With the recently unveiled 5 Series, BMW’s design stepped into a new era, but the new design language hasn’t been fully acknowledged until the new BMW 6 Series Coupe took its veil off at the Paris Motor Show.
The design came as a relief to those who were concerned BMW is going down the path of safe and conservative designs, some might even say, predictible. But seeing the car in person, has certainly changed our view.
Exterior Design. Full speed ahead.
BMW 6 Series Coupe is the first vehicle from the Munich-based automaker to get full LED treatment; driving lights, indication lights, brake lights and rear-lights.
It has the same length as the current 6 Series, but sits on a wider track and has been lowered to enhance its sportiness character.
Looks-wise, the 6 Series concept appears stronger, more sculpted, and more fluid designed that the current model. Flame surfacing is out and the car features more hardened lines running across its side.
BMW’s Chief Designer Adrian van Hooydonk describes the front-end as “a shark-like nose” featuring highly the previously mentioned LEDs, a slightly forward-leaning kidney grille and a full-width air duct within the lower part of the bumper. The front-end design reflect both the sophistication and aggressiveness that went into this design. The kidney-grille are unique across the lineup with glass inserts along the top ridge.
The long bonnet and shorter overhangs are what perfectly describe a 6 Series model, and BMW enhanced these traits even more in the latest model. Also notable are the swollen front fenders, after which a sharp, chiseled upper body emerges.
Watching the car rotate on the turn table, the surface lines, concave and convex shapes, or the nice sculpted shadows, show us that BMW is taking a new path under the Van Hooydonk’s vision.
The body-to-glass approach with pillarless doors is another trademark of the new 6 Series Coupe and fits harmoniously with the rest of design.
The lower stance and wider rear will plant the car firmly on the ground and in our opinion, it will dominate the road and its surroundings.
Interior Design. A new whole level of luxury.
Its interior is more closely related to it predecessor, with an evolved, more dynamic driver-centric IP. The most intriguing aspect is the passenger side dash top and the surface above the glovebox, which twist, tornado-style along the center stack and into the center console.
Along with the new fresh design, the BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept offers a state-of-the-art interior design that has been much craved by BMW fans. The design has evolved towards a more dynamic driver-oriented cockpit with unique lines going across the dashboard, and twisting shapes that connect the center console to the driver and passenger’s own space.
The center section of the instrument panel, featuring the iDrive Control Display, the central air vents and the audio and climate controls, is inclined slightly but visibly towards the driver. The electronic gear selector and the Drive Dynamic Control buttons are mounted on the driver’s side of the front console.
The interior is dominated by the large 10.2 inch display that reveals the latest infotainment system from BMW. Framed by a chrome plated frame, the flat-screen takes a more upright position, in contrast to the built-in approach we have seen in previous models.
High-quality leather trim with double stitching in a contrasting color accentuates the dynamic transition between the centre console and the instrument panel. The instrument panel features the same Black Panel technology seen in the 5 Series family and the 7 Series flagship.
The BMW Concept 6 Series Coupe has a panoramic glass roof which enhances the lightness of this design language. Carefully selected materials, coupled with meticulous craftsmanship and build quality, underscore the luxurious character of the concept model.
While we weren’t allowed to sit inside, Christian Bauer, BMW interior designer, assured us that the rear seats offer comfortable headroom, legroom and shoulder room, especially compared to its predecessor.
Another highlight of the new 6 Series Coupe and something that BMW is really proud of, is the audio system designed exclusively for this model by the Danish shop Bang & Olufsen.
Conclusion.
Our first impression is that BMW hit a home run with the new 6er, restoring customers’ confidence in their design shop and bringing a fierce contender to the high-end luxurious automotive market. We expect very little changes to the production model due out at Geneva Motor Show in March 2011.
