BMW to launch six-cylinder 6 Series

BMW will offer buyers two variants of the new 6 Series Convertible range -- and the prices of the two will be over $50,000 apart.

Indeed, at $194,300 the entry-level 640i variant announced today is considerably closer in price to the Mercedes-Benz E500 Cabrio than its own V8-powered flagship. Can a six-cylinder four-place convertible, admittedly larger, conquest sales from the cheaper but also smaller V8-engined E500? BMW Group Australia Managing Director Phil Horton obviously thinks so.

"The BMW 6 Series Convertible stands out in its competitive class, combining effortless performance and elegant practicality," said Horton. "We expect this new generation 6 Series to lure discerning customers from an array of exotic marques."

The 640i is powered by the TwinPower 3.0-litre six-cylinder, tuned for 235kW and 450Nm. Peak torque is available across a rev range from 1300 and 4500rpm. In combined-cycle testing, the 640i uses 7.9L/100km and emits 185g/km of CO2. From rest, the new model will reach 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.

Priced at $248,300, the 650i flagship develops 300kW of power and peak torque of 600Nm between 1750 and 4500rpm, from its 4.4-litre, twin-turbo V8. Officially, the fuel consumption figure for the 650i is 10.7L/100km and the sprint to 100km/h from standstill is 5.0 seconds.

Developed under BMW's F12 engineering project code, the new 6 Series brings a host of technological solutions to bear on the market's environmental concerns. These include brake energy regeneration, electric power steering and auto-start/stop. As well as reducing its impact on the environment, the 6 Series Convertible brings the environment closer to the driver and passengers, courtesy of the electric folding roof, which can be operated at speeds up to 40km/h, will lower in 19 seconds and close in 24.

Both 6 Series Convertible variants come equipped with the following features as standard: 19-inch alloys, adaptive headlights, Comfort Access, Bluetooth, lumbar support, metallic paint, seat heating, Navigation System Professional, Rear View Camera, front and rear Park Distance Control, Sports Seats (650i features Comfort Seats), new-generation full colour Head-Up Display, High-Beam Assist, Internet, Bi-Xenon headlights, Cruise Control with brake function, LED fog lights, USB and Dynamic Driving Control.

In addition, the BMW 650i also features: Adaptive Drive, Comfort Seats, Surround View, TV function, automatic soft-close function for doors, Professional HiFi System and seat ventilation for the front seats.

As standard for the V8 variant and available at extra cost with the 640i, Adaptive Drive incorporates Dynamic Damper Control and Dynamic Drive (active roll-controlling suspension). Four modes can be selected: Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+. Other high-tech options include Parking Assistant and Integral Active Steering.

When the range is launched locally on May 29 -- the same day as the retail launch for the car -- the prestige importer will lead with the 650i convertible. Buyers for the 640i will have to wait until August.

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