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Driving pleasure

Mabuyane Kekana

Mabuyane Kekana

Time moves faster than we sometimes think, it was not so long ago when BMW introduced its sleek 6-series range.

The BMW 6-Series has reached its mid-life circle, which means the facelift was inevitable.

The new 6-Series was launched in George, Western Cape, last week.

At first glance, the new car is unmistakeably a 6-Series. However, the minor changes are clearly noticeable.

Powered by the previous engine 4,8 (V8), the new 6-Series still performs impressively.

This engine produces maximum output of 270 kW at an engine speed of 6300 rpm and maximum torque of 490 Nm at 3400 rpm.

There are a number of new technological changes to the car that include BMW's new six-speed automatic sports transmission matched for the first time to the V8 engine.

This is the second BMW to be fitted with this feature after the 335i. The manual gearbox took me by surprise, the gear change is smooth and rewarding.

It is pleasurable to drive.

The new BMW 6-Series Coupé and the BMW 6-Series Convertible offer an even greater thrill and more style and character.

The overall design and look of both models, offering perfect harmony and balance to the last detail, is borne out in particular by the sculptural look of both cars, the coupe and convertible providing a perfect match of all lines and design features.

Indeed, the smooth, uninterrupted flow of all characteristic lines on the BMW 650i ensures harmonious interplay of the front section, the sides and rear sections of the car, the generous and powerfully curved surfaces all coming together to provide a harmonious picture to be admired in its sporting elegance and dynamic class from every angle and every perspective.

The air intake itself is even wider than on the former model and borders at the bottom on a new contour edge significantly highlighting the wide track of the car.

The newly-designed direction indicators, in turn, featuring LED light units with a crystalline effect, provide an even more distinctive signal than before.

Through their striking contours, the headlights give the front-end of the BMW 6-Series a clear, focused look, with new light technology adding further brilliance. Featured as standard, the bi-xenon dual round headlights are covered by a layer of clear glass at the surface, their corona rings now offering BMW's daytime lights function.

On both the coupé and convertible, the additional brake light is now integrated in the spoiler lip. The inner structure of the rear lights has also been modified to reflect the new lines of the car, with all light sources now being LED units.

As an alternative to the "standard" version, optional interior trim strips made of grained maplewood, dark birchwood, or aluminium with a longitudinal grain pattern give the interior an even more sophisticated, stylish and elegant look.

Like other high level BMWs, the 650i is fitted with modern sophisticated features such the ABS and Automatic Stability Control, a feature that prevents the drive wheels from spinning on loose or slippery ground.

There is also the likes of Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).

The 650i comes with 18-inch light-alloy rims as standard.

Pricing starts at R850000 for the coupé and R933500 for the convertible. One needs R16800 to get the sport automatic transmission.

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