2012 BMW 6 Series

The 2012 BMW 6-Series has finally arrived and it will be available in local BMW dealerships sometime this fall.

The new 6-Series will impress car aficionados with its striking design, sharp driving dynamics, maximized comfort levels and added space. It’s the only car of its kind that offers top-class sporting ability and touring comfort combined with a huge luggage compartment. This new car will definitely meet the highest expectations of driving style and pleasure.

Its unique design gives the new BMW 6-Series athletic elegance. It has a long sweeping hood, set-back passenger compartment, and a short front overhang. With its increased body length and wheelbase, it creates the trademark size of a BMW Coupe. It is also wider, due to its increased track width, giving it an extraordinarily powerful stance that accentuates its imposing road holding. Observers will surely be struck by its dynamic forward-surging presence and driving ability.

The advancements in the new BMW 6-Series also expand to lighting technology. Other features that make the new car unique are its mobility services and driver assistance systems. Lastly, the optional Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System provides aural pleasure hardly ever experienced inside a car.

Performance

The 2012 6-Series has a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine. This engine generates 400 horsepower at 5,500 to 6,400 rpm, and 450 pound-feet of torque from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm. That engine muscle is managed by an 8-speed A/T as controlled manually using a pair of paddle-shifters. An optional 6-speed manual gearbox is also offered.

Interior & Exterior

The 6-Series was designed to be sporty and elegant, yet natural. Its powerful design and striking low set is brought by its extra width and length. It is embellished with harmonious curves and flowing lines. Also on its exterior, the 6-Series is 192.7 inches long, 2.9 inches longer than its antecedent. Its extensive wheelbase is now 112.4 inches. It is also 74.6 inches across, but 0.36 inches shorter. These dimensions create a notably more potent and stylish impression, with new levels of interior spaciousness. Despite being shorter, the new 6 Series offers larger headroom in both front and back seats.

On a last note, the new BMW 6-Series has tight backseats, small trunk capacity, and lack of USB port and satellite radio standards.

Safety

For safety, the 6-Series has an array of comprehensive safety equipment. It is fitted with lightweight seats which have been newly developed and to complement this, the new car has an incorporated seatbelt system. The new seatbelt system has an adjustable lumbar support and standard 20-way multi-contour adjustability. All seat options have crash-activated head restraints. Other standard safety equipment includes head-thorax side airbags, front airbags, three-point automatic belts for all seats, front belt pre-tensioners, belt force limiters and an ISOFIX child seat in the rear.

The new 6-Series also has the BMW Connected Drive which comprises its mobility services and driver assistance systems. The new car’s wide-ranging Driver Assistance Package is composed of Automatic High Beams, Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Rear and Top View cameras, Head-Up Display, and Parking Assistant.

Competition

This BMW 6 has been compared to the Mercedes Benz SL (MSRP $220,562; 11 city / 18 hwy) and Porsche Carrera (MSRP $274,642; 9 city / 15 hwy). Unlike the new 6-Series, the Benz SL is more comfortable for taller drivers. However, it is costly. The Carrera on the other hand, is more loved for its performance and like the SL, is a lot more expensive to own.

Despite these comparisons, many are expecting great things from this car. It has not come out yet, but car enthusiast are happy that BMW was able to manufacture a car that focused less on styling and more on performance and technology.

Overall Rating
64 out of 100

What others say:

“Like other BMWs that use the turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, acceleration is very strong once the turbos get going. Throttle response is a bit touchy, with little happening during the first bit of pedal travel.”Consumer Guide

“With classier styling and significantly more low-end power, the 2012 BMW 6 Series continues its evolution as a world-class grand touring coupe and convertible.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe Base Price: $83,000.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70 liters) Miles Per Gallon: 15 city / 23 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 192.8 in. (490 cm) Width: 74.6 in. (189 cm)
Height: 53.7 in. (136 cm) Curb Weight: 4233 lbs (1920 kg)
Wheel Base: 112.4 in. (285 cm) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: NA Maximum Seating: 4 people
Performance
Engine: 4.4L DOHC 32-valve V8 Twin Turbo Displacement: 4395 cc
Horsepower: 400 HP Max RPM: 5500 RPM
Torque: 450 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds Top Speed: 155 mph
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Convertible MSRP: $90,500; MPG: 16 city / 24 hwy

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