Frugal, new-look BMW 6 Series

BMW has upgraded its 6 Series coupe and convertible with a few external fiddles, a couple of new colours and interior revisions that include the latest-generation iDrive control system.

But the most significant change is the improved fuel consumption coming from the use of BMW's Brake Energy Regeneration system.

The system, which "reduces fuel consumption by generating electric power from energy otherwise wasted as lost heat in the brake system", drops the average figure for the coupe and convertible 650i respectively from 11.1L/100km to 10.5L/100km, and from 11.7L/100km to 10.9L/100km. This equates to improvements of 5.4 and 6.8 per cent.

The system is largely responsible for reducing consumption of the 270kW V8 without affecting performance. Coupe and convertible 650i models accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds and 5.6 seconds respectively.

The new look comes from a reprofiled, ribbed bonnet and the adoption of bigger 19-inch alloy wheels with asymmetrical front-rear tyres (245/40 front, 275/35 rear). The previous model used 18-inch alloys.

The revised 6 Series models also get BMW's "Individual" high-gloss shadow line and a more rorty exhaust system exiting through dark chrome rear outlets.

The new iDrive system works on dismantling perceptions of tricky useability and adopts a new, high-resolution 8.8-inch monitor with TV and satellite navigation. Possible good news is that updates of the now hard drive-based system no longer require a new DVD and can be downloaded at the dealership via a USB interface -- although BMW doesn't mention whether it costs more or less for the customer.

The German importer is happy, however, to note positive performances at the other end of its coupe and convertible activities.

Its 1 Series coupe and convertible spinoffs have sold well since their local arrival in May 2008, with more than 3000 so far going to Australian customers.

The soft-top convertible has accounted for more than half that figure, with half those buyers opting for six-cylinder versions. Of the coupe models, the most popular was the rorty 135i twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder, which accounted for 60 per cent of sales.

BMW also says the bulk of 1 Series coupe and convertibles sales were at the expense of competitors. "Seventy per cent of Convertible buyers were new to BMW, (while) 60 per cent of Coupe buyers were first time BMW customers".

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