- Powerful 245 kW V8 engine
- Dynamic Drive
- Active Steering
- Advanced weight-saving construction
- Strictly limited supply for Australia
BMW's new elegant V8 powered sports luxury 6 Series Coupe will come to market next May, priced at $203,000, signalling the return of the brand's ultimate luxury performance coupe. Long, low and lightweight, the new 645Ci Coupe with its high-performance power train and lavish equipment levels, boasts innovative technology and class-leading dynamics in line with its premium brand positioning. It is unmatched in its class in terms of features, performance and price. Strong, self-assured, unmistakable styling leads off with a new interpretation of the classic chromed double kidney grille flanked by striking headlamps. A dynamic harmony of taut, yet flowing contours and elegant surfaces, creates a truly emotive silhouette, dominated by the rear-set cabin and sweeping roofline. The modern, visual language of the exterior spills into the interior where a mix of the finest quality materials, ergonomically grouped driver-oriented controls and supportive sports seats redefine the essence of dynamic 21st century sports luxury motoring. The E63 645Ci Coupe offers four-passenger accommodation, a huge 450-litre luggage compartment - large enough for two golf bags and a full-size suitcase - while the 7 Series derived 4.4-litre Bi-Vanos VALVETRONIC V8 engine delivers sparkling, muscular performance.
Peak power of 245 kW at 6,100 rpm is matched by mountainous 450Nm of torque from just 3,700rpm, providing a deep and exhilarating power band. The athletic V8 is not only a resoundingly satisfying powerhouse but it has a conscience, too. It sips fuel at the rate of just 10.9-litres/100 km on the combined (EU) cycle. The 645Ci Coupe with automatic transmission races to 100 km/h from rest in 5.8 seconds, charges from 80-120 km/h in fifth gear in 6.7 seconds and is electronically limited to a top speed of 250 km/h. It boasts a power to weight ratio of 6.6 kg per kW and 55.7 kW per litre of displacement. A twin chamber exhaust system liberates a rich, deep rumble at full throttle that recedes to a calmer burble at slower speeds. All Australian 6 Series models will be equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission as standard, though a six-speed manual is available as a no cost option. The 645Ci has the largest brakes in its class for magnificent stopping power. The ventilated discs measure 348 mm x 30 mm up front and 345 mm x 24 mm at the rear. As with the 5 Series, the front body structure and front and rear suspension components are constructed from weight-saving aluminium, helping to provide an optimal 50/50 weight distribution for perfect handling. This also allows the powerful V8 to deliver its full sports performance potential. In addition, unique to the 6 Series are special high-technology thermoplastic front mudguards, aluminium doors, and a new lightweight Sheet Moulding Compound used for the boot lid, which incorporates a discrete, integral lip spoiler. Both composites offer identical tensile properties to steel and aluminium but are easier to shape. Unlike many of its rivals, the 6 series seats four adults in spacious luxury, yet weighs only 1620 kg (645Ci Coupe). Honed aerodynamics, enhanced by the adoption of a full 'superlite' under body aero package, reduce drag and boost performance to a level of dynamism and agility unmatched in this class. The 6 Series shares much of its industry-leading breakthrough technology with the acclaimed 7 Series and the newly arrived and much lauded 5 Series. Standard on all Australian specification 6 Series models are Servotronic-assisted rack and pinion Active Steering for go-kart-like low speed reaction, Dynamic Drive Control for faster engine response and delayed up-shifts, Dynamic Traction Control, which allows a higher slip threshold, and Dynamic Drive which all but eliminates body roll while cornering. Adaptive Bi-Xenon Headlights that see around corners, 18-inch light alloy wheels and 245/45 R 18 tyres are also standard. Eight airbags are standard on the 645Ci Coupe, including two second-generation ITS head airbags that remain inflated for up to seven seconds, protecting front and rear passengers during extended impact crash sequences. Also standard are Run Flat Tyres with a 150km range uninflated, backed by a Tyre Pressure Warning system and the latest Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system incorporating Dynamic Brake Control, Cornering Brake Control and Automatic Stability Control. Comfort features include exclusive Pearl leather sports seats - heated and electrically adjustable with three memory settings for both front occupants. Pearl leather trim also adorns the interior décor panels. A TV and Professional Satellite Navigation with large format screen, Voice Recognition for iDrive controls, in-car telephone, glove-box mounted six-stacker CD changer and top quality HiFi system are all included. Convenience features include Park Distance Control, remote alarm, clear indicator lenses, front and rear fog lamps, three-spoke sports multifunction steering wheel with electric adjustment for rake and reach, cruise control and automatic climate control. The 645Ci Coupe also has an electric glass sunroof as standard fitment. Optional features include Head-Up Display, Active Cruise Control and LOGIC7 studio quality audio. The new 6 Series Convertible will be unveiled in Detroit, in early January. It is likely to join the 645Ci Coupe in Australia from May 2004. Final pricing and specifications will be announced at a later date. The combined production availability of the 6 Series is likely to be limited to 180 units for the Australian market.
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