BMW cheers M up
BMW's M5 and M6 won't be the only hot cars the maker will market Down Under in 2006. Indeed, there was performance aplenty to come on the Bavarian boys' stand at Sydney...BMW had its focus firmly on performance at Sydney with its fastest ever M model, the 6-Series-based M6 taking pride of place.
Sharing the stellar 373kW (507hp!) 5.0-litre V10 of the M5, the M6 is both faster and quicker than its four-door stablemate. It's also a shedload more expensive - at $270,000, it's close to $50,000 more than the M5.
The performance flagship of the BMW range, the M6 features a seven-speed sequential manual gearbox and F1-inspired carbon-fibre roof panel. It rolls on 19-inch wheels and standards include adaptive xenon headlights, 13-speaker Logic7 hi-fi sound system, BMW Professional Navigation and TV, Merino leather upholstery and heated, M multi-function power front seats.
The performance theme continued with the unveiling of a new M Sport Package for the E90 3 Series range. Offered already across the 5 Series models, the kit includes tuned sports suspension, body kit, fog lamps and exclusive alloy wheels (in 17-inch or optional 18-inch sizes) with wider rear tyres. Inside, the Sport Package features BMW trim changes, sports front seats and M leather steering wheel.
The M Sport Package is available on the 320 Executive, 325i and 330i. The kit adds $5500 to the price of the 320i Executive, $4500 to the 325i and 330i.The optional 18-inch M double spoke light-alloy wheels add a further $1500.
As detailed previously in CarPoint, BMW has upgraded its V8 engines with the 5 Series now including a 540i and 550i, the 645i has been kicked upstairs to become a 650i. Not on the stand but just around the corner is the new 130i M Sport 1 Series flagship.
Definitely on the stand and attracting their fair share of attention was BMW's latest diesel models - the 530d and X3 3.0d. We've driven the 530d in wagon form (not coming to Oz) and it's a cracker!
BMW also debuted its high performance light-weight HP2 off-road motorcycle and its latest technology BMW High-Beam Assist. Designed to enhance safety when driving at night, HBA is available from December on 5, 6 and 7 Series models.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
