BMW

2013 BMW 6 Series


2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, the only next natural step for the Bavarians would be to take it one step further.2013 6 Series Gran Coupe, a four-door sibling of the popular 6 Series coupe. In fact, the Gran Coupe is just 4.4 inches longer, with its seat configuration stated as 4 plus 1.Harmonious proportions, precise lines and sleekly contoured surfaces give the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe the unique ability to satisfy the driver who wants a luxurious and sporty coupe yet needs a car capable of carrying four adults in comfort and luxury. The BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe will be offered as three distinct models in the USA.

Sporting a length of 197 inches (5,007 mm) and wheelbase of 116.8 inches (2,968 mm), the Gran Coupe is 4.4 inches (111 mm) longer than its 2-door coupe sibling. A significant part of this extra length has been used to enhance seating comfort for the rear passengers. The BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe is also 74.6 inches (1,894 mm) wide and stands 54.8 inches (1,392 mm) in height. For comparison purposes, the Gran Coupe is 4.0 inches (102mm) longer, 1.3 inches (34mm) wider and 2.8 inches (72mm) lower than the BMW 550i.

The BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe, in keeping with the tradition of the 6-Series Coupe, offers a unique combination of top-class sporting dynamics, stunning design, luxurious touring comfort and a 16.24 cu. ft (460-liter) DIN luggage compartment - now for four passengers. The BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe's signature driving experience is complimented by a range of innovative driver assistance systems and BMW ConnectedDrive infotainment features. The new car therefore meets the highest expectations of driving pleasure and style in a large, premium 4-seat sports coupe.

BMW has ventured into perhaps a few too many niches—the so-called 5-series “Gran Turismo” comes to mind. But the Gran Coupé is a beautiful entry in a burgeoning segment that offers style and sophistication without the ostentation of a full-fledged luxury flagship like the 7-series.

                                       2012 BMW 328i

 BMW’s all-new 3 series sedan features four unique drive modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport +. Starting off in Eco Pro proved the right choice for a couple of reasons. First of all, a great number of 3 series buyers will likely leave their car in this mode. Secondly, my initial impressions of the car were based upon the 3 series at its worst, dynamically. To understand the driving experience you must first understand the technology behind this setting. Switching the drive mode to Eco Pro changes parameters in many areas of the car including engine management, transmission logic, accelerator pedal feel and resistance, and ancillary feature management. The last parameter mentioned includes a reduction in power sent to the heated seats, heated mirrors and air conditioning, so literally every aspect of the car’s consumption has been analyzed and tuned.
BMW’s new 328i delivered performance far beyond its specifications. It astounded with its grunting torque from low rpm, twisting out 260 lb-ft nearly flat across the rev-band. The 328i’s eager 2.0 liter single turbo (twin scroll) four cylinder wound up to redline without breaking a sweat and turned out 240 hp along the way. Of note, an independent magazine has recently claimed 230 hp at the wheels while testing on the dyno, so it’s quite likely this engine has been underrated, and we would say so from the seat of our pants. Of course, the cars 88 lb drop in weight also goes a long way to enhance dynamics, allowing the car to accelerate faster.

While diving deep into corners the suspension did a great job of tracking the car in Sport+ mode. Body motions are well controlled and the handling dynamics are confidence inspiring. The suspension works well to deliver plenty of grip from the tires and minimizes body roll. Thanks to its ideal 50:50 balance, 88 pound drop in weight, and suspension tuning, the car feels agile and willing to turn in. Mild understeer is noted – enough to keep the legal team happy – but even through a few difficult hairpins, the 328i was happy to play. On corner exit the tail was also quite happy to rotate and the overall feel of the car was surprisingly neutral. The brakes on our 328i felt positive and powerful when called upon. I did begin to experience brake fade when descending down the back side of the mountain we traversed, but fade was minimal and not significant enough to warrant a cool off period, ending the fun.



BMW ActiveHybrid 5

The latest generation of BMW ActiveHybrid technology also adds precisely controlled – and therefore extremely effective – energy management to the mix. All of which gives the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 an exceptional balance of performance and fuel economy for the premium executive car class.

Its drive system generates combined output of 250 kW/340 hp, allows the car to be driven on electric power alone up to 60 km/h (37 mph), accelerates the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, limits average fuel consumption to between 6.4 and 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres (44 – 40 mpg imp) and has CO2 emissions of just 149 – 163 grams per kilometre (figures according to EU test cycle, may vary according to the tyre format specified).

 The 225 kW/306 hp six-cylinder in-line engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology in the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is the same unit renowned for its free-revving capability, pulling power and efficiency in the BMW 535i. The electric motor, meanwhile, develops 40 kW/55 hp and is supplied with energy by a high-performance lithium-ion battery integrated into the luggage area.

The hybrid-specific safety features, which protect the lithium-ion high-voltage battery and the power electronics, are integrated in the BMW 5 Series’ elaborate integrated active and passive safety concept. In a collision, high-strength structural components and large deformation zones help to keep impact forces away from the passenger cell and also from the hybrid drive components. Other standard safety systems on the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 include front and side airbags, side curtain head airbags for both rows of seats, three-point inertia-reel belts on all seats, belt force limiters and belt latch tensioners on the front seats and ISOFIX child seat attachments in the rear.

In the BMW ActiveHybrid 5, too, the standard-fitted Driving Experience Control switch offers not only Sport+, Sport and Comfort set-ups (as well as Comfort+ mode if the optional Dynamic Damper Control is specified), but also ECO PRO mode. The latter supports a particularly relaxed and fuel-efficient driving style, and makes more frequent use of all-electric mode. As an alternative to the standard-fitted automatic transmission, a sports automatic with faster shift times is optionally available.