BMW 6 Series
Two dream cars are setting out on the next lap. Featuring highly attractive modifications to their characteristic design, an interior further refined in many details and boasting colour highlights as well as innovations in drive technology and on the driver assistance and safety systems, the BMW 6 Series Coupé and the BMW 6 Series Convertible offer an even greater thrill and more style than ever before.
Indeed, through their looks and style, combined with cutting-edge technology, both models are an authentic representation of the classic Gran Turismo featuring modern highlights together with classic qualities.
The most important innovation within the engine compartment is the diesel engine providing superior torque and economy for the first time in a car of this class, the most powerful 3.0-litre straight-six diesel in the world giving the BMW 6 Series EfficientDynamics of a particularly impressive standard.
The petrol engines also feature a wide range of modern improvements optimising both fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, among them High Precision Injection on the straight-six, that is the most advanced system of direct fuel injection, Brake Energy Regeneration, and on-demand control and management of the car's ancillaries.
Six-speed automatic sports transmission is tailored perfectly to the character of the BMW 6 Series, combining comfortable cruising with the option at any time to use the full power and muscle of the engine for all-out acceleration and driving dynamics.
Style and sport are indeed the strongholds of the BMW 6 Series: Either as an elegant Sports Coupé in the proud tradition of a genuine Gran Turismo or as a dynamic Luxury Convertible enabling the driver and passengers to enjoy the wind rushing by in an incomparable manner. Both models combine their strengths with the convincing everyday driving qualities of a large and spacious 2+2-seater.
The BMW 6 Series Coupé and Convertible stand for a heritage of no less than 70 years dedicated to the thrill of mobility and success in motorsport.
Cars such as the BMW 327/328 Coupé, the BMW 3200 CS, the BMW 3.0 CSi or the first generation of the BMW 6 Series to this day still represent the unique combination of elegance and competition-oriented sportiness so characteristic of BMW.
The history of exclusive and dynamic driving pleasure with nothing but the sky above was originally introduced in the BMW 327 Convertible, the BMW 335 Convertible, and the BMW 503 Convertible, all of them milestones in technology and design, with a strong and lasting impact on the ongoing development of the brand and its products.
The BMW 6 Series today also plays a significant role within the brand's model portfolio. It is indeed the benchmark for innovation, a powerful expression of progress in technology and, at the same time, the strong performer interacting with a particularly demanding target group. Cars of this kind establish a particularly active relationship between the manufacturer and the customer, the dedicated driver opting for a BMW 6 Series Coupé or, respectively, a BMW 6 Series Convertible showing a clear preference for the BMW brand and, at the same time, a strong affinity to innovations in technology, premium quality, and individual style.
An attitude of this kind creates a particularly close relationship with the product and its features not only prior to, but also after purchasing the car.
Innovations of this standard endorsed and acknowledged by the critical customer of this calibre have the potential to define the progress of the entire brand. This, in turn, makes the BMW 6 Series a role model not only in design, but also in its control and operating concept, its comfort functions, chassis and suspension technology, and driver assistance systems.
More than 75,500 cars built within just over three years are impressive proof of the close link between the BMW brand and the tradition of the sophisticated, top-quality Gran Turismo. In this segment, facing keen competition from a number of high-ranking competitors, the BMW 6 Series, measured in terms of registration figures, ranks a proud second among all luxury sports cars the world over. In other words, right from the start it immediately left all competitors with comparable all-round qualities far behind. Clearly dynamic: highlights in exterior design.
The BMW 6 Series boasts powerful innovations characteristic of the brand and its leadership over the competition not only through the cars' power units. For in their design and style, both the 6 Series Coupè and the 6 Series Convertible offer a level of quality only the development process applied by the BMW Group is able to achieve.
While the engineers responsible for developing the drivetrain benefit from skills and the art of engineering going back decades in enhancing the level of perfection to an ever-increasing standard through technologies such as EfficientDynamics, the success of BMW design lies in the ability to interpret the traditional values of the brand with supreme creativity in looking into the future. Hence, the design and styling of the BMW 6 Series clearly reflect the highly dynamic, refined, top-quality and progressive technical standard of the car as a truly authentic rendition of this supreme standard.
The overall design and look of both models, offering perfect harmony and balance to the last detail, is borne out in particular by the sculptural look of both cars, the Coupé and Convertible providing a perfect match of all lines and design features. Indeed, the smooth, uninterrupted flow of all characteristic lines on the BMW 6 Series ensures harmonious interplay of the front section, the sides and rear sections of the car, the generous and powerfully curved surfaces all coming together to provide a harmonious picture to be admired in its sporting elegance and dynamic class from every angle and every perspective.
Offering this unique design language, the BMW 6 Series Coupé stands out as a modern and innovative interpretation of the classic Gran Turismo. And in the same way the BMW 6 Series Convertible, through its design, is a proud symbol of sporting and elegant driving pleasure with nothing but the sky above. Powerful and full of presence from every perspective.
Detailed highlights and special features give the BMW 6 Series even greater presence in and through the elementary messages of the car's design. Appropriate refinements offer an even clearer and more convincing expression of the car's sculptural character both at the front, from the sides, and at the rear, focusing in particular on the sporting characteristics and strengths of the BMW 6 Series.
Both the Coupé and Convertible now have an even more powerful and striking stance on the road, the strong lines extending all the way from the A-pillars along the entire engine compartment lid to the BMW kidney grille and forming a dynamic arrow further emphasised by the powerfully chiselled bars in the lower air intake.
The air intake itself is even wider than on the former model and borders at the bottom on a contour edge significantly highlighting the wide track of the car. The newly designed direction indicators, in turn, featuring LED light units with a crystalline effect, provide an even more distinctive signal than before.
Through their striking contours, the headlights give the front end of the BMW 6 Series a clear, focused look, light technology adding further brilliance. Featured as standard, the bi-xenon dual round headlights are covered by a layer of clear glass at the surface, their corona rings now offering BMW's typical daytime lights function.
With its long wheelbase, the long and sleek engine compartment lid, the greenhouse moved far to the back and the low roofline tapering out gently to the rear of the car, the BMW 6 Series has all the proportions of a classic coupé. And thanks to its unique Finn roof, the BMW 6 Series Convertible also offers the same, dynamically stretched silhouette.
The light edge on the side-sills is even more pronounced and distinctive than before on the BMW 6 Series, offering extra volume and contours to highlight the sporting character of the car. The metallic paint colours Deep Sea Blue and Space Grey, as well as three light-alloy rims, offer further options in rounding off the sporting elegance of the BMW 6 Series according to the customer's individual preferences.
In the process of modifying the rear end of the car, BMW's designers have harmoniously continued and enhanced the concept of ongoing lines extending around the entire vehicle. The section of the luggage compartment lid beneath the spoiler lip is even more concave in design than before, rising up less steeply to provide not only an even more dynamic look, but also even more distinctive light/shade contrasts, making the entire rear end of the car look even lower and more dynamic.
On both the Coupé and Convertible, the additional brake light is now integrated in the spoiler lip. The inner structure of the rear lights has also been modified to reflect the lines of the car, with all light sources now being LED units.
The harmony of lines on the luggage compartment lid, the rear lights and reflectors is likewise more intense and striking than before, the line formed by the lower edge of the rear spoiler sweeping gently downwards, where it is taken up by the outer contour of the rear lights. Then, following the design of the lights, the spoiler line, while still moving down, sweeps to the inside, where it is taken up by the contour of the low, even more stretched-out and sleeker reflectors.
BMW 6 Series all the way: harmony of design outside and inside.
The stylish and elegant dynamism of the car's exterior design continues smoothly and harmoniously within the interior of the BMW 6 Series. Bearing a clear analogy to the exterior design of the car, the concept of dynamic harmony forms clear, flowing lines and tense, muscular surfaces.
As an example, the sweeping cover above the dashboard starting beneath the windscreen extends back on both sides in an ongoing, dynamic line leading into the door panels and surrounding the armrests. Both the driver and front passenger are therefore cocooned by tense, even exciting design elements continuing all the way to the centre console between the rear seats, thus emphasizing both the sophisticated style and elegance of the interior in a genuine visual and tangible experience.
The exclusivity of the BMW 6 Series is enhanced to an even higher standard by appropriate refinements in the quality of materials on specific controls and instruments finished in Chrome Pearl Grey Design as well as colours for the interior trim and upholstery. As an alternative to the "standard" version, optional interior trim strips made of grained maplewood, dark birchwood, or aluminium with a longitudinal grain pattern give the interior either an even more sophisticated, stylish and elegant, or a more technical and progressive touch.
Optional finish in Pearl exclusive leather, with additional leather on the armrests, the door grab handles and the centre console, is now also available in Chateau Red and in a upholstery colour, Saddle Brown.
Featuring a combination of leather and Pearl Grey chrome, the iDrive Controller matches the look of the rotary buttons, thus additionally enhancing the overall harmony of the car's design.
Precise control of the system is further facilitated by a ring around the Controller made of extra-hard rubber, and to ensure even more intuitive use, the iDrive control system in the BMW 6 Series comes complete with eight programmable favourite buttons allowing direct access to selected functions.
The engines: even more dynamic, even more efficient – and for the first time also a diesel. To show a clear sign of supremacy, a car – just like a human being – has to be a leader. And the BMW 6 Series expresses this leadership once again also in its engine technology, the progressive character of the car being borne out not least by the unique implementation of BMW EfficientDynamics also in this segment.
Forming an major highlight in BMW engine development, the technologies introduced in and through BMW EfficientDynamics to reduce both fuel consumption and exhaust emissions are featured consistently also in the eight- and six-cylinder power units of the BMW 6 Series.
A particular highlight is the availability of a diesel engine for the first time in this segment, on both the Coupé and Convertible. Indeed, this is the world's most powerful and dynamic three-litre straight-six diesel now offering its supreme power and efficiency in two particularly desirable cars. Displacing 3.0 litres, the power unit featuring an all-aluminium crankcase, Variable Twin Turbo (VTT) technology and third-generation common rail fuel injection develops maximum output in the BMW 635d Coupé and the BMW 635d Convertible of 210 kW/286 hp, plus maximum torque of 580 Newton-metres/427 lb-ft.
And through its low weight quite outstanding for a diesel of this calibre, the engine enhances both the efficiency and agility of the BMW 6 Series.
Referred to also as two-stage turbocharging, the VTT System is made up of two turbochargers varying in size. First, the small turbocharger cuts in at low engine speeds, developing superior power and torque spontaneously and without the slightest delay in response to even the smallest movement of the accelerator pedal thanks to its low level of inertia. Then, with engine speed increasing, the second, larger turbocharger also cuts in, giving the engine its maximum torque at just 1,750 rpm, with maximum engine power at 4,400 rpm.
The high-performance diesel clearly expresses its sporting character in accelerating to 100 km/h, an exercise completed by the BMW 635d Coupé in 6.3 and by the BMW 635d Convertible in 6.6 seconds. Top speed of both models, in turn, is limited electronically to 250 km/h or 155 mph.
Returning average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 6.9 litres on the Coupé (equal to 40.9 mpg imp) and 7.2 litres on the Convertible (equal to 39.2 mpg imp), the BMW 635d sets the benchmark for efficiency in its segment. The increase in the car's cruising range all the way to 1,015 kilometres or 629 miles on the Coupé and up to 970 kilometres or 601 miles on the Convertible clearly benefits the long-distance motoring qualities of the car as a traditional symbol of a genuine Gran Turismo.
Unparalleled supremacy: the eight-cylinder in the BMW 6 Series.
Offering the pinnacle of supreme power and performance, the BMW 6 Series again comes with an eight-cylinder right at the top of its range: Developing maximum output of 270 kW/367 hp at an engine speed of 6,300 rpm and maximum torque of 490 Newton-metres/361 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm, the 4.8-litre in the BMW 650i Coupé and the BMW 650i Convertible ensures the highest standard of motoring in style.
This ultra-modern aluminium power unit comes complete with BMW's throttle-free VALVETRONIC valve management, double-VANOS variable camshaft control on both the intake and exhaust side, as well an intake manifold switching to two different positions.
Benefiting from these highlights in technology, newly tuned engine management, and a wide range of high-tech features serving to reduce fuel consumption, the eight-cylinder offers not only supreme smoothness and refinement, an immediate response and a "beefy" torque curve, but also a high standard of economy with fuel-efficient lean-burn operation throughout a wide load range including higher engine speeds, thus ensuring a significant reduction of fuel consumption also in everyday traffic.
BMW 650i Coupé accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, and completing the same exercise in 5.5 seconds, the Convertible also offers the dynamic performance of a thoroughbred sports car. Electronic engine management limits the top speed of both models to 250 km/h or 155 mph.
Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 11.7 litres/100 kilometres on the Coupé and 12.6 litres/100 km on the Convertible (equal to 24.1 and, respectively, 22.4 mpg imp). On the road, this means a reduction in fuel consumption versus the former models by up to 5 per cent, a clear sign of further progress in the spirit of BMW EfficientDynamics also in this performance class. Innovative: straight-six power unit with High Precision Injection.
The 3.0-litre power unit with its composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase in the BMW 630i represents the latest state of the art in six-cylinder engine technology. The most important innovation in this context is BMW's High Precision Injection, second-generation direct gasoline injection allowing fuel-efficient lean-burn operation throughout a wide load range including high engine speeds and therefore reducing fuel consumption significantly also in everyday traffic.
This progress is provided by innovative piezo-injectors arranged between the valves and injecting fuel directly to the area around the spark plug. Together with numerous other technologies serving to reduce fuel consumption, direct fuel injection in the lean-burn mode is part of BMW EfficientDynamics, BMW's cutting-edge development strategy offering results and improvements now being implemented step-by-step in all of BMW's model series.
Standing out as the currently most advanced six-cylinder, this superior power unit develops maximum output of 200 kW/272 hp in the BMW 630i Coupé and the BMW 630i Convertible, that is 10 kW/14hp more than in the former engine with conventional fuel supply and engine management. Maximum torque, in turn, is 320 Newton-metres or 236 lb-ft. On the road, this means acceleration to 100 km/h in the Coupé within 6.2 seconds, and acceleration to 100 km/h in the BMW 630i Convertible in 6.7 seconds. Again, top speed on both models is limited electronically to 250 km/h or 155 mph.
Average fuel consumption of the BMW 630i in the EU test cycle is just 7.9 litres/100 kilometres on the Coupé and 8.3 litres/100 km on the Convertible, equal to 35.8 and, respectively, 34.0 mpg imp. This is an improvement of up to 15 per cent over the former models, which already boasted a very high standard of fuel efficiency.
Fuel economy and emissions optimised on all models.
A wide range of fuel-saving features in and around the engine also serve to make all of the power units in the BMW 6 Series even more efficient.
One example is Brake Energy Regeneration on all variants of the BMW 6 Series, an intelligent energy flow management concept concentrating the generation of electricity for the car's on-board network on the overrun and brake phases. And to further promote an economic style of motoring, the manual gearbox versions of the BMW 6 Series also come with a gearshift point indicator.
Further technologies serving to save fuel provide their superior effect without any intervention by the driver. The belt drive for the a/c compressor, for example, comes with its own clutch automatically disconnecting the compressor as soon as the driver switches off the air conditioning. Cooling air flaps either opened or closed as a function of driving conditions serve likewise to optimise not only noise comfort, but also the car's streamlining on both the BMW 635d Coupé and the BMW 635d Convertible.
Incorporating an electrical coolant pump, thermal management on the straight-six power unit in the BMW 630i, in turn, varies the car's cooling efficiency as a function of actual requirements, regardless of engine speed. And last but certainly not least in this context, the Varioserv steering assistance pump featured on all variants of the BMW 6 Series ensures particularly efficient steering support and assistance according to the driver's current requirements.
Automatic sports transmission with paddles on the steering wheel.
On the BMW 630i and the BMW 650i, engine power is delivered to the rear wheels as standard via a six-speed manual gearbox. An alternative also available to the discerning customer is the newly developed six-speed automatic sports transmission featured as standard on the BMW 635d and combining supreme comfort with unusually short reaction and gearshift times in true Gran Turismo style, direct connection to the engine also offering dynamic power and performance for sheer driving pleasure at all times.
The driver controls the automatic sports transmission by means of an electronic gear selector lever, moving the lever briefly to the left from position D in order to activate the manual gearshift mode. This allows the driver to shift gears either via the gear selector lever or manually in a sequential mode by means of paddles on the steering wheel. Yet a further option is to shift gears manually directly from the paddles, while pressing the Sports button positioned behind the gear selector lever, the driver is able to enjoy an even faster and dynamic gearshift. A further benefit is that the Sports button also modifies the progressive action of the gas pedal and, in conjunction with the car's standard steering, the Servotronic control map, providing optimum conditions for dynamic acceleration.
Important innovations for even greater driving pleasure, safety and comfort. Greater dynamism, enhanced safety, extra comfort – with its wide range of standard features and numerous other, optionally available high-tech improvements, the BMW 6 Series offers sheer driving pleasure of a truly incomparable, exclusive and fascinating kind. So like the BMW 7 Series, the BMW 6 Series is a particularly impressive demonstration of leadership in technology in terms of its comfort functions, chassis and driver assistance, both the Coupé and Convertible perfectly reflecting the innovative power of the BMW brand.
All-aluminium suspension for enhanced agility, safety and comfort. Both the BMW 6 Series Coupé and the Convertible are characterised by fascinating, sporting and superior driving characteristics at all times and under all conditions. Featuring high-performance power units, rear-wheel drive, excellent axle load distribution, and an ultra-modern all-aluminium suspension, the BMW 6 Series offers a supreme driving experience under all conditions. The principle of lightweight construction on the chassis and suspension, in turn, guarantees supreme stability on low weight and minimises the car's unsprung masses.
The high-performance swing-calliper brakes with inner-vented brake discs are controlled hydraulically on the BMW 6 Series, now acting even faster and more precisely than before in guaranteeing maximum stability and full brake power at all times.
A further important feature of the premium brake system on the BMW 6 Series is its low weight, the high-performance brakes on the BMW 650i being specially adapted to the supreme power of this outstanding eight-cylinder. And last but not least, all models in the BMW 6 Series come with a continuous brake pad wear indicator. DSC Dynamic Stability Control with optimised control action.
Offering a wide range of functions, DSC Dynamic Stability Control supports the driver in the process of handling his BMW safely and with superior style. The first and foremost DSC function is to apply the brakes individually on the car's various wheels as required, or to intervene in engine management in order to counteract any over- or understeer in bends.
DSC also comprises the ABS anti-lock brake control system as well as ASC Automatic Stability Control preventing the drive wheels from spinning on loose or slippery ground, a Brake Assistant, and CBC Cornering Brake Control to avoid under- or oversteer in bends.
Further functions are Fading Compensation whenever the brakes become particularly hot, regular Dry Braking to optimise the car's stopping power in wet weather, and a Start-Off Assistant enabling the driver to set off smoothly and without the car rolling back on an uphill gradient, without having to use the handbrake.
The Brake Assistant in the new BMW 6 Series forming part of the DSC control system is networked with the car's other driver assistance systems, interacting with Active Cruise Control with its Stop & Go function available as an option in order to detect the need for extra stopping power in good time. This is done by radar sensors incorporated in the system, with the brakes being pre-loaded by reducing the normal activation thresholds on the hydraulic Brake Assistant.
Yet a further innovation is the pre-loading brake function moving the brake pads closer to the discs for immediate build-up of brake pressure, thus avoiding the slightest delay in the process of applying the brakes. In the event of an emergency braking manoeuvre, this precaution enables the brakes to build up their maximum stopping power much faster than usual, making stopping distances a lot shorter and offering valuable safety reserves.
Activated at the touch of a button, DTC Dynamic Traction Control serves to move up the DSC response thresholds for even more dynamic performance. Specially optimised in the BMW 6 Series, this DTC mode enhances traction on slippery surfaces and ensures an even higher standard of sporting performance under dynamic driving conditions.
Safety built-in from the start: runflat tyres and tyre defect indicator. Both the BMW 630i and the BMW 635d come as standard on 17-inch light-alloy rims. The BMW 650i, in turn, boasts 18-inch light-alloy rims as standard.
The tyres on all models feature the most advanced runflat technology enabling the driver to continue to the nearest workshop even after a complete loss of pressure. And as a further safety feature, the tyre defect indicator permanently supervises air pressure in the tyres and warns the driver as soon as tyre pressure drops more than 30 per cent below the ideal level by activating an optical signal in the instrument cluster. Unique: Active Steering and Dynamic Drive.
Feature as standard on the BMW 6 Series, Servotronic power steering provides appropriate assistance on the hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering as a function of road speed. Further enhancement of steering comfort is provided by optionally available Active Steering absolutely unique in the BMW 6 Series segment, varying the steering transmission ratio appropriately to provide a larger steering angle at low speeds with the same movement of the steering wheel than at higher speeds. In practice, this allows the driver to manoeuvre his car with less effort and with an even smoother steering effect.
At higher speeds, on the other hand, Active Steering makes it easier for the driver to remain steadily on course, harmonising the feeling of the steering.
By way of yaw rate control, Active Steering stabilises the car in brake manoeuvres on varying surfaces (when applying the brakes with a modal split), counter-steering as required for superior safety and balance.
Yet another innovation ideally reflecting the character of the BMW 6 Series is optionally available Dynamic Drive. This suspension control system features active anti-roll bars with hydraulic swivel motors on the front and rear axle, enabling the car to almost completely set off roll movements in bends and in a sudden change of direction. A further benefit is appropriate control of the car's steering behaviour in a lane change or in hard manoeuvres serving to avoid an obstacle on the road.
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go.
Active Cruise Control with its Stop & Go function offers the driver better support and greater assistance at the wheel than ever before.
This innovative system now available as an option in the BMW 6 Series – on cars with automatic transmission – features automatic distance control allowing the driver to comfortably cruise along the motorway or on a country road, while constantly maintaining an appropriate distance to the vehicle ahead also in stop-and-go traffic at very low speeds.
As soon as the distance pre-set by the driver is no longer maintained, the system adjusts the speed of the car by intervening in drive management and building up brake pressure, thus taking current traffic conditions into account. Then, as soon as the road ahead is free again, Active Cruise Control increases the speed of the car to the limit set by the driver in advance.
The system even reduces the speed of the car to a standstill whenever necessary on account of current traffic conditions, bringing the car to a halt and holding it in that position.
The maximum deceleration generated by Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go is 4 metres/sec². And should the driver be required to intervene because the driver ahead is applying the brakes extremely hard, he will be informed to do so by appropriate visual and acoustic signals.
Lane Departure Warning with vibration signal on the steering wheel. To support driver awareness, both the BMW 6 Series Coupé and the BMW 6 Series Convertible come with a newly developed assistance system helping to prevent the driver from inadvertently departing from the right lane on the road. Referred to as Lane Departure Warning, this sophisticated system identifies departure of the car from the right track and gives the driver a discreet but noticeable signal at the most important point in steering the car – on the steering wheel itself.
The Lane Departure Warning System is made up of a camera fitted near the interior mirror on the windscreen, a control unit for comparing data, and a signal transmitter generating a vibration signal on the steering wheel. Even better visibility thanks to variable light distribution.
Innovative driver assistance systems provide the opportunity to mastermind the bi-xenon headlights of the BMW 6 Series in a particularly intelligent fashion. The optionally available Adaptive Headlights, for example, guarantee appropriate illumination of the road ahead, following the road in bends and on winding passes.
A further improvement is variable light distribution introduced for the first time on the BMW 6 Series to optimise the headlight beam and illumination also on a straight stretch of road: Operating as a function of road speed, this innovative control system automatically enlarges the driver's field of visibility by broadening the light beam, the "footprint" of light, as it were. In a typical city light situation at speeds below 50 km/h or 31 mph, this ensures broader distribution of light making it easier to recognise objects on the opposite, oncoming side of the road. In the motorway mode, on the other hand, the driver's field of vision is extended by giving the light beam a longer range and again offering greater illumination on the left-hand side with oncoming traffic.
Activation of the foglamps at speeds of up to 70 km/h or 50 mph, in turn, generates broader light distribution and brightens up the area close to the car. And at higher speeds, finally, the headlight range is also extended over and above the broader distribution of light.
Automatic headlight control featured as standard activates the low-beam headlights without requiring any intervention by the driver whenever this is necessary – for example when driving through a tunnel or with conditions becoming darker at dusk. The rain sensor also featured as standard is an ideal supplement to the headlight control function, conducting optical measurements to automatically determine the onset and degree of precipitation, and thus activating the windscreen wipers accordingly.
The BMW 6 Series is the only car in its segment available with a High Beam Assistant. This intelligent unit switches off the high beam automatically as soon as the car encounters oncoming traffic or another vehicle ahead comes into sight or if the road ahead – for example in town or a built-up area – is adequately illuminated.
BMW Night Vision available as an option offers an even higher standard of safety when driving at night. The "heart" of this unique system is a thermal imaging camera able to detect people, animals and objects emitting heat at a distance of up to 300 metres or almost 1,000 feet also next to the road, then transmitting a high-contrast image to the central Control Display also used by the navigation system.
As an option both the BMW 6 Series Coupé and the BMW 6 Series Convertible are available with a Head-Up Display projecting information relevant to the driver such as the road speed of the car or navigation data to the windscreen directly in front of the driver.
Comfort and safety on all four seats.
High-strength load-bearing structures, generous and clearly defined deformation zones front and rear, side impact protection integrated in the doors and rear side panels, and an extremely stiff passenger cell allowing the entire structure around the driver to maintain its function as a survival area also in a severe collision – all these features provide the prerequisites for the exemplary standard of passive safety offered by the BMW 6 Series.
Other standard features are three-point belt inertia-reel seat belts on all seats as well as frontal and side airbags. The BMW 6 Series Coupé also comes with head airbags, while the BMW 6 Series Convertible features rollbars moving up automatically in the event of a possible rollover within fractions of a second from a module behind the rear headrests.
Active headrests for an even higher standard of occupant protection. Both the BMW 6 Series Coupé and the BMW 6 Series Convertible come as standard with electrically adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger as well as a triple memory function on the driver's seat. The front seats on the BMW 6 Series Convertible feature an integrated belt system, while on the BMW 6 Series Coupé the belt anchor points allow comfortable and convenient use of the car's restraint systems.
Newly developed active headrests on the front seats once again enhance the standard of passive safety in both models, the headrests developing their protective effect in the event of a rear-end collision by automatically moving closer to the occupant's head, thus preventing any rapid spinning or turning motion of the head, in the process significantly reducing the risk of upper spinal injury for the driver and front passenger.
To ensure this effect, the headrests are moved forward by 60 millimetres or 2.36´´ and upward by 40 millimetres or 1.57´´ as soon as the airbag control unit registers an impact at the rear of the BMW 6 Series and sends out a signal for pyrotechnical activation of the system. This, in turn, releases two springs moving the upholstered sections of the headrests into position to immediately cushion the heads of the occupants, preventing any spinning or jerking movement resulting from impact energy. Top-end navigation and audio systems.
As a particular highlight in the interest of motoring comfort, both the BMW 6 Series Coupé and the BMW 6 Series Convertible are available as an option with the BMW Professional navigation system now optimised to an even higher level. Among other features, the BMW Professional navigation system features refined graphic presentation on an 8.8-inch Control Display as well as new, particularly reliable voice entry exclusive to BMW cars.
High-quality audio systems and telematics functions serve to enhance touring comfort and driving pleasure in the BMW 6 Series to an even higher standard. Particularly the newly developed BMW Individual High-End Audio System guarantees exceptional quality of sound ensured above all by the "heart" of the system, trendsetting Dirac Live signal processing. The digital nine-channel amplifier with DSP Digital Signal Processing develops maximum output of 825 watt and, together with the particularly sophisticated loudspeakers, sets a benchmark in the quality and reproduction of sound.
Over and above the AUX-IN bush featured as standard, a USB interface is also available as an option for linking up external audio sources. This allows the user to integrate MP3 players such as an Apple iPod into the audio system and to control the various functions by means of the iDrive Controller or, respectively, the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel.
The range of multi-media features and options is rounded off by the mobile BMW Online internet portal and BMW Assist telematics services. The BMW Online news menu comprises not only the latest reports provided directly by the German Press Agency (dpa), but also weather reports and forecasts tailored to the driver's personal needs.
The BMW Convertible Weather Service, for example, tells the driver whether he can expect to drive his BMW 6 Series Convertible with the roof down on the next day or whether to expect precipitation at his current location. And last but not least, the BMW 6 Series is also available with BMW TeleServices through which the BMW Group offers its customers a universal range of service features serving for example, to make appointments and set the appropriate time for a meeting.
Leather upholstery with SunReflective Technology on the Convertible. One of the particular highlights offered by the BMW 6 Series Convertible is the use of a newly developed type of leather for the seat upholstery and interior panels. In this case so-called "cool pigments" are integrated into the material in a process referred to as SunReflective Technology, reflecting infra-red radiation in the sunlight. This very effectively reduces any undue overheating of the seat surfaces when the car is open, providing a difference in temperatures compared with conventional leather of up to 20 °C or 68 °F in the case of dark colours.
Together with the characteristic design of both models and their impressive standard of driving dynamics, the comprehensive range of multi-faceted features helps to give the BMW 6 Series its truly authentic and unique identity. Indeed, the BMW 6 Series Coupé and the BMW 6 Series Convertible belong to the small and highly exclusive group of cars fulfilling the greatest demands in every respect and setting benchmarks everywhere. Given the sheer magnitude of their qualities, both models stand out clearly in their respective segments, reflecting the ideals of the discerning motorist dedicated either to the refined dynamics of a four-seater Gran Turismo coupé or the exclusive driving pleasure only a luxury convertible likewise conceived for four occupants is able to offer.
Through its convincing representation of the latest values including not only uncompromising quality, unpretentious elegance, superior everyday reliability and now also the superior economy of the BMW 635d, the BMW 6 Series is a highly attractive proposition also to the connoisseur outside of the car's classic target group. So the positive impression the BMW 6 Series leaves behind on the road gives the driver even greater pleasure in identifying with his car.
The outstanding success of the BMW 6 Series so far clearly proves how the car reaches the objectives set not only by BMW, but also by the most demanding customers, of a luxury performance coupé and convertible:
By the end of February 2007 no less than 75, 352 units of the BMW 6 Series had come off the assembly line, to be precise 41, 446 Coupés and 33, 906 Convertibles. So within just three years, the BMW 6 Series already accounts for more than 85 per cent of its predecessor's sales volume throughout its entire lifecycle. And now, with both models boasting an even more distinctive profile, everything is in place for continuing the great success of the BMW 6 Series.
