New BMW 6 Series Coupé and Convertible goes on sale

The launch of the new BMW 6 Series Coupé and Convertible marks the latest in a long line of BMW products revealed in 2007 featuring BMW EfficientDynamics technologies. The new BMW 6 Series range features a host of innovations designed to increase performance, improve fuel consumption and reduce emissions.

The BMW 635d is the world’s first diesel-powered luxury 2+2 Grand Tourer and the launch opens up yet another new market segment by BMW. By mating BMW’s acclaimed twin-turbocharged diesel to the marque’s flagship 2-door Coupé and Convertible models, owners will now savour high-performance and economical motoring. Improved six- and eight-cylinder petrol powered models also join the range alongside the familiar V10-engine M6, while all variants receive a subtle restyling to mark the technological changes.

And to highlight how modern cars have developed, reducing emissions and improving fuel consumption, BMW will showcase two generations of the 6 Series at the SMMT’s Evolution of the Car driving event on 9 October. At the event, the first generation 1986 286hp M635CSi will line up alongside the new BMW 635d, itself delivering 286hp but this time from its class-leading diesel engine.

The new BMW 635d is powered by a twin-turbocharged 2,993cc engine with an all aluminium crankcase and third generation common rail fuel injection system, delivering 286hp and 580Nm of torque. This propels the car from zero to 62mph in 6.3 seconds while the Convertible takes 6.6 seconds. Both have top speeds electronically-limited to 155mph. However, thanks to the EfficientDynamics technologies, the Coupé still achieves 40.9mpg on the combined cycle and a CO2 emissions figure of 183g/km, while the Convertible retains near identical figures recording 39.2mpg and 190g/km.

The BMW 635d is joined in the range by the 630i and 650i, offered in both Coupé and Convertible bodystyles. The six-cylinder magnesium and aluminium engine in the 272hp 630i now features new lean burn technology in the guise of high precision direct injection and double-VANOS variable valve technology. These EfficientDynamics measures enable the 630i Coupé to record a 4.4mpg improvement up to 35.8mpg in combined fuel consumption compared to the previous model. CO2 emissions also drop by 15 per cent from 216g/km to 188g/km. The 630i Convertible attains a combined fuel consumption figure of 34.0mpg compared to 29.4mpg, while CO2 emissions drops from 229g/km to 198g/km.

The BMW 650i Coupé and Convertible models crown the range and are powered by a 4,799cc V8 engine providing an output of 367hp. The 650i with its aluminium engine and double-VANOS and VALVETRONIC variable valve technology is capable of reaching 62mph in 5.1 seconds in the Coupé and 5.5 seconds in the Convertible. Again EfficientDynamics technology plays a part in both 650i models to achieve improved economy and emissions figures. For the 650i Coupé consumption on the combined cycle improves by 2 per cent to 24.1mpg, while CO2 emissions drop by 2 per cent to 279g/km. The 650i Convertible also achieves better performance recording 22.4mpg, up 7 per cent. CO2 emissions are cut from 310g/km to 299g/km.

Design

To highlight the engineering changes introduced on the BMW 6 Series, the model is subject to some subtle design enhancements. The exterior of the car features a revised headlight arrangement incorporating LED technology and clear lenses, and a new style of front valance. The vertical struts on the front spoiler have been repositioned to accommodate a different shape of air intake for the car and the kidney grille is larger compared to the outgoing model.

At the rear, the lower reflectors have been optically enhanced as part of a redesigned rear bumper to emphasise the wide track, while a third high level brake light now sits on the boot lid lip for improved safety. The introduction of new alloy wheel design in 17-, 18- and 19-inch sizes completes the exterior changes.

Customers of 6 Series Convertible models can specify SunReflective Technology leather. This bespoke upholstery has embedded pigments in the leather that reflect infra-red radiation in the sunlight and can reduce leather temperature by up to 20 degrees centigrade.