The second new 6 Series Model Breaks Cover.
The hearts of sports car aficionados will beat a little faster with
the arrival of the new BMW 650i Coupe. The third generation of the
top-class Coupe sees BMW adding another chapter to its decades-long
tradition in the production of exclusive dream cars. The new BMW 650i
Coupe impresses with its stunning design and inspires with even
sharper driving dynamics than its predecessor, noticeably optimized
comfort levels and extra space. This is the only car in the segment to
offer the combination of top-class sporting ability, exclusive touring
comfort and a 16.24 cu. ft (460-liter) DIN luggage compartment. Also
on board to deliver the BMW 6 Series Coupe’s signature driving
experience are a range of innovative driver assistance systems and BMW
ConnectedDrive infotainment features. The new car therefore meets the
highest expectations of driving pleasure and style in a large, premium
2+2-seater. The 650i Coupe arrives in US showrooms this fall.
Its unmistakable design language gives the new BMW 6 Series Coupe an
aura of athletic elegance. The long sweeping hood, short front
overhang and set-back passenger compartment team up with a 2.9 inch
(74 mm) increase in body length over its predecessor and a 2.95 inch
(75 mm) longer wheelbase to create the hallmark proportions of a BMW
Coupe. Meanwhile, the extra width of the new car – it is now 1.5
inches (39 mm) wider thanks to its increased track width – makes
for an exceptionally powerful stance that emphasizes its impressive
roadholding. All of which ensures that observers are struck by the
car’s dynamic forward-surging presence and promise of dynamic
driving ability the moment they set eyes on it. The faithful
reflection of the car’s character in its exterior styling is
given particular appeal by the lines running along the full length of
the body and its harmoniously sculpted surfaces. The inspiration for
these design features was the natural movement of waves. In the same
way as water is parted by an object in flowing water, the car
body’s shaping lines fan out from the BMW badge on the hood to
both sides of the body.
The innovations in the new BMW 6 Series Coupe also extend to lighting
technology, in the shape of Adaptive LED Headlights. Their bright
white light provides an extremely intense and evenly spread
illumination of the road. This technology is unparalleled in the
segment and also allows the beam of the headlights to curves of the road.
Other features that set the new car apart from its rivals are the BMW
ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems and mobility services. The
rear-view camera, Surround View, Parking Assistant, BMW Night Vision
with pedestrian recognition, Lane Departure Warning System and Lane
Change Warning System are joined on the list of available equipment
items by the new generation of the BMW Head-Up-Display. The latest
incarnation of the system uses a full spectrum of colors to display
the information projected onto the windshield. The standard BMW iDrive
control system, is the operating portal for the navigation,
communications and infotainment functions. The high definition,
trans-reflective technology Control Display is centrally mount high on
the sweeping dash and emulates a freestanding flatscreen. Finally, the
optional Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System provides a
feast of aural pleasure seldom experienced inside a car.
The all-new third generation 650i Coupe will join the 650i
Convertible in the US market this fall as a 2012 model. Retail
and option pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
Twin-Turbo V-8 engine with High Precision direct injection.
The 4.4-liter V-8 engine develops a maximum 400 hp between 5,500
and 6,400 rpm, and makes peak torque of 450 lb-ft between 1,750
and 4,500 rpm. This unique “reverse-flow” engine,
whose two turbochargers are positioned in the V-area between the
cylinder banks, produces an instantaneous and sustained wave of power,
making it a delight for the enthusiast driver. The engine can be
paired with either BMW’s new 8-speed Sport Automatic gearbox or
BMW’s traditional 6-speed manual transmission, quite popular
with North American enthusiasts.
The new BMW 650i Coupe completes the sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8
seconds (0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds) with either the 6-speed manual or
the 8-speed automatic transmission . Top speed is electronically
limited to 155 mph. This engine also boasts extraordinary efficiency
for a model in its output class. EPA figures will be available closer
to the on-sale date in mid 2011.
8-speed Sport Automatic Transmission.
The 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission in the new BMW 650i Coupe
boasts a perfect combination of speed, flexibility, sportiness, and
efficiency. What sets it apart are its minimal torque converter slip
and rapid gear changes. An innovative gear set configuration allows
this transmission to offer eight gears, maximizing acceleration at any
road speed yet allowing the driver to conserve fuel by cruising at low
revs. Befitting the Coupe’s sporting character, the driver can
choose to select gears manually via shift paddles on the standard
Sport leather steering wheel.
In addition to the efficiency of the engine and 8-speed Sport
Automatic transmission, an extensive range of BMW EfficientDynamics
measures contribute to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Brake
Energy Regeneration, on-demand operation of ancillary components,
intelligent lightweight construction and extensive aerodynamic
refinement collaborate to ensure maximum efficiency.
Chassis Management and optional Integral Active Steering.
Cutting-edge chassis technology gives the new BMW 650i Coupe the
tools to provide both sporty handling and exceptional comfort. The
double wishbone front axle and the multi-link rear axle are made
predominantly from aluminum. The chassis is geared to the requirements
of drivers with sporting intentions, although the dampers also respond
sensitively to bumps in the road surface under high lateral
acceleration. The optional Active Roll Stabilization combines with the
standard Dynamic Damper Control to offer the driver even more precise
responses and perfectly flat cornering ability. The electronically
controlled shock absorbers adapt to the road surface and the
driver’s style to perfectly control the car’s body motions.
The electronically controlled damper system in the new BMW 6 Series
Coupe adjusts compression and rebound settings continuously and
independently. For example, a stiff chassis setting can be combined
with comfortable responses to unevenness in the road surface. The
control unit of the damping system processes the data supplied by
sensors on the vertical motion of the wheels as well as the ride
height of the car. The driving speed and the damper setting chosen by
the driver are also taken into account in calculating the damping
force required for each individual wheel to even out body movements.
This data is fed back to the shock-absorber units at intervals of just 2.5 milliseconds.
The optional Active Roll Stabilization feature reduces body roll in
corners and in sudden changes of direction, or transitions. Sensors
calculate the amount of body roll based on the driving situation at
hand, and this is then counteracted quickly and precisely by hydraulic
rotary actuators in the front and rear anti-roll bars. The result is
flatter cornering inspiring greater confidence for the driver as well
as greater comfort for the passengers during spirited drives. The
power steering features standard Servotronic vehicle-speed sensitive
assistance, and serves up the familiar BMW recipe of precision,
comfort and linear response.
The new BMW 650i Coupe is the first car in its class available with
Integral Active Steering. This system combines the Active Steering
system for the front axle (available on the previous generation 6
Series Coupe) with a new, steerable rear axle. Precisely harmonized
steering angle movements at both axles create a virtual lengthening or
shortening of the vehicle’s wheelbase, which fosters greater
high-speed stability and enhanced maneuverability for parking and city use.
Brakes, Wheels, and Tires.
The lightweight floating-caliper brakes with vented discs are easy to
use with precision, and their effectiveness is reinforced by Dynamic
Stability Control. DSC brings together technology such as the
Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake
Control, Dynamic Brake Control, the Start-off Assistant, the automatic
Brake Drying function and Brake Fade Compensation. Standard equipment
also includes 8.5 x19-inch light-alloy wheels, with all-season runflat
tires (size 245/40 R19) and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Driving Dynamics Control.
With standard Driving Dynamics Control, the dominant virtues of
athletic driving sportiness and ride comfort can be chosen by the
driver as situations demand. The driver can choose settings of
COMFORT, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ modes using the large rocker switch
on the center console. Affected parameters include the tuning of the
throttle response, power steering boost assistance, shock absorbers,
automatic transmission shift characteristics and – if equipped -
roll stabilization and Integral Active Steering. In SPORT+ mode, the
Dynamic Traction Control mode of the standard Dynamic Stability
Control system is activated, raising the thresholds for stability
intervention in the most sport-oriented driving circumstances.
Unmatched chassis technology works with the cutting-edge engine to
provide the driver with greater dynamic capability and improved ride
comfort compared to the previous-generation 6 Series Coupe.
Design: Athletic elegance, natural sportiness.
The new BMW 6 Series Coupe again heralds the arrival of an
exceptionally sporty and exclusive 2+2-seater in the premium Coupe
segment. The new model’s extra length and width over its
predecessor model combine with its 0.2 inch (5 mm) lower height to
produce a strikingly low-set and powerful design. The new
interpretation of the traditional BMW Coupe proportions is embellished
by lines and surfaces inspired by the movement of waves. Flowing lines
and harmonious curves create a feeling of athletic grace, complemented
by extremely classic and eye-catching design features which underline
the opulent character and elegant appearance of the two-door BMW.
The expressive front end is dominated by the large and slightly
forward-slanting BMW kidney grille. The grille emphasizes the
car’s sporting pedigree with a broad, flat design, and creates a
visual connection with the engine nestling behind. The kidney grille
slats, angled slightly towards the top, lend additional emphasis to
the front end’s “shark nose” character. The contour
lines of the hood converge towards the kidney grille, forming a
V-shape which is continued by the contours of the headlights, kidney
and wide air intake to give a road-focused look. High-quality chrome
elements and the LED units of the foglamps positioned in front of them
guide the eye to the muscular wheel arches.
High-visibility innovation: Adaptive LED Headlights.
The new BMW 6 Series Coupe is equipped with Adaptive Xenon headlights
as standard. An accentuating trim element cuts across the top of the
hallmark BMW twin round headlights to produce the purposeful look
familiar from other BMW models. The optional Adaptive LED Headlights
provide a fresh take on this established feature. The Adaptive LED
Headlights for low beam and high beam contain LED light rings for the
parking lights and daytime running lights, which are flattened on the
lower edge and overlapped at their top edge by an accent light –
also featuring LEDs. The result is a stunning, distinctively BMW
showcase for the innovative light technology. In addition, they also
generate the low beam and high beam light from the two light rings.
The light sources are horizontal LED ribs positioned in the center of
the light rings. The brand’s hallmark twin round headlight look
is therefore expressed even more strikingly - not only with the
daytime running lights switched on, but also when the headlights are
activated in the dark.
However, the Adaptive LED Headlights are about more than just looking
good; they also ensure the driver can see well. Their bright white
light provides a bright and even illumination of the road ahead. From
a color perspective, the light comes much closer to natural daylight
than that created by conventional halogen or xenon headlights, lending
even reflective objects far greater contrast. The cornering element of
the Adaptive LED Headlights is also tailored to the car’s speed,
steering angle and yaw rate, allowing the pivot of the headlights to
adapt automatically to the line of the corner. Meanwhile, a light
source positioned specially in the headlight housing generates the
cornering light which, at low speeds, ensures illumination of the road
surface in the direction the car is turning. LED technology is also
deployed for the direction indicators, each of which consists of eight
LED units arranged in a row underneath the light rings. As well as
enhancing visibility in the dark, the Adaptive LED Headlights also
significantly improve the signaling effect of the car’s lights.
Side view: elegant roofline, powerfully curved surfaces.
Tightly curved surfaces and character lines stretching the full
length of the body define the side view of the BMW 6 Series Coupe. The
forward-slanting BMW kidney grille is particularly clear from this
angle. Despite its smooth curves and innovative pedestrian protection
measures, the long bonnet still has a flat appearance. Its contour
lines fan out wide and extend towards the rear. In combination with
the car’s typical Coupe proportions, this creates a particularly
elegant, elongated silhouette.
The exterior design has been inspired by waves with clearly defined
lines and volume formed around an object in flowing water. This gives
the new BMW 6 Series Coupe a naturally powerful and sporty edge. The
typical BMW character line starts behind the front wheel arch, takes
in the sporty gill feature and extends dynamically along the flank of
the car to the rear. In so doing, it stretches the new BMW 6 Series
Coupe visually and lends it a dynamic yet elegant allure. The door
handles are integrated into the character line. A further character
line emerges from the swell of the front wheel arch, drops down
between the gill and the door and then levels out towards the rear.
Its path replicates a forward-surging wave. The door sill line
underneath it and an additional crease give the lower edge of the body
a light and sporty appearance.
The roofline of the new BMW 6 Series Coupe also swoops in an elegant,
flat progression into the tail. It comes across as especially svelte
when viewed from the side, creating a contrast typical of BMW Coupes
between the powerful body and light passenger compartment. Doors with
frameless windows underline this impression. The chromed side window
border emphasizes the signature Hofmeister kink at the foot of the C-pillar.
Rear view: striking indications of dynamic and secure roadholding.
From the rear, the new BMW 6 Series Coupe exudes power, athleticism
and solidity. Bulging wheel arches accentuate the wide track of the
new car, offering a hint of its impressive roadholding. Added to
which, horizontal lines and the broadening impression of the
car’s shape as you follow it towards the rear paint a clear
picture of the sporting performance waiting to be unlocked. The
slightly concave lower section of the trunklid generates light and
shade effects which lend an extra lightness to the rear of the car.
The edges of the trunk lid and the license plate surround create a
V-shape, which – similarly to the front of the car –
steers the eye towards the road. The trapezoidal exhaust outlets are
positioned on either side of the air diffuser in the lower fascia.
The two-part rear light clusters display the customary BMW L-shape in
a particularly wide rendition that extends far into the trunk lid,
while the character line that flows into the rear lights forges a
harmonious link between the side and the rear of the car. Inside the
rear light clusters, two LED-powered light strips generate the
familiar BMW night-time look, an effect that is reinforced by the
L-shaped lower light unit. The direction indicators and brake lights
are also LED-powered. The wide third brake light is located in the
upper edge of the trunk lid.
Interior with BMW’s traditional driver-oriented cockpit.
The new BMW 650i Coupe is designed to be a 2+2-seater. Its interior
offers individually tailored seats for the driver, front passenger and
rear passengers. High-quality materials, carefully coordinated colors
and meticulously sculpted surfaces combine to produce an ambience
defined by luxury, sweeping style and Teutonic functionality. A
hallmark BMW element of the interior design is the driver-oriented
cockpit layout. The central section of the instrument panel,
containing the iDrive system’s Central Display, the air vents
and the controls for the audio system and air conditioning, are all
angled slightly towards the driver. Added to which, the gearshift
lever and the switches for the parking brake and Driving Dynamics
Control are located on a surface that opens out towards the driver and
is set lower than the front passenger side of the center console.
The front passenger area is bordered by a surface curving elegantly
from the armrest over the side edge of the center console, upwards and
outwards into the instrument panel and then horizontally into the door
trim. This provides a harmonious surround for the front passenger
area, creating a feeling of exclusive security. The contour of the
rear waistline surface, which extends slightly into the interior
between the head restraints, highlights the individual seat layout of
the rear.
Freestanding Central Display with flatscreen design.
The black-panel instrument cluster of the new BMW 650i Coupe combines
the traditional sports car circular instruments with state-of-the-art
display technology. The Navigation system, telephone and entertainment
functions are operated using the iDrive control system, whose Central
Display boasts an innovative design. The on-board monitor takes the
form of a freestanding display with a flatscreen look. The high
definition measures 10.2 inch across and features a high-quality
galvanized chrome surround. The shallow depth of the display gives it
a modern character. Trans-reflective technology ensures the display
remains easy-to-read in bright sunlight. The new arrangement of the
Central Display – which now reaches further into the passenger
compartment –influences the architecture of the instrument
panel, which rises steeply in front of the driver and front passenger.
This impression is further enhanced by the structure of the door trim
panels. Their surfaces have a powerfully taut look and, like the black
waistline surface, pull in and rise up to create a smooth transition
into the instrument panel, giving the interior the effect of wrapping
around the driver and front passenger.
Dimensions and Storage.
At 192.7 in. (4,894 mm) in length, the new BMW 650i Coupe is 2.9
in. (74 mm) longer than its predecessor. Its extended wheelbase
now stretches to 112.4 in. (2,855 mm). The car is 1.5 in. (39 mm)
wider, measuring 74.6 in. (1,894 mm) across, while 0.36 in. (9mm)
have been shaved from its height (now 53.9 in. /1,369 mm). These
dimensions create a significantly more powerful and elegant
impression, while taking interior spaciousness to new levels.
Despite its lower height, the new BMW 650i Coupe offers greater
headroom in both front and rear seats. The height adjustment of the
driver and front passenger seats also covers a greater range of
travel. The increase in the width of the interior is noticeable from
all four seats, and passengers in the rear seats benefit from
additional legroom. The tilt angle of the rear seat backrest now
achieves virtually the same angle as found in BMW Sedans.
New lightweight technology, comprehensive safety equipment.
The new BMW 650i Coupe is fitted with newly developed lightweight
seats with an integrated seatbelt system and standard 20-way
multi-contour adjustability and adjustable lumbar support. Optionally,
the Luxury Seating Package adds front ventilated seats and active
fatigue reduction can be added. All seat variants come with
crash-activated anti-whiplash head restraints.
The range of standard safety equipment also includes front airbags,
head-thorax side airbags integrated into the seat frame, three-point
automatic belts for all seats, belt force limiters and front belt
pre-tensioners and ISOFIX child seat mounts in the rear.
Carefully researched advances in materials and development of the
car’s load-bearing structure have significantly enhanced the
body’s construction in terms of the agility and safety it
offers. Its static torsional rigidity is about 50 percent greater
than that of its predecessor. In the interests of perfect balance, the
doors, hood and front spring mounts are all aluminum, while the front
fenders, roof lid and trunklid are made from reinforced composite.
Cutting-edge features from BMW ConnectedDrive.
The new BMW 650i Coupe is available with a great variety of driver
assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive. The
comprehensive Driver Assistance Package includes Automatic High Beams,
Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Rear and Top View
cameras, Parking Assistant, and a new three-dimensional, full-color
Head-Up Display. Also available are BMW’s Night Vision with
Pedestrian Detection and Active Cruise Control with stop-and-go capability.
HiFi stereo system.
The standard HiFi audio system in the new BMW 650i Coupe comes with
an HD Radio receiver, MP3-compatible CD drive, AUX-IN connection, and
a HiFi loudspeaker system with nine speakers. The available Premium
Sound Package adds SiriusXM satellite radio with a 1-year
subscription, iPod and USB adapter, and the Premium HiFi system
comprised of 12 loudspeakers and a digital amplifier. It features
DIRAC signal processing and model-specific equalizing.
Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System delivers an
unparalleled audio experience.
When it comes to delivering audio pleasure of the highest order, the
Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System designed especially
for the new BMW 650i Coupe hits all the right notes. Jointly developed
by the Danish audio specialists and BMW, this system produces an
exceptionally natural sound from 16 speakers distributed around the
cabin. It is a fully active system featuring digital signal
processing, which means the two bass speakers, seven mid-range
speakers and seven tweeters all have individual amplifiers. This
technology enables the targeted modification of any sound reflections
inside the vehicle. The Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound
System uses Dirac Dimensions™ technology to recreate the
acoustics of a reference listening room in the passenger compartment.
All vehicle occupants therefore enjoy the same high-quality sound
stage wherever they are sitting.
The electrical signals are converted into precisely defined sound
waves using neodymium magnet drivers, and the mid-range speakers
feature extremely stiff Hexacone diaphragms. The outstanding quality
of the Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System is underlined
by exclusive design features. The form and color of the advanced
all-aluminum speaker grilles have been tailored precisely to the
interior design of the new BMW 650i Coupe. The special perforation
pattern of the grilles is created using a very sophisticated drilling
technique. The grille mounts are not visible from the outside,
ensuring that the grilles stand out from their surroundings by
appearing to float in a slightly raised position above the surface.
This exclusive ambience is further enhanced by a discreet lighting
effect, which showcases the contours of the sound sources with a
subtly impressive effect. A both visually and acoustically significant
innovation, meanwhile, is the novel design of the center speaker in
the instrument panel area, which uses Acoustic Lens Technology
developed by Bang & Olufsen to provide a particularly harmonious
sound. As soon as the audio system is activated, the central element
containing the integrated mid-range speaker pops up, prompting the
tweeter lens to be extended at the same time. The tweeter lens
distributes its signals evenly at 180 degrees throughout the interior.
This extraordinarily harmonious horizontal dispersion of sound is
achieved through the special design of the lens, which also minimizes
unwanted vertical sound dispersion.
Industry leading new-generation Head-Up Display.
Like its predecessor, the new BMW 650i Coupe is the only vehicle in
its class with an optional Head-Up Display system. By projecting
important information onto the windshield, directly in the
driver’s line of sight, the Head-Up Display minimizes
distraction from the road and traffic. The new-generation system
brings a further improvement in display quality: the symbols are
projected as three-dimensional graphics and in ultra-clear resolution
onto the windshield. Full-color capability makes the road sign symbols
even more realistic. At the same time the Head-Up Display is now able
to present a wider range of information. Depending on vehicle
specification, guidance information supplied by the Navigation system,
Check Control messages, status messages from the Lane Departure
Warning System and warnings from the BMW Night Vision system can all
be shown in the Head-Up Display. The positioning of the messages on
the windshield is highly ergonomic, so that drivers are aware of them
without having to refocus or take their eyes off the road.
The intensity of the projection automatically adjusts to the ambient
light level, and the brightness setting can be adjusted via the iDrive
menu. The driver can also choose what information will appear in the
Head-Up Display in addition to road speed and warnings from the driver
assistance systems.
Rear-View, Top View, and Side View Cameras.
To supplement the standard Park Distance Control, which uses
ultrasonic sensors to monitor distance from objects in front or
behind, the new BMW 650i Coupe also features a standard rear-view
camera. The camera is integrated in the trunklid under the BMW
“roundel” badge, which protects it from dirt. When the
rear-view camera is activated, the roundel badge pivots up out of the
way to expose the camera lens. The perspective-corrected color images
are relayed to the Central Display. Superimposed on the images are
interactive tracking lines which indicate the optimal steering angle
for parking, as well as the tightest turning circle.
The optional Top View system with Side View provides an even more
comprehensive picture. In addition to the rear-view camera and the PDC
sensors, this system also uses a fish-eye camera in each of the side
mirrors. The data acquired by Top View is relayed to a central
computer which generates a bird’s eye view of both vehicle and
surroundings and presents the image in the Central Display. This view
allows the driver to maneuver precisely in confined spaces.
The Side View function uses two cameras integrated in the front
fenders to provide an improved view of cross-traffic at speeds below
10mph. These images are relayed to the Central Display where they may
give the driver an early idea of what is happening on the road to the
left and right of the car when pulling out from narrow and concealed
gateways or car park exits.
The BMW 650i Coupe: Production in Dingolfing, Germany.
The new BMW 650i Coupe is built at the BMW plant in Dingolfing,
Germany. Also rolling off the assembly line at the BMW Group’s
largest production plant are the BMW 7 Series and BMW 5 Series models.
The flexible and efficient processes at the plant combine
state-of-the-art production technology with a standard of quality
defined by meticulous craftsmanship in the manufacture of premium cars
configured to customer requirements.
