MIMS: 1 Series drop-top for May, X6 in August

Local BMW brand enthusiasts with a taste for the X6 Sports Activity Coupe will be able to take delivery of the new model from August this year. BMW will initially offer the new model in two different variations, the X6 xDrive35i, priced from $111,500 and the X6 xDrive35d, from $117,000.

Both models are powered by inline sixes, although the powerplant for the X6 xDrive35i is a twin-turbo petrol engine developing 225kW of power and already introduced to the Australian market in the 335i coupe, convertible, sedan and wagon models (more here).

The engine fitted to the X6 xDrive35d is a twin-turbo diesel six, shared with the X5 3.0sd (more here) and developing 210kW of power.

BMW has developed the X6 with 'xDrive' all-wheel drive technology and Dynamic Performance Control to ensure, as far as possible, through splitting torque and applying independently variable levels of braking effort to the four wheels, that the X6 will be headed in the right direction.

Irrespective of the model ordered, the X6 will come equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, gear shift paddles, Comfort Access, adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers and high-beam assist, Head-Up Display, front and rear park distance control, a rear view camera, automatic climate-control, Professional navigation with TV, Professional audio system with USB connection, in-dash CD player and six-disc CD changer, 12 speakers, Nevada leather seat trim, electrically-adjusted front sports seats and a sport steering wheel as standard.

The importer also plans to bring in a high-performance (higher performance?) model with a twin-turbo V8 developing 300kW of power and 600Nm of torque early in 2009.

BMW announced pricing for the 1 Series coupe at the Brisbane Motor Show earlier this month. Now, the company has also published pricing for the convertible model range (more here).

Customers will start taking delivery of the 1 Series convertible from May 20. Prices are:

120i with six-speed manual: $52,900
120i with six-speed automatic: $55,500
125i with six-speed manual: $63,400
125i with six-speed automatic: $66,200
135i Sport with six-speed manual: $78,400
135i Sport with six-speed automatic: $81,200

Power outputs for the three different engines are 115kW for the 2.0-litre four fitted to the 120i models, 160kW for the naturally-aspirated six fitted to the 125i and 225kW for the twin-turbo 3.0-litre engine of the 135i.

Standard features for all 1 Series convertibles include: seat occupant-detecting airbags, pyrotechnic seatbelt pre-tensioners, force limiters, anti-whiplash headrests for the front seats, pop-up roll-over bars, automatic climate control and treated leather seat trim that reflects heat and reduces seat temperatures by up to 20 degrees in summer.

The multi-layered acoustically insulated folding roof can go from fully closed to fully open (or vice versa) in 22 seconds at speeds up to 40km/h. With the roof lowered, the 1 Series convertible will still accommodate up to 260 litres of luggage, or 305 litres with the roof raised.

Joining the X6 and 1 Series Convertible at the Melbourne show, are 'Individual' models based on the 6 Series and 7 Series ranges.

Limited to 60 units for Australia, the BMW Individual 6 Series models will be finished in Brilliant White metallic or Diopside Black metallic colours, available as either coupe or convertible. 

Standard features include: Merino leather upholstery in Black or Platinum, contrast stitching for the seats and centre tunnel console in Silverstone or Black, Piano Black fine wood trim, 19-inch Star Spoke light-alloy wheels, illuminated BMW Individual door sills, high gloss satin chrome and BMW Individual inscribed iDrive controller.

White cars are configured with the black leather trim, Silverstone contrast seat stitching and floor mats with Silverstone binding, whilst the black cars are finished in Platinum leather, black contrast seat stitching and floor mats with Platinum binding.

The BMW Individual 6 Series cars go through a production process whereby five layers of exterior paint are applied. For the interior, the Merino leather goes through 'barrel pigmentation', a production method allowing the dye to penetrate beyond the surface layer of the hide. Coordinating Piano Black gloss lacquer finish is applied throughout the interior.

Of the 30 units imported, the allocation is equally split between white and black and priced at $227,000 for the coupe or $243,800 for the convertible.

The 7 Series Individual is finished in Brilliant White metallic exterior finish and is trimmed in Merino leather upholstery in Silverstone with Lotus White piping and Piano Black interior trim elements. Other features include: 20-inch BMW Individual V-Spoke light-alloy wheels with Cetelon grey finish, a premium steering wheel with Piano Black inserts, illuminated door sills and Stone Grey alcantara roof lining.

BMW's allocation of the 7 Series Individual for Australia is restricted to 10 units and local delivery is scheduled for June. Pricing is:

740i: $198,000
740Li: $210,800
750i: $235,500
750Li: $254,000

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