New BMW 6 Series makes Mid East debut at Dubai Motor Show

Due to arrive in the Middle East early in 2004, the new BMW 6 Series, through its powerful, refined engine, its outstanding sports characteristics and ample interior space sets new standards in the luxury sports coupé market.

BMW will shortly be unveiling the convertible model of this dream car, the 2+2 645Ci Cabrio at the Detroit Motor Show, in the USA. Arriving in the Middle East in the Spring of 2004, the convertible offers a unique open-top driving experience packed with every possible luxury whilst still being great fun to drive.

"The BMW 6 Series Coupé stands out in particular through its stretched, classic proportions giving the car a low, long and wide appearance on the road, full of flair and self-confidence. We are confident the 6 Series will strengthen BMW's market leading position in the region's luxury car segment," said Robert Bailey-McEwan, Managing Director, BMW Group Middle East.

As on the new 5 Series and 7 Series, all functions relevant to motoring are directly on the steering wheel or right around it. Access to the Controller for BMW's unique iDrive control philosophy is particularly convenient and ergonomic, and all comfort functions are also within easy reach from the front passenger's seat.

The 4.4-litre V8, featuring BMW's fully variable VALVETRONIC valve control, already well-known from the 745i, provides the foundation for dynamic motoring and performance on the road. Developing maximum output of 333 bhp, this supreme engine gives the new 6 Series Coupé an effortless top speed of electronically limited 250 km/h, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds.

The new 6 Series features a choice of three six-speed transmissions - a six-speed manual gearbox; six-speed automatic, featuring Steptronic control; or a Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) enabling the driver to shift gears by the gearshift lever or by means of gearshift paddles on the steering wheel like a Formula 1 racing car.

Lightweight technology used consistently on the 6 Series Coupé makes a significant contribution to the car's supreme driving comfort. The use of an innovative combined aluminium/steel/plastic body provides not only a level of performance and driving dynamics befitting a sports car, but also a standard of fuel economy most appropriate in today's world.

The excellent all-aluminium chassis and suspension of the new 6 Series Coupé come with all relevant electronic control systems such as DSC Dynamic Stability Control including DTC Dynamic Traction Control. Two important features also available are BMW's intelligent Dynamic Drive suspension system, almost completely eliminating body roll in bends, as well as BMW's equally unique Active Steering, providing a more direct transmission ratio at lower speeds and a more indirect ratio at higher speeds.

Apart from the safety features typical of BMW, the new 6 Series Coupé comes as standard with runflat tyres allowing the motorist to go on driving a certain distance even when the tyre is completely flat. And an important option providing even better illumination of the road ahead is the Adaptive Headlights with swivelling light beams.

Another feature unique in the large coupé market is the optional Head-Up Display, that projects information, in the driver's line of vision, on the windscreen. Other options include ACC Active Cruise Control and the innovative glass panorama vent roof with an electrically retractable roof liner. Much larger than a conventional sliding roof, this very special panorama roof gives the interior an even brighter and more spacious appearance.