BMW 6-Series Range Gets Makeover

BMW will take the extraordinary step at next month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit of launching an entire new model series in one fell swoop. The next-generation BMW 6 Series Coupé, Convertible and Gran Coupé will be announced simultaneously on 9 January, 2015.

The new BMW 6 Series models benefit from external styling revisions which imbue them with an even more purposeful and more powerful stance. At the same time the interiors take on a more sportingly luxurious ambience thanks to new trim materials, centre console surfaces and lighting, and there is a more extensive range of standard and personalisation features. The BMW ConnectedDrive navigation and infotainment package is fitted to every model, while Concierge Services accessed through an embedded SIM card allow drivers to set up a bespoke supply of information and connected-car services.

All petrol models have a sports exhaust system with a switchable valve which adds a more intense timbre to the engine soundtrack, while aerodynamic improvements along with the extensive package of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies mean the six-cylinder models – petrol and diesel – are even more fuel-efficient than before. Through features such as Dynamic Damper Control, Active Drive and Integral Active Steering, owners are now able to create a made-to-measure driving experience, while the latest BMW Head-Up Display and Driving Assistant Plus with Active Cruise Control minimise distractions and supplement the driver’s reactions to enhance safety.

Sportier edge goes hand-in-hand with efficiency improvements
The new 6 Series range will again consist of three distinctly individual takes on a common theme – the sportily stylish classic Coupé, the exclusive all-seasons Convertible and the elegant longer-wheelbase four-door Gran Coupé. Almost 80,000 versions of the outgoing range have been sold globally in three years with the Gran Coupé now claiming almost half of 6 Series sales.

All three body styles are available with a choice of highly efficient TwinPower Turbo in-line six-cylinder and V8 engines featuring the full gamut of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies to save fuel and reduce emissions. All engines meet EU6 emissions standards and drive through an eight-speed automatic transmission which combines long ratios for ultra-efficient motorway cruising with fast-shifting capabilities that complement the vivacious character of the engines.

The 3.0-litre 313hp turbodiesel engine in the 640d models and the similar-capacity 320hp petrol engine in 640i versions are now more fuel-efficient thanks to the latest EfficientDynamics features and aerodynamic improvements. As a result, CO2 emissions are as low as 139g/km on the 640d SE Coupé. Yet every 6 Series can comfortably achieve the 0-62mph sprint in 5.5 seconds – and in many cases, considerably less. That is especially true for the 4.4-litre V8 bi-turbo 650i models, while the ultimate members of the 6 Series range will again be the 560hp V8-engined M6 cars from BMW’s high-performance specialists.

All petrol versions now have a sports-tuned exhaust which provides a soundtrack to match the cars’ emphatic performance. A switchable valve adjusted through the Driving Experience Control system can be used to reduce exhaust back-pressure, adding a signficiantly sportier edge to the sound coming from the tailpipes.

The suspension systems have been honed to the character of the individual models and can now be further personalised through options like Dynamic Damper Control, which varies its responses electronically according to where and how the car is being driven; Adaptive Drive, which includes roll stabilisation; and Integral Active Steering, which introduces an element of rear-wheel steer to reduce the amount of turning effort needed while enhancing agility.

New look emphasises powerful stance while further raising quality
Styling changes to the front and rear of all 6 Series variants add further emphasis to their powerful on-road presence, while new LED headlights, new metallic paint colours and revisions to the interior ensure that they continue to set the benchmark for understated luxury in their class.

The BMW kidney grille now features nine bars where previously it had 10 – a small change, perhaps, but one that emphasises the power of the engines through the amount of cooling air they need. The grille bars (black on six-cylinder models and matt aluminium for the V8s) have been reprofiled to emphasise their forward slant, and there is now a single, full-width air intake in the new apron. Full-LED headlights are now standard. They emit low-beam light from the upper reflectors and the main beam from the lower reflectors, adding a sophisticated new night-time look to the typical BMW twin circular signature lighting. Indicators are cut into the accent strip on top of the headlight units. There are also LED front foglights. Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Selective Beam anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant are optional.

At the rear, the 6 Series appears wider thanks to a new horizontal chrome bumper insert which draws attention to the wide rear track and the inherent stability this promises. Six-cylinder models also have 10mm larger chrome tailpipe embellishers in enlarged cut-outs which again attest to the cars’ dynamic abilities. Newly styled side mirrors improve the cars’ aerodynamic properties and contain slim horizontal indicator strips, while for the Gran Coupé the side window surround has been revised and houses a black painted aluminium section with raised “Gran Coupé” lettering at the foot of the Hofmeister kink on the C-pillar.

There are new 18-inch alloy wheels for the Coupé and Convertible, and five new metallic paint finishes – Jatoba, Cashmere Silver, Glacier Silver, Mediterranean Blue and Melbourne Red. New wheels of up to 20 inches in diameter are available.

The standard leather dashboard with contrast stitching – previously an option on all but the M Sport versions – is an immediate clue to the enhanced quality and luxury of the new range. There is now a modern, stylish high-gloss black finish on the centre console around the switches for the climate control system and audio system. This contemporary look complements the iDrive system’s more precise Control Display with its chromed surround, the new multi-functional instrument panel and the LED lights to illuminate the footwells, door openings and glovebox. Dakota, Nappa or Merino leather trim will be standard in the UK, depending on model. The Nappa leather now offers two bi-colour options – Ivory White with Black or Cognac with Black.

Standard ConnectedDrive heads upgraded equipment and personalisation possibilities
BMW will reveal the UK model line-up, pricing and specification when the cars are revealed 9 January, but the range will include SE, M Sport and Sport versions, depending on engine, with the M6 models as the sporting flagships of the respective body styles.

The BMW 6 Series will be an even more competitive value proposition as a result of significant enhancements to standard equipment. At the same time there will be greater scope for personalisation through the new features now available.

ConnectedDrive, the intelligent link between a BMW and the outside world, is now standard. It provides full navigation and infotainment facilities, and includes a SIM card embedded within the car which gives the driver access to Concierge Services. This can be tailored to the owner’s preferences and includes helpful information such as Real Time Traffic Information, BMW Teleservices and Intelligent Emergency Call. It can even reserve hotel rooms and find flight information, ATM machines and out-of-hours pharmacies.

ConnectedDrive is also linked as standard to the latest version of the BMW Head-Up Display, which projects essential safety and guidance information ­– from speed limits to navigation instructions – onto the windscreen within the driver’s field of vision, but not in such a way that it could be distracting. In certain circumstances telephone number lists and entertainment information can also be called up. Meanwhile, the backlighting of the new multifunction information display now changes colour according to which driving mode – COMFORT, ECO PRO or SPORT – has been selected via the Driving Experience Control switch.

Heading the extensive range of new options for the BMW 6 Series is Driving Assistant Plus, a camera- and radar-based intelligent connected-car system incorporating Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Departure Warning and Pedestrian and Collision Warning with Braking. It automatically maintains a safe gap to the car in front, alerts a 6 Series driver whose actions might cause a collision and, at up to 37mph, brakes the car to a standstill if there is a risk of an impact with a pedestrian.