BMW unveils 6-series convertible

BMW has unveiled the all new 2011 6-series in India; the German Manufacturer has launched the soft-top version priced at Rs 95 lakh.

With the new 6-Series, BMW is ditching the bullish appearance of the previous model for a svelter and classically elegant look. The design ties the new 6-Series visually with other recent BMW models, notably the 5-series, with which it shares much of its mechanical package.

The new 6-series continues BMW’s design revolution under the watch of Adrian van Hooydonk, whose mould-breaking Z9 Gran Turismo concept car of 1999 laid down the styling template for today’s 6-series.

The new 6-Series gets a shark-like nose featuring highly technical headlamp graphics (to be offered with optional LED corona lenses), a slightly forward-leaning kidney grille and a full-width air duct within the lower part of the bumper. The long bonnet is more contoured than before and, like the rest of the car’s steel body, has tauter surfacing than today’s somewhat bloated-looking model.

At the rear are L-shaped lamps that use similar LED graphics to those seen on the 5-series. The boot is also more integrated than before and now boasts a subtle spoiler integrated into the metal.

The car is virtually the same length but a good deal wider and slightly lower than the outgoing model. It also boasts an incremental increase in wheelbase, so it will be roomier inside, especially in the rear. Boot capacity remains at 450 litres. The cabin has an asymmetrical dashboard that hints at early BMWs by angling the centre console slightly towards the driver.

An Eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard on the 6-series.  

India gets the top-of-the-line 650i. It runs a turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 407bhp and 61.2 kgm, it does 0-100kph in 5.0sec, but delivers 11.05 kpl.