The new BMW 6-Series Coupe strikes an ideal balance between dynamic handling and ride comfort thanks to a newly developed chassis. Its standard Electric Power Steering and optional Integral Active Steering both break new ground in this §egmènt. Also on the options list are Dynamic Damper Control and the Adaptive Drive system, complete wîth roll stabilisation. Drive Dynamic Control – which allows drivers to adjust the car’s set-up to their individual tastes – comes as standard in the new BMW 6-Series Coupe. The innovations in the new BMW 6-Series Coupe also extend to light 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 §egmènt and also allows the beam of the headlights to follow the progression of corners. Customers can also order their Coupe wîth optional LED foglamps.

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 wîth pedestrian recognition, Speed Limit Info, 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-Úp-Display. The latest incarnation of the system uses a full spectrum of colours to display the information projected onto the windscreen. The BMW iDrive control system, meanwhile, is included as standard in the BMW 6-Series Coupe as an operating portal for the navigation, communications and infotainment functions. Its Control Display comes in the form of a fixed, freestanding flatscreen, which adds an extra exclusive flourish to the generously sized and luxurious interior. Elsewhere, the optional Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System lays on a feast of aural pleasure seldom experienced inside a car.

Price: $90,500 – 90,500.
Invoice: $83,260 – 83,260.

Design

The new BMW 6-Series Coupe heralds the arrival of an exceptionally sporty and exclusive 2+2-seater in the premium §egmènt of top-class Coupes. The new model’s extra length and width over its predecessor model combine wîth its 5-millimetre 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 classy 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 emphasises the car’s sporting pedigree wîth a broad, flat design, and creates a visual connection wîth 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 bonnet 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 optional foglamps positioned in front of them guide the eye to the muscular wheel arches.

Side View

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 wîth the car’s typical Coupe proportions, this creates a particularly elegant, elongated silhouette. The exterior design has been inspired by waves wîth 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 swage line extends out from 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 precisely into the swage line. A further character line emerges from the swell of the front wheel arch, before dropping down between the gill and the door and then levelling out towards the rear, its path replicating 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 wîth frameless windows underline this impression. The chromed side window border emphasises the ‘counter-swing’ at the foot of the C-pillar (known as the Hofmeister kink) wîth its particularly tight line.

Rear View

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 boot lid generates light and shade effects which lend an extra lightness to the rear of the car.

The edges of the boot lid and the licence plate surround create a V-shape, which – similarly to the front of the car – steers the eye towards the road. The exhaust tailpipes are positioned on either side of a diffusor-style apron. On the BMW 650i Coupe they are trapezoidal in shape while on the BMW 640i Coupe they are circular. The two-part rear light clusters display the customary BMW L-shape in a particularly wide rendition that extends far into the boot lid, while the swage 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 additional brake light is located in the upper edge of the boot lid.

Interior

The driver-oriented cockpit layout familiar from BMW models down the years and a dynamic forward-surging movement define the design of the interior. The centre section of the instrument panel – including the Control Display, the central air vent and the controls for the audio system and climate control – is angled slightly towards the driver. The gearshift lever is located on a surface that opens out towards the driver and is set lower than the front passenger side of the centre console. This structure is repeated in the central section of the instrument panel, further enhancing the driver-focused feel. The fluent transition between the centre console and instrument panel can be accentuated wîth optional stitching in contrasting colour for the leather surfaces.

The horizontal structuring of the instrument panel is accentuated by an electroplated strip on the driver’s side of the cabin. This is extended into the front-passenger side in the form of a subtle crease in the glove compartment. Meanwhile, powerfully taut waistline surfaces – which are carried forward into the instrument panel – embody the feeling of dynamic forward movement inside the cabin. The decorative surface of the instrument panel extends into the centre console wîth an elegant, slightly curving sweep to lend the front-passenger side an exclusive allure. The rear seats also provide their passengers wîth a very pleasant level of touring comfort thanks to their individual-seat character and greater shoulder and elbowroom compared wîth the outgoing model. In addition, there is also more headroom for all the passengers, despite the reduced overall height of the car. The rear seat backrests can be specified as an option wîth a through-loading facility for a ski bag, allowing two pairs of skis to be transported in comfort. The luggage area can accommodate 460 litres (16.24 cu. ft) of luggage, which means that the BMW 6-Series Coupe can carry three 46-inch golf bags or two medium-sized hard-shell cases plus a flight case.

Control

With Drive Dynamic Control, the virtues of sportiness and comfort can take precedence as the situation demands. Drivers can make their own choice of suspension settings in NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ modes using a button on the centre console. In the new BMW 640i Coupe, ECO PRO mode can also be activated. If the Dynamic Damper Control or Adaptive Drive option has been specified, the COMFORT setting can also be used. In this mode, as well as adjusting the accelerator pedal progression, engine responses, power §teering characteristics, DSC response thresholds and the shift dynamics of the automatic gearbox, Drive Dynamic Control also tweaks the damper responses and, if necessary, the roll stabilisation settings. On cars also fitted wîth Integral Active Steering, the basic §teering set-up is also adjusted according to the mode selected, as well as the level of power assistance. As a result, in SPORT and SPORT+ modes the car’s sporting responses are sharpened even further.

The lightweight, floating-calliper brakes wîth inner-vented discs are easy to use wîth precision, and their effectiveness is reinforced by Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). This driving stability system brings together technology such as the anti-lock braking system (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), the Start-Off Assistant, the automatic Brake Drying function and brake fade compensation. Standard equipment also includes 18-inch light-alloy wheels on the new BMW 650i Coupe or 17-inch rims for the new BMW 640i Coupe, as well as runflat tyres and a runflat indicator.

Chassis

The driving experience in the new BMW 6-Series Coupe is defined by sporty handling characteristics. However, the cutting-edge chassis technology of the two-door car also delivers impressive ride comfort. Both the double wishbone front axle and the integral rear axle are made predominantly from aluminium. The chassis set-up is geared to the requirements of drivers wîth sporting intentions, although the dampers also respond sensitively to bumps in the road surface under high lateral acceleration.

Available as options for both model variants are Dynamic Damper Control and the Adaptive Drive system, which also includes Dynamic Drive active roll stabilisation. The electronically controlled dampers adapt to both the nature of the road surface and the driver’s style to prevent unwanted movements in the car body, while an innovative damping system adjusts the compression and rebound settings continuously and independently from one another. For example, a stiff chassis setting can be impressively combined wîth comfortable responses to unevenness in the road surface. The roll stabilisation feature also reduces effects such as body roll in high-speed corners and under sudden changes in direction.

Power Steering

The Electric Power Steering system wîth Servotronic function delivering speed-sensitive power assistance is unique in the BMW 6-Series Coupe §egmènt and combines customary BMW precision, comfort and efficiency. In contrast to conventional mechanical/hydraulic systems, the power assistance is provided by an electric motor, which only goes to work – and therefore uses energy – if power assistance is required or desired by the driver. In addition, the new BMW 6-Series Coupe is the first car in its class that can be ordered, as an option, wîth Integral Active Steering. This system combines the Active Steering system for the front axle – already available for the predecessor model – wîth a §teering rear axle, allowing the §teering angle and power assistance to be controlled at both the front and the rear wîth the help of electric motors.

Precisely harmonised wheel deflections pave the way for extraordinary agility in dynamic driving situations. Also, Integral Active Steering displays an impressively deft touch around twisty mountain passes and in city traffic. At speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph), the rear wheels are turned in the opposite direction to the §teering angle of the front wheels. This has the effect of reducing the car’s turning circle and the amount of §teering effort required. At higher speeds, Integral Active Steering gives the car extremely comfortable and assured reactions when changing lanes and cornering. The rear wheels follow the same §teering movements as the front wheels, enabling the car to follow the course set by the driver wîth even greater immediacy and precision.

The premium compact BMW 1-Series is already synonymous wîth driving pleasure. Now, the second generation offers state-of-the-art engine and suspension technology, further improvements in fuel efficiency, significantly more space and an innovative range of features and equipment. Still the only rear-wheel-driven car in its class, it builds on the strengths of its predecessor, which has already sold more than one million units worldwide. With its outstanding handling and design, innovative technology and premium image, the new BMW 1-Series has consolidated its position as a pioneering individualist in the competitive five-door segment. BMW’s entry-level model has achieved maturity, offering an even better balance between sportiness and driving comfort, improved functionality, and numerous driver assistance systems previously available only in higher §egmènts. This is also apparent in its size. The body of the new BMW 1-Series is 85 millimetres longer than its predecessor, at 4,324 millimetres, while the wheelbase has widened by 30 millimetres to 2,690 millimetres.

The car also looks more powerful because its overall width has increased by 17 millimetres to 1,765 millimetres (due to an increase in track of 51 millimetres at the front and 72 millimetres at the rear), whereas its height remains unchanged at 1,421 millimetres. The rear seats have 21 millimetres more legroom, and the luggage compartment has expanded by 30 litres to 360 litres. The design of the new generation is a powerful expression of the latest technological advances. The model’s fresh, youthful image has been stylishly updated, wîth precision-moulded body surfaces and a modern, functional interior both underlining its premium status. Another innovation is the BMW Sport Line and BMW Úrban Line, two ranges of interior and exterior design features and equipment that provide exclusive personalization opportunities.

All engines in the new BMW 1-Series are four-cylinder models using BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The petrol engines are part of a new generation, combining an impressively sporty feel wîth exceptionally low fuel consumption and emissions. The 1.6-litre engines have twin-scroll turbochargers, direct injection, VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS. The new BMW 116i achieves 100 kW/136 hp, and the new BMW 118i 125 kW/170 hp. These represent increases of 10 kW and 20 kW on the previous versions, wîth fuel consumption reduced by up to 10 per cent. The 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel models have been radically redesigned, featuring variable turbine geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection. The new BMW 116d (85 kW/116 hp), the new BMW 118d (105 kW/143 hp) and the new BMW 120d (135 kW/184 hp) have further consolidated the BMW 1-Series’ record of superior fuel efficiency in the compact segment.

The new BMW 1-Series is the first and only car in its class to be optionally available wîth an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Like its predecessor, it also incorporates the extremely wide-ranging BMW EfficientDynamics technology package as standard. This includes the Automatic Start/Stop function, available wîth both the manual and automatic transmissions, and ECO PRO mode, activated using the driving experience switch (included as standard), for even better environmental performance. There are also plans to expand the range wîth the BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition. This will have an output of 85 kW/116 hp, but additional fuel-saving and emission-reducing technologies will enable it to achieve fuel consumption of 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres and a CO2 emissions figure of just 99 grams per kilometre over the EÚ combined cycle (provisional figures). Also unique to this §egmènt is ConnectedDrive, the new BMW 1-Series’ optional package of driver assistance and mobility services. This includes high-beam assistance, Adaptive Headlights, parking assistance, reversing camera, Lane Departure Warning including Collision Warning, cruise control wîth brake function, and speed-limit and no-passing information. BMW ConnectedDrive also features Internet connectivity, increased smartphone and music player integration, real-time traffic information, and web radio, Facebook and Twitter apps.

Design

The drive-train layout, wîth a longitudinally mounted in-line engine at the front and rear-wheel drive, is unique within the compact §egmènt. This improves the new BMW 1-Series’ handling, and is also reflected in its design, wîth BMW’s typical proportions: long bonnet, wide wheelbase, swept-back passenger cell. The new BMW 1-Series is the embodiment of responsiveness and innovative elegance in a compact car, wîth a youthful, lively design and high-quality features adding to the excitement. The front of the car is dominated by the large BMW kidney-shaped radiator grille, boldly shaped headlight units and three-section air intake. The grille is tilted forwards, adding emphasis to the challenging stance of this most sporty of compact models, while the surrounding areas catch the light and create a strong sense of three-dimensionality, wîth four contour lines on the bonnet forming a V that points towards the grille.

The typical BMW double-round headlights have accent trim across their tops. In combination wîth the optional bi-xenon headlights, this creates a strongly focused look, powerfully enhanced by the direction indicators set into the inner light rings of the headlights and an LED accent light. In another innovation for BMW, the side indicator lights are integrated in the exterior mirrors. From the side, the proportions of the new BMW 1-Series are even more strikingly apparent. The slightly sloping roof line, sporty, angled rear windscreen and flat side windows give the car a coupé-like feel, while the Hofmeister kink – the low forward bend at the back end of the side windows – extends well into the C-pillar, making the door aperture wider and facilitating entry to and exit from the rear seats.

The design quality of the new BMW 1-Series, which is unique in the compact §egmènt, is particularly evident in the distinctive BMW lines and dramatically curved surfaces. The characteristic BMW swage line starts at the front sidewall and rises continuously to the rear lights, its boldness giving powerful emphasis to the shoulder area, wîth the door openers neatly integrated into the swage line. An additional character line below the doors flows sharply upwards into the outline of the rear wheel arch. The sill line provides a similarly dynamic touch, running parallel to the road and then rising steeply at the rear wheel arch, which is nicely echoed by the outlines of the side windows. The size of the rear wheel arches draws attention to its rear-wheel-drive layout which is the reason for its excellent dynamic responses.

The wide-set wheel arches reinforce the broad, powerful impression created by the back of the new BMW 1-Series. The wide-opening, slightly concave tailgate is opened by pressing the top section of the BMW emblem that sits at its centre, and the rear lights are also set well apart, creating a strong horizontal emphasis that is heightened by their deep surrounds. There are optional xenon headlights, and the rear lights consist of L-shaped banks of LEDs. An additional brake light is set into the roof spoiler. The outline of the rear apron echoes that of the front bumper, while the V-shaped emblem surround leads the eye towards the road surface, emphasizing the new BMW 1-Series’ stable roadholding.

Interior

Inside, a combination of typical BMW design features and innovative accents gives the new BMW 1-Series a fresh, youthful and modern feel, wîth a focus on spaciousness and driving pleasure. Lines and surfaces are dynamic and forward-leaning, wîth high-quality, precision-finished materials reflecting the model’s premium specifications. BMW’s characteristic driver-friendliness is apparent in the angled displays and controls in the middle of the instrument panel, and the ergonomic contours of the centre console, designed for maximum visibility. The interior surfaces are layered, another innovation which gives the new BMW 1-Series an organic look and feel.

In conjunction wîth an optional navigation system and the BMW Professional radio, the new BMW 1-Series uses the BMW iDrive system. This comprises a controller on the centre console, favourites buttons and a freestanding flatscreen monitor. The 6.5 or 8.8-inch high-resolution control display, which is integrated into the instrument panel, is used for all information, entertainment, telecommunications and navigation functions.

The new BMW 1-Series also offers much more storage space, wîth large door pockets, two cupholders on the centre console, a roomy glove compartment, and a compartment under the armrest. Bottles of up to 1 litre can be fitted into the lower door panel sections. The optional storage package includes large compartments in the rear doors and nets on the front seatbacks. The 360-litre luggage compartment expands to a maximum of 1,200 litres by lowering the 60/40 split-folding rear seats, giving a flat surface extending all the way to the front seats. The optional through-loading system has 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats.

Body

The new BMW Series 1′s lightweight body makes it more agile and improves passenger safety, wîth high-strength steel being used to increase torsion resistance and the strength of the passenger safety cell while minimising weight. Crumple zones and clearly defined load paths absorb the force of an impact and deflect it away from the passenger cell. The standard safety package comprises front airbags, side airbags integrated into the seatbacks, front and rear head airbags, three-point automatic seatbelts in all seats, front seatbelt tension limiters and pre-tensioners, and an ISOFIX child seat mounting system in the rear.

Comfort, Safety, Information and Entertainment

The new BMW 1-Series’ high-tech presence is reflected in an impressive range of driver assistance and mobility services which is unique in a compact car. The BMW ConnectedDrive options network the driver wîth the vehicle and the outside world to improve comfort and safety while providing a wide spectrum of information and entertainment. The Adaptive Headlight function incorporated in the optional xenon headlights adjusts the illumination depending on the vehicle’s speed, §teering angle and yaw rate. At low speeds, the turning lights integrated into the foglamp illuminate the road in the direction of travel. Other features include rain sensor, automatic headlight control, high beam assistance, park distance control, which allows safe, precise parking, wîth the image from the reversing camera appearing on the iDrive control display. Park assist aids parallel parking by identifying suitable spaces and §teering the car into place if required.

Cruise control wîth brake function controls the engine and brakes while setting the optimum automatic gear to maintain the speed selected by the driver. The Lane Departure Warning facility now incorporates Collision Warning, which uses a camera at the bottom of the rear-view mirror to monitor the road markings and prevent unintended changes of direction. The camera also monitors other vehicles and, if required, sounds a two-stage alarm to prevent collisions. A visual warning appears on the instrument panel if a minimum distance set by the driver is not maintained, and a flashing symbol and acoustic signal are activated if avoiding action is required. The Speed Limit Info system has been expanded, wîth symbols on the instrument panel showing known speed limits and no-passing signs above or beside the road as recorded by its camera.

Innovative technology has been used to facilitate the integration of Apple iPhones and other smartphones and music players, including online services. BMW Apps allow iPhone users to receive web radio stations and display Facebook and Twitter posts on the onboard monitor. Another new function, Real-Time Traffic Information, provides detailed congestion data and recommended diversions. The new BMW 1-Series also has unlimited Internet connectivity, another unique feature within the compact §egmènt. High-quality standard features include driving experience switch, air conditioning, and keyless ignition. The new BMW 1-Series offers all the excitement of premium-quality, pioneering technology and exceptional driving pleasure within a compact car, wîth many superior features as standard and a wide range of attractive options. The driving experience switch, a standard feature located on the central console, tailors the car’s settings to the driver’s personal tastes, including engine characteristics, DSC driving stability control, optional Servotronic settings and automatic gear change programme and dynamics.

COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO modes are included as standard. The eight-speed sports automatic, Variable Sport Steering and BMW Sport Line versions also have SPORT+ mode. Cars fitted wîth the Professional navigation system have a sport display on the control monitor showing real-time engine performance and torque. The standard equipment of the new BMW 1-Series also includes remote-controlled central locking, height-adjustable driver’s and front-seat passenger’s seats, electric wing mirrors, electric front and rear windows, BMW Business radio and CD, six speakers and an AÚX IN connection, and air conditioning. Options include two-zone automatic air conditioning, electrically adjustable and heated seats, multifunction §teering wheel, automatically dimming rear-view and wing mirrors, foglamps, electric sunroof, and towbar wîth removable ball.

The engine of the new BMW 1-Series can be activated by touching the Start/Stop button as soon as the keyless remote is inside the car, making traditional ignition key insertion redundant. The optional Comfort Access system automatically locks and unlocks the car. The Professional navigation system includes a hard disk. Individual entertainment features include a DVD changer, DAB receiver, and 360-watt, digitally amplified 12-speaker Harman Kardon hi-fi system. Like its five-door predecessor, the new BMW 1-Series is made in BMW’s Regensburg assembly plant, together wîth the BMW 3-Series saloon, coupé and convertible, the BMW M3 and the BMW Z4. The plant has produced more than 4.5 million automobiles in its 25-year history.