Dubbed the E24, the first 6 Series that saw light was in 1976 and it wasn't until 14 years later when the second generation, codenamed E63, was released. Based on the chassis of the previous 5 Series, the E63 was a slam dunk. With its avant-garde design and brawny engines, the car even saw some refreshments on the head and tail lamps years later in 2007. Fast forward 3 years at the Paris Motor Show, BMW unveiled the latest 6 Series - dubbed F12 for the convertible and F13 for the coupe.
Now in its third generation, the Bavarian marque occupies a rather special niche in its lineup with the 6 Series. Although many reckoned that the design was polarised by former design chief Chris Bangle, the sheet metal (or experimental canvas as some may call it) does somehow give the car the "dream car" credentials that has been lacking in the predecessor.
Maintaining its 2+2 seater layout, the 6 coupe is a grand tourer that's designed for those who knows exactly what to expect from the get-go. At the price of $355,800 (as of 23rd Dec 2011), the car isn't exactly low-end. But considering that it now features new engines and enhanced environmental credentials, looking good and driving at the same time has never been so effortless.
Exterior
On first glance, the 6 Series is a visual feast. If the cabriolet is a tidal blue wave big enough for surfers to shrink in their pants, the coupe you see here has to be a tsunami. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but one thing's for sure - the car is pure luxury and it's nearly impossible to not crack a smile and be swept away.
Now in its third generation, the Bavarian marque occupies a rather special niche in its lineup with the 6 Series. Although many reckoned that the design was polarised by former design chief Chris Bangle, the sheet metal (or experimental canvas as some may call it) does somehow give the car the "dream car" credentials that has been lacking in the predecessor.
Maintaining its 2+2 seater layout, the 6 coupe is a grand tourer that's designed for those who knows exactly what to expect from the get-go. At the price of $355,800 (as of 23rd Dec 2011), the car isn't exactly low-end. But considering that it now features new engines and enhanced environmental credentials, looking good and driving at the same time has never been so effortless.
Exterior
On first glance, the 6 Series is a visual feast. If the cabriolet is a tidal blue wave big enough for surfers to shrink in their pants, the coupe you see here has to be a tsunami. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but one thing's for sure - the car is pure luxury and it's nearly impossible to not crack a smile and be swept away.
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While the F13 is 74mm longer, 39mm wider and 5mm lower than its predecessor, it manages to boast sleeker styling and slightly beefed-up proportions without compromising on the dynamism that has been linked with the car. The shark-nosed facade and flared fenders has given the car a profile that's more upbeat and aerodynamic, accompanied by purposeful and bold lines that simultaneously convey a sense of sportiness and elegance.
The face also greets the world with a pair of brighter "eyes", thanks to the Adaptive LED Headlights and LED foglamps that impart both sophistication as well as aggression on the roads. Round the back, the butt has lost some of its proportions too, creating a look that's more sculpted than sizeable.
Styling wise, for the fact that this grand tourer wasn't made for having a bad ass attitude on the roads, the holistic proportions which lends itself a pleasingly fluid silhouette doesn't lose out to its peers such as the Maserati GranTurismo or the Mercedes-Benz SL. Instead, it remains to be an independent and classy machine instead of a mainstream one.
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Interior
Perhaps just a decade ago, people would remember that there was a wall between first-class seats with top notch materials and high tech gizmos. Even looking superior and maintaining a good drivetrain were very separated. Today, it feels like the walls have almost totally collapsed, and brands such as BMW prove it with their seamless mixture of leather-swathed cabin and technological convenience (thanks to the iDrive).
The cabin of the 6er also exudes cool. It seems effortless for the designers and engineers at Dingolfing - creating a car for drivers to enjoy in quiet contentment while ensuring they're not having too much of anything all at once.
Perhaps just a decade ago, people would remember that there was a wall between first-class seats with top notch materials and high tech gizmos. Even looking superior and maintaining a good drivetrain were very separated. Today, it feels like the walls have almost totally collapsed, and brands such as BMW prove it with their seamless mixture of leather-swathed cabin and technological convenience (thanks to the iDrive).
The cabin of the 6er also exudes cool. It seems effortless for the designers and engineers at Dingolfing - creating a car for drivers to enjoy in quiet contentment while ensuring they're not having too much of anything all at once.
Contentment said, despite the increase in its wheelbase by 75mm over its predecessor, the 6 Series Coupe is still best suited for two adults. The rear seats remain suited for kids only as legroom can be a tad too cramped for grown-ups. But there is plenty to smile about with the comfort that the seats provide and the large amount of boot space. Unlike most coupes, the 6 Series boasts 460 litres of trunk space - 10 litres more than its topless sibling.
In the gizmo department, the BMW iDrive control system ticks the boxes for controlling the navigation, communications and infotainment functions through a 10.2 inches wide screen. It's also through this screen where the Surround View and Parking Assistant come into play, allowing drivers to park the 4894mm long car confidently and conveniently.
In the gizmo department, the BMW iDrive control system ticks the boxes for controlling the navigation, communications and infotainment functions through a 10.2 inches wide screen. It's also through this screen where the Surround View and Parking Assistant come into play, allowing drivers to park the 4894mm long car confidently and conveniently.
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The Drive
On the roads, the 6 Series Coupe rises to the occasion. Despite its heft of over 1.7 tonnes, the car dashes from 0 to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds, making it an easy feat for drivers to get this car to hit illegal speeds on the empty straights. This is made possible by the turbocharged in-line six that produces the high horsepower and torque figures of 320bhp and 450Nm respectively. And thanks to the capable 19 inch shoes and the increased track width, roadholding is superb, allowing the car to be rushed around corners with aplomb and complete confidence.
Granted that a V8 powerplant would have made rumbling rackets on the roads, this in-line engine is arguably the best civilised six in a premium car. Mated to a capable and no less creamy eight-speed Sports automatic gearbox, the Bavarian car feels alive and urgent even when the tacho is merely reaching the 2,000rpm mark, forcing one to beg the question whether dual clutch gearboxes are really a necessity. To pull away from the pack, all you need to do is squeeze the throttle gently and you'll hit the sweet spot with the car's relentless pick-up, accompanied by a slightly muffled but muscular exhaust note.
Additionally, two new driving modes are available in this 6: Comfort+ and ECO PRO. Comfort+ offers smooth shifts with a slightly firm edge on the low-speed ride and softer suspension settings. The engine is best left in this mode when taking a relaxing cruise on our stressful roads. ECO PRO, as the name suggests, is slightly slower on the pick up and hence, easy on the fuel consumption. Choose this tree-hugging ECO PRO mode and the fuel numbers of the 640i will start swelling.
On the roads, the 6 Series Coupe rises to the occasion. Despite its heft of over 1.7 tonnes, the car dashes from 0 to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds, making it an easy feat for drivers to get this car to hit illegal speeds on the empty straights. This is made possible by the turbocharged in-line six that produces the high horsepower and torque figures of 320bhp and 450Nm respectively. And thanks to the capable 19 inch shoes and the increased track width, roadholding is superb, allowing the car to be rushed around corners with aplomb and complete confidence.
Granted that a V8 powerplant would have made rumbling rackets on the roads, this in-line engine is arguably the best civilised six in a premium car. Mated to a capable and no less creamy eight-speed Sports automatic gearbox, the Bavarian car feels alive and urgent even when the tacho is merely reaching the 2,000rpm mark, forcing one to beg the question whether dual clutch gearboxes are really a necessity. To pull away from the pack, all you need to do is squeeze the throttle gently and you'll hit the sweet spot with the car's relentless pick-up, accompanied by a slightly muffled but muscular exhaust note.
Additionally, two new driving modes are available in this 6: Comfort+ and ECO PRO. Comfort+ offers smooth shifts with a slightly firm edge on the low-speed ride and softer suspension settings. The engine is best left in this mode when taking a relaxing cruise on our stressful roads. ECO PRO, as the name suggests, is slightly slower on the pick up and hence, easy on the fuel consumption. Choose this tree-hugging ECO PRO mode and the fuel numbers of the 640i will start swelling.
On the flip side, handling is much sharper and the car feels more confident when tackling meandering roads when left in Sport mode, although you would easily feel the heft of the large coupe. Apart from the firmer suspension set-up, throttle responses are sharper and steering is heavier, giving drivers the most feedback amongst the five different drive settings.
Regardless of the modes, this 3.0-litre powerplant is a smooth criminal. It'll be happy to cruise along at highway speeds quietly while soaking up bumps on uneven roads. All in due need for occupants to enjoy in a well-insulated cabin.
Conclusion
The 6 Series Coupe joins the existing coupe market aiming to attract buyers who place greater emphasis on outright style rather than practicality. But make no mistake, be it used or new, two or four doors, this car is the most interesting amongst its compelling competitors.
With an electricity to it that's rarely exciting and contagious, we reckon the 6 Series Coupe owner will not spend too much time driving hard. Instead, he is more likely to cruise along while enjoying the car's luxurious interior as well as admiring glances that this machine will undoubtedly draw.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Regardless of the modes, this 3.0-litre powerplant is a smooth criminal. It'll be happy to cruise along at highway speeds quietly while soaking up bumps on uneven roads. All in due need for occupants to enjoy in a well-insulated cabin.
Conclusion
The 6 Series Coupe joins the existing coupe market aiming to attract buyers who place greater emphasis on outright style rather than practicality. But make no mistake, be it used or new, two or four doors, this car is the most interesting amongst its compelling competitors.
With an electricity to it that's rarely exciting and contagious, we reckon the 6 Series Coupe owner will not spend too much time driving hard. Instead, he is more likely to cruise along while enjoying the car's luxurious interior as well as admiring glances that this machine will undoubtedly draw.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
