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BMW 6 Series
The new E63 6 Series from BMW fills a position in the marque’s range left vacant since the much maligned 8 series produced from 1988-99, and follows on in name and spirit from the 6 Series that was produced from 1976-89.
Based on the platform of the recently announced E50 5 Series (as the original E24 6 series was on the E28 5 Series), the new car is launched as the 645i – with the 4.4 litre, 333bhp V8 petrol engine from the current 7 Series – with other engines, including diesels, to follow in 2004 along with the cabrio version.
The design theme stems directly from the Z9 concept car shown four years ago that introduced BMW’s new design language to the public. Like the Z9, the new 6 has a ‘dropped’ eye graphic to the headlamps which sit on the wing surfaces and are particularly effective in visually reducing the car’s relatively long (for a BMW) front overhang. The car also shares the Z9 and subsequent 7 and 5 series’ contentious rear end design theme based on two arcing feature lines that define the prominent ‘two golf bag and a suitcase’ boot.
Inside, the 6 has an instrument panel with a separate element in a different colour at the base of the windscreen running around and sweeping down into the doors in a subtle roadster design theme similar to that of the Barchetta designed during Design Directors Chris Bangle’s time at Fiat. Dynamic forms are notably evident also in the area around the gearshift and hand brake, and the architecture relates closely to those of the 7 and 5 series and Z4.
The 6 series shares the new 5 series technical highlights of aluminium front structure, active cruise control, Dynamic Drive (step motors which build up counter forces on the car’s anti-roll bars to virtually eliminate body roll in bends), active steering and a head up display. It is close in size and proportion to the Mercedes CL and the forthcoming Audi coupe based on the A6 platform that was previewed this year by the Nuvolari concept.
Despite being closely based on the first proponent of the new BMW design language, the Z9, the new 6 Series appears to be the most mature and comfortable of the new design language BMWs, balancing striking modernity with clear BMW design identity. We look forward to seeing it in the flesh at its Frankfurt Motor Show preview in September.
Related stories:
BMW 5 Series first details
BMW Z4 debut at the 2002 Paris Motor Show
The Design Development of the BMW Z4 
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