BMW 6 Series Coupe makes Malaysian debut

BMW 6 Series Coupe makes Malaysian debut

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BMW Group Malaysia today announced the arrival of the F12 6 Series Coupe in our shores, having already brought us the 640i Convertible earlier this year in April. Two options are offered in the Malaysian model mix, with the six-cylinder 640i sitting alongside the V8 650i. Both come standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Both models feature turbocharged engines, and in the 640i is the already familiar 3.0-litre N55 twin-scroll turbo engine found in, among others, the 535i. For its assignment in the 6, BMW has dialed in some extra muscle for the six-potter, giving it 320hp @ 5,800rpm and 450Nm @ 1,300 – 4,500rpm, up from 306hp and 400Nm enjoyed by the 535i. Capped to a top speed of 250kph, the 640i demolishes the century sprint in just a little over five seconds, and is still able to record a commendable 7.7 l/100km when tested in the EU combined cycle. Carbon dioxide emission is rated at 177 g/km.

Moving up, we have the 650i powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 which forms the basis of the engine powering the new M5. In this relatively garden variety tune, the vital stats are 407hp @ 5,500 – 6,400rpm and 600Nm @ 1,750 – 4,500rpm. Compared to the 640i, the 650i is marginally faster (4.9 seconds to 100kph), but a little far off in consumption and CO2 emissions (10.5 l/100km and 245 g/km respectively).

In the aspect of driver electronics, the 6 Series comes equipped with Drive Dynamics Control which allows the driver to individually adjust driving parameters such as engine response, steering response, gear change, DSC thresholds, electronic damper rates, and body roll stabilization based on his or her driving mood and style.

Four driving modes are selectable from the Drive Dynamics Control system, which are Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The F12 6 Series is the first BMW vehicle offered with Eco Pro mode, which aids the driver in adopting fuel efficient driving styles. Accelerator and transmission response are adjusted to give maximum fuel efficiency.

Like the F10 5 Series and the F01 7 Series which it shares plenty of moving bits with, the new 6 comes also with Integral Active Steering which gives slight steer angles (maximum 2.5 degrees) to the rear wheels based on steering input and actual vehicle speed. At low speeds, the rear wheels steer in opposite direction to the front wheels for greater agility, whilst at higher speeds, the wheels steer in the same direction for improved lane changing stability.

In terms of stuff to show off, there are plenty under the BMW ConnectedDrive umbrella, and in the 6 Series, items to make your mates envy include heads-up display and night vision with pedestrian detection. The more mundane stuff would be USB connectivity, Bluetooth hands free and expanded connectivity to accommodate various mobile phones and portable music players. There is also a suite of on-board mobile office applications and Internet access. An additional feature exclusive to the 650i is Adaptive LED Headlights with cornering lights.

The new F12 BMW 6 Series Coupé is covered by the BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI) programme, valid for three years from its original registration date or 60,000KM, whichever comes first. Retail price (on the road, without insurance, with BS+RI) for the 640i is RM 768,800.00 and RM 888,800.00 for the 650i.

Pictures: Official BMW release.

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