Design

Much like the original BMW 6 Series and the BMW Z9 concept car, the new BMW 6 Series Coupe will be noticed first for its looks. The styling is bold, purposeful, dynamic and elegant. Its unique design has sleek and flowing lines, supplemented by the harmony of elegant surfaces. The passenger cell features a very low roofline, while the contoured styling of the front side panels helps stretch the silhouette of the car.

Like classic BMW coupes of the past, the new 6 Series Coupe excels in its classic proportions - the car is long, low and wide. It projects an aura of strength and self-confidence. The passenger cabin has a very low roofline and is set back on the chassis.

The modern design language of the exterior continues smoothly and consistently throughout the interior. Similar to the new BMW 5 Series, all of the driving controls are located directly on or around the steering wheel. Similarly, all comfort functions are within easy reach from both front seats for convenience.

The standard glass panorama roof gives the interior an even more spacious and brighter feel, especially since the panorama roof is much larger than a conventional moonroof. It offers a vent feature and an electric sliding roofliner.

In terms of spaciousness, the new BMW 6 Series measures 189.8″ in length, 73.0″ in width and just 54.1″ in height to offer ample interior space that is quite remarkable for a sports car. As a 2+2-seater, the BMW 6 Series gives the two rear seat passengers ample freedom of movement, and the large luggage compartment offers space comparable to many sedans.

Technology

Consistent use of intelligent lightweight technologies makes a significant contribution to the outstanding driving comfort and high level of agility for which the new 6 Series Coupe will become well known. This class-leading agility is the result of the innovative combination of aluminum, steel and synthetic materials throughout the body. The front section of the car is significantly lighter than steel thanks to lightweight construction. The targeted weight reduction continues throughout - the trunk lid is composite, the hood and doors are aluminum and the front fenders are thermoplastic. All this contributes to a base weight in European trim of 3528 lb with, of course, weight distribution close to the perfect ratio of 50:50. This consistent reduction of weight ensures not only performance befitting a sports car and exceptional agility, but it also contributes to an outstanding level of fuel economy.

The lightweight all-aluminum suspension of the new 6 Series Coupe keeps unsprung weight to a minimum. Also working to the driver’s advantage are myriad control systems such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC). All 6 Series Coupes feature BMW’s Active Roll Stabilization, which almost completely eliminates body roll. Part of the Sport Package in the U.S. will be BMW’s unique Active Front Steering (AFS), which electronically varies the degree to which the front wheels turn in relation to steering input from the driver. Under normal driving conditions at low and medium speeds, the steering ratio becomes more direct, which causes the front wheels to turn more in relation to the steer wheel. This enhances the car’s performance in city traffic, when parking or in curves. At higher speeds, the steering ratio becomes more indirect, which causes the front wheels to turn relatively less in relation to the steering wheel, offering greater directional stability. Active Steering works hand-in-hand with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) by monitoring the yaw rate and changing the steering angle accordingly. This reduces the number of DSC interventions and thus offers optimum control comfort for the driver and passengers.

In addition to all the safety features characteristic of a BMW, the new 6 Series Coupe utilizes run-flat tires, allowing the driver to continue for a certain distance even when a tire is completely flat. Adaptive Headlights, which enhance visibility, illumination, and improve the driver’s field of nighttime vision, are also available as an option.

The head-up display technology, available as an option for the new BMW 6 Series at a later date, is truly unique in the large coupe market. This feature ensures optimum clarity and allows the driver to concentrate on the road ahead at all times by presenting relevant information directly in the driver’s line of vision, on the windshield. Also available is Active Cruise Control (ACC). Finally, the optional Logic7 audio system gives the car’s occupants a level of audio quality previously only offered by high-end home entertainment systems.

Interior

The new BMW 6 Series Coupe features a dashboard combining some elements from the BMW 5 Series and BMW Z4 interiors. The dash has a second generation iDrive system that is now placed adjacent to the gear selector in the central console. The iDrive controller is located such that there is ample room for a console-mounted manual or automatic gearshift.

With the iDrive concept, the 6 Series is a pioneer in its class in driver-oriented ergonomics. Most functions essential for driving are located directly in front of the driver, on or around the steering wheel or column. Basic comfort functions are housed in the center console, while all other settings, functions and services are located quickly and efficiently within the iDrive Controller and Control Display specially modified for the 6 Series.

Performance

The new 645Ci will feature the same V8 engine that powers the 5 Series 545i and 7 Series 745i. This 4.5 liter V-8 uses double VANOS variable valve-timing, VALVETRONIC throttle-less engine control and infinitely variable intake manifold runner-length control, to produce 325 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque.

The engine develops 325-horsepower and 330 lb-ft of powerful torque at 3,600 rpm. This enables the new 6 Series Coupe to effortlessly reach its electronically limited top speed of 149 mph or 250 km/h. Acceleration is equally good, with the BMW 645Ci covering the sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds.

To convey this refined power to the rear wheels, BMW offers three different six-speed transmissions:

• Six-speed manual
• Six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic
• Six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) (also found in the BMW M3 and other BMW models) featuring both a gearshift lever and shift paddles on the steering wheel, like in Formula One race cars.

The new BMW 6 Series Coupe comes standard with BMW Driving Dynamic Control (DDC). First seen on the BMW Z4 Roadster, this feature gives the engine an even more spontaneous reaction to the gas pedal, influences steering in relation to road speed, allows the automatic or SMG transmission to hold gears longer, and provides faster SMG shifts - all at the touch of a button.