New 6 series range includes a diesel model
BMW has refreshed the 6 series coupe and convertible, and endowed it with more technology in the process.
The exterior has had some very subtle styling tweaks such as a wider front air intake, new indicators and new standard bi-xenon headlamps. Inside, there are new finishings and materials, along with details such as eight new programmable buttons to help make the i-drive system a little more user friendly.
The range is still headed (M6 aside) by the 4.8 litre V8 650i which produces 367hp and 361lb ft of torque. Tweaks to the ecu have improved fuel consumption (BMW claims a five per cent improvement) but it still blasts the coupe from 0-62mph in just 5.1sec (5.5 for the heavier convertible model).
Styling tweaks very subtle
The new 630i uses an update of the sophisticated magnesium/aluminium block in-line ‘six’ with second generation direct fuel injection. Power is up by 14 ponies to 272bhp with a torque output of 236lb ft – good enough to see 0-62mph sprint in 6.2sec (6.7sec conv).
Perhaps the biggest news though is the fitment of the 3.0 litre twin turbo diesel engine to create the 635d. This extraordinary engine knocks out 286bhp and 427lb ft of torque without constituting the equivalent of a ships anchor in the nose – unlike some powerful V8 diesels. It too will go from 0-62mph in 6.3sec (6.6sec conv), and thanks to its frugal nature, provides a cruising range of some 629 miles – ideal for a long-legged GT.
New materials and detail design
Petrol 6 series still feature a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but the diesel can only be had with an otherwise optional new six-speed automatic ‘box. This features paddles behind the steering wheel to allow control of the gearshifts and promises a sportier drive.
All of the new models adhere to BMW’s new Efficient Dynamics policy – an umbrella term the German firm has adopted to front the pursuit of better fuel consumption and reduced emissions. Along with the new engine developments mentioned above, all cars feature Brake Energy Regeneration described as ‘an intelligent energy flow management concept concentrating the generation of electricity for the car’s on-board network on the overrun and brake phases.’ Other systems such as the power steering and air conditioning have been made as efficient as possible.
The current 6 series has always contained plenty of new technology – the controversial Active Steering and Dynamic Drive for instance – but the new car adds to that with a lane departure system that vibrates the steering wheel to alert the driver; variable headlight distribution and BMW night vision with a thermal imaging camera. And then there’s always the Heads Up Display too.
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