GreenBkk Auto | BMW 6-SERIES

BMW 6-SERIES

Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)

Breaking away from tradition

After showing a concept version in Paris last month, BMW has revealed the market-ready one _ in open-top body.

STYLING & PACKAGING

These are the first official pictures of BMW's new 6-series Convertible, which makes for an unusual reveal before the Coupe{aac} body.

Bar the open-top roof, much of the 6-series's styling has already been previewed in the concept version shown at the Paris motor show last month.

The third-generation Six has many familiar design cues shared in many of BMW's latest cars in an effort to harmonise the entire lineup in appearance.

The new 6-series is bigger in all dimensions than before: 4,894mm length (an increase of 74mm), 1,894mm width (39mm) and 2,855mm wheelbase (74mm). As with most other sporty cars these days, the height of 1,365mm has dropped by 9mm for a more dynamic appearance.

BMW says the increase in most dimensions allow for better occupant space. Although the boot remains the same in size, a golf bag can sit in there even when the roof is tucked away.

While the fascia also conforms to those of the other BMWs like the Five and Seven in looks, it is markedly more inclined towards the driver now. There will be various trims to choose from; pictured here is one with wood panels.

There's a new roof design with multi-layer cloth hood that can open in 19sec and close in 24sec. The vertically mounted glass rear screen can be opened independently of the cloth hood.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Fascia looks similar to those of Five and Seven.

BMW has announced two turbocharged engine variants initially, including the 320hp 3.0-litre inline-six (640i) and 407hp 4.4-litre V8 (650i) petrol heads. Both are hooked up with the brand's latest eight-speed automatic transmission.

The engine lineup will obviously be expanded in the future north-south. The performance version would come in the guise of the M6 sporting a new turbocharged V8 that's slated to appear in the all-new M5. The old M6 (and M5) uses a naturally aspirated V10.

The more economical variant is said to be a turbo-diesel 3.0-litre (635d) producing nearly 300hp. Now that Mercedes-Benz is moving down to smaller engines with the CLS, there's also a likelihood that BMW could be offering a 2.5-litre six-pot petrol version for the 6-series in the guise of 623i.

MARKET & PRICING

Six to come with blown six- and eightpot petrol heads first.

Although the 6-series Convertible was officially revealed this week, it will go on sale in the first quarter of next year ahead of summer in Europe and the US. That's why BMW has chosen to to unveil the open-top before the fixed-head, which comes later next year.

Although Thais have a preference for coupe{aac}s rather than convertibles, the rag-top Six could comes in smaller numbers to the country.

And if BMW really craves for more sales, it would have to wait for the entry-level models to keep prices under B10m. Mercedes-Benz is said to be working hard to get the tax-beating four-cylinder engine to the CLS ahead of its Thai debut early next year.

Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)