 BMW 6 Series Pricing

Original MSRP
$73,600 to $93,500
Price range
$13,852 to $15,947
Average price on CG
$13,852
YoY price change
$15,947 to $13,852

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power rear seat · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: side window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 20

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.23

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 10.2 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 20

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front

Security

Heated door locks: driver side

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power rear seat · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 20

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.23

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 10.2 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Headlights: cornering · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 20

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front

Security

Heated door locks: driver side

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power rear seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 20

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.08

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 10.2 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: cornering · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 20

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front

Security

Heated door locks: driver side

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist

Tires

Diameter: 20 · Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: side window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 20

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.08

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 10.2 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Headlights: HID · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 20

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front

Security

Heated door locks: driver side

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist

Tires

Diameter: 20 · Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power rear seat · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: front and rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 20

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.08

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 10.2 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 20

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Security

Heated door locks: driver side

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist

Tires

Diameter: 20 · Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 20

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.08

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 10.2 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: HID · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 20

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather

Security

Heated door locks: driver side

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist

Tires

Diameter: 20 · Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation

See all trims (6)