Tuesday, April 19, 2011

VIDEO: Launch of the new 6-series convertible


One variant available, 640i priced at RM868,800



Press Release and full details after the jump




PRESS RELEASE

Group Malaysia introduces the all new BMW 6 Series Convertible
The new generation of the BMW 6 Series Convertible sets new standards with flowing lines, sporting proportions and a stylish design language. 

Kuala Lumpur, 12th April 2011 – BMW Group Malaysia today introduced the all new BMW 6 Series Convertible, the premium convertible that seamlessly blends refined sporting performance with unsurpassed luxury refinement.
First introduced in 1976, the beautiful and elegant BMW 6 Series was a car that captured the imagination of drivers everywhere with its on-road power and agility, coupled with its elegant and flowing lines. Over three decades and two model generations later, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible represents a reimagining of that iconic BMW model, with its elongated lines and expressive sculpted surfaces exuding dynamism and exclusivity.
There is arguably nothing more evocative in the world of automobile design than a long and lean convertible, which strongly implies a powerful sports car with an optional roof capable of delivering long distance travel in luxury and style. The all new BMW 6 Series Convertible truly delivers on that promise in every way, setting segment-defining standards in terms of aesthetics, driving dynamics, efficiency and comfort” said Geoff Briscoe, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
The long bonnet, short front overhang, long wheelbase, low waistline and overall strong orientation of the silhouette towards the rear axle of the vehicle are the core design characteristics of this superlative yet elegant BMW convertible. In fact, the BMW 6 Series Convertible only recently received one of the world’s leading honours for product design, the Red Dot award for outstanding design, underlining car model’s timeless and appealing aesthetic.
Since the introduction of the second generation of the BMW 6 Series in 2003, the BMW Group has sold a total of over 50,000 units of this coveted car worldwide, a testament to its enduring appeal and sporting luxury pedigree.
“Based on the total sales for the first quarter of the year, BMW Group Malaysia sold a total of 1182 BMW, 65 MINI and 58 Motorrad vehicles, resulting in a record-breaking total of 1305 units for the first three months of 2011, up from 1021 units for the same period in 2010. This represents an impressive 27.8% growth, and we are confident that the all-new BMW 6 Series Convertible will contribute to continued strength of the BMW marque in Malaysia,” added Briscoe
The new BMW 6 Series Convertible was launched with one engine variant, the BMW 640i Convertible which features an impressive 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine that produces an outstanding 235kW/320 hp. The powerplant comes with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, direct petrol injection and VALVETRONIC, and is mated to an 8-speed sports automatic transmission, resulting in a near-effortless 0-100km/h time of 5.7 seconds.
The new BMW 640i Convertible, like all current BMW models, also features BMW EfficientDynamics measures as standard, including amongst others, an Auto Start/Stop function which switches off the engine whenever the vehicle comes to a stop at a junction or in a traffic jam. This results in a fuel consumption level of only 7.9 litre/100 km and ensures that the new BMW 6 Series Convertible once again takes the lead in terms of fuel efficiency and low emissions.
From an exterior standpoint, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible at 4.89 metres in length represents a seven centimetre increase over its predecessor, which is almost matched by the increase in wheelbase dimensions. Not that this increase in size translates to a bulkier look though, as this premium convertible comes replete with the trademark BMW kidney grille, distinctively contoured hood and muscular curves which evoke the natural grace of a wave, underlining its athletic stance.
Like its predecessor, it is an unmistakably classic, multi-layered canvas roof sports the trademark fin roof design that the BMW 6 Series Convertible is known for. Opening at the mere touch of a button, this elegant roof folds into the boot of the new BMW 6 Series Convertible in under 19 seconds, allowing passengers to enjoy uninhibited open-top cruising. On the other hand, the operation of closing the roof takes 24 seconds, once again giving the car its sleek, coupe-like profile. The soundproofing and stiffness of the fin roof have been further optimised in this latest model, allowing operation at speeds of up to 40 km/h and ensuring that thermal insulation and noise levels are optimised, allowing for all-year, all-round use.
Look under its surface and you will find that the new BMW 6 Series Convertible is more than ably equipped to match up to its sporty exterior.  With an all-new chassis that features a double-wishbone front suspension, integral rear axle, a wider track, and the BMW’s trademark 50:50 front-rear weight distribution for a wide spectrum of ability, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible is the definitive long-distance cruiser.
Showcasing the premium marque’s commitment to matching beauty with technological superiority, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible is also fitted with a host of class-leading features to provide the complete premium driving experience, including Driving Dynamics Control, Integral Active Steering and electromechanical power steering. Driving Dynamics Control enables discerning drivers to pick between sporting agility or exceptional ride comfort, just by pushing a button to individually adjust vehicle characteristics, including engine and steering response, gearshift dynamics, DSC Stability Control, as well as the electronic dampers and body roll stabilisation.
Additionally, the BMW 6 Series Convertible is the first vehicle in its segment to feature Integral Active Steering and electromechanical power steering to deliver hallmark BMW steering precision and greater manoeuvrability at all speeds, whether you are tackling a twisty mountain road, sprawling major highways or even when cruising downtown. The Integral Active Steering does this by complementing the front wheel active steering movements by getting the rear wheels to steer in either the same or opposite direction to make the new BMW 6 Series Convertible feel flexible and more agile in any driving condition.
Interior wise, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible features spacious 2+2 seating with ample space even for rear passengers, and very importantly for this segment, the luggage compartment contains sufficient space for two large golf bags even with the roof down, with a maximum capacity of 350 litres. The new lightweight seats also come with an integrated seatbelt system, which is equipped with electric adjustment and a memory function as standard. Besides that, SunReflective Technology ensures that the leather upholstery heat up significantly less in direct sunshine when driving with the top down, further enhancing the comfort features of this premium convertible.
As with every BMW, the cockpit features an asymmetric design that ensures relevant controls are clearly angled towards the driver, with 2-zone air-conditioning with a special convertible mode and xenon headlights with LED daytime driving light rings coming as standard as well.
Possibly the most distinctive feature in the new 6 Series Convertible is the Control Display of the iDrive, which comes standard and for the first time sports a fixed, free-standing flatscreen design. In conjunction with the Navigation System Professional the display measures 10.2 inches and is framed by an elegant metal surround. With this equipment, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible features the largest on-board monitor in the segment, making it possible for the intuitive iDrive system to be operated without having to take one’s eyes off the road.
BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems and mobility services also bring a wide number of additional features to the new BMW 6 SeriesConvertible, including complete USB connectivity and Bluetooth hands free functions, as well as considerably expanded functionality for mobile phones and portable music players, on-board mobile office applications and on-board Internet. The highlight of the BMW ConnectedDrive range however is the inclusion of the BMW Head-up Display and BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, which supports full-colour images and is available on the new BMW 6 Series Convertible for the very first time.
As the only vehicle in its segment to include this feature, the BMW Head-Up Display and BMW Night Vision projects virtual images from the road ahead as well as detailing vital information onto the windscreen in full spectrum of colour, significantly increasing road safety and allowing one’s eyes to focus on distance viewing, cutting down stress and ensuring a much more comfortable drive.
The new BMW 6 Series Convertible is also covered by BMW’s extensive service program, BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI) which covers the normal wear and tear repairs or replacements as well as maintenance, service and repair of factory components of the vehicle. The service program offers peace of mind BMW ownership and provides cover from three years from its original registration date or 60,000KM, which ever comes first.   
The retail price (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair) for the new BMW 640i Convertible is from RM 868,800.00

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