There are lots of “mosts” with BMW’s new 6 Series. Launched to the world’s media in the scenic Cape last week, and breaking cover in convertible rather than coupé guise, the new open Six is claimed to have the most efficient engines, the most advanced chassis technology and the most comfort, infotainment and safety features in its segment.
The premium 2+2-seater convertible retains that shark-like look so familiar with its predecessor but this time around the designers have sent the shark to an underwater gym - with sharper lines and sportier looks the overall result. Think wide air intakes, long bonnet, muscular wheelarches, long wheelbase, flat waistline, and wide and flat rear end - an overall athletic look.
The Bavarians go so far as to compare the curved surfaces of the new Six to the movement of waves created by the bow of a boat, with the waistline and interior mimicking a boat deck.
The interior is as plush as you’d expect, with the central section of the instrument panel angled slightly towards the driver. But the highlight is the premiere of BMW’s freestanding flat screen. Optionally upgradeable to a 260mm screen (which the launch cars had) it doesn’t obstruct your view of the road and really stands out in the cabin. It’s the screen you’d use to operate features such as the satnav, telephone and entertainment functions. There’s also a new head-up display (optional), with a full colour display now standard.
Buyers can again expect an electric multi-layered soft top, but refined a little more for acoustic and structural gains. Interestingly, there’s a narrow, upright, heated glass rear window behind the rear seat which can be dropped separately from the roof. Opening the roof takes 19 seconds, closing 24, either can be done using the key (provided you tick the comfort access option), and either at driving speeds of up to 40km/h.
The newcomer is larger and slightly lower than its predecessor, with greater headroom all round, increased seat width and better legroom. Boot space is quoted as 300 litres with the roof down, or two golf bags and a business case worth of space. Fifty more litres of space is available with the roof up.
Powering the new Six are two familiar force-fed petrol engines, a V8 and an in-line six, each with BMW twinpower turbo technology and direct injection. The 4.4-litre V8 in the 650i pushes out 300kW/600Nm (0-100km/h is pegged at five seconds, consumption at 10.7 litres/100km).
The three-litre in the 640i is good for 235kW/450Nm, is claimed to hit 100km/h in 5.7sec and, ideally, should average about 7.9 litres/100km. Each has the new eight-speed ‘box we’ve already seen in the new Five, while efficiency technologies include brake energy regeneration, electric power steering, intelligent lightweight construction, low rolling-resistance tyres, automatic active air-flap control and auto start-stop.
The ride and drive around familiar roads in the Cape presented an extremely refined convertible - too refined, some may argue. Put the roof up, close the windows and at times you feel like you’re piloting a Five or a Seven. Which is why the optional Adaptive Drive System (with Dynamic Damper Control and something called Dynamic Drive active roll stabilisation) may be a good idea for those looking for a bit of a rush. The roll stabilisation system reduces body sway in fast corners.
Luckily Drive Dynamic Control is standard, and it’s here that you’ll find the Sport+ setting - what’s a shark without some sharp teeth, right? The Sport, and more so the Sport+ settings sharpen throttle, suspension and steering responses, at the same time shedding any feel of excess weight.
It’s only in these settings that you really get an engaging drive, especially through the twisties. The electric power steering felt like it had less power assistance than I’ve experienced in other Beemers, and that’s not a bad thing. Worth mentioning also is that Integral Active Steering, or the system in the Five and Seven which turns the back wheels slightly when cornering and parking, is an option in the Six.
The South African sales launch of the new 6 Series Convertible will be in May 2011, with the 640i setting you back R914 557, the 650i R1 178 529. The coupé version should land here in September, with prices to be announced at that time. -Star Motoring