2004 Detroit Auto Show: BMW 6 Series Convertible Makes World
Debut
6 Series Coupe, X3 Sports Activity Vehicle, X5 4.8is Performance SAV also featured
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, January 5, 2004... The first ever BMW 6 Series Convertible
made its world debut today at the 2004 NAIAS in Detroit, Michigan. The Convertible joins the 6
Series Coupe, which is making its much-anticipated return after a 15-year absence.
Top-up or top-down, the 6 Series Convertible is stunning. With the top up it captures the same
purposeful, athletic nature of the 6 Series Coupe and with the top down another dimension of
its personality is revealed altogether. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for
the 645Ci will be $76,995. The 645Ci Coupe has an MSRP of $69,995. Both the 645Ci
Convertible and 645Ci coupe go on sale on March 26th.
Other BMW highlights at the 2004 NAIAS include the X3 Sports Activity Vehicle and the
updated 2004 X5 featuring a new performance model, the X5 4.8is.
The new 6 Series - Performance and Luxury Befitting an Icon
The 645Ci Convertible and Coupe are first and foremost BMWs, so dynamic performance
comes standard. They share BMW's 4.4-liter VALVETRONIC V8 - horsepower is 325,
maximum torque is 330 lb-ft. Both vehicles are available with a choice of three 6-speed
transmissions - manual, STEPTRONIC automatic or BMW's Formula 1-inspired Sequential
Manual Gearbox (SMG). The Convertible will reach 60 MPH in about six seconds while the
Coupe needs just 5.5.
Of course, you expect the new 6 Series models to offer handling to match their straight-line
performance. Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) is standard and keeps things on-the-level by
reducing body lean in corners even with enthusiastic driving. For those who care for an even
finer edge, a Sport Package is available. In addition to sport seats and a sport steering wheel
the package includes firmer shocks and springs and mixed-width 19-inch wheels with
performance tires.
The Sport Package also includes BMW's innovative Active Steering. Active Steering enhances
the driving experience at lower speeds by increasing the amount the front wheels turn in
relation to steering wheel input. At higher speeds stability is also improved by reducing the
amount the front wheels turn in relation to input from the driver. Active Steering also features
yaw rate control and is networked directly with the DSC system. It is thus able to intervene
early, stabilizing the car while still allowing small corrections.
Four can ride in comfort and style... and bring their stuff
The 645Ci Convertible and Coupe offer all passengers comfort, luxurious features, and an
ambience full of style and elegance. The rear-seat passengers also enjoy the very best in style
and luxury. Not only is there room for four passengers but also plenty of room for their
luggage. The luggage compartment on the 645Ci Coupe has a capacity of 13.0 cubic feet. The
Convertible offers10.6 cu. ft. with the roof open and 12.4 cu. ft. with the roof closed thanks to
the variable roof compartment that folds up conveniently with just one turn of your hand. In
either case there is sufficient space for one large and one small hard-shell suitcase or,
respectively, two 46-inch golf bags plus a medium-sized hard-shell suitcase. And thanks to the
ski-bag, which is part of the Cold Weather Package, the driver and passengers are able to
take along two pairs of skis or a snowboard without limiting space available inside the
passenger compartment.
Technology blends with the elegant interior
Within the luxurious interior the standard DVD-based On-board Navigation System enhances
the driving experience. This system is controlled, along with the sound system and other
features, by BMW's innovative iDrive. The choice of sound systems includes the standard
system or the optional Logic 7 system, which includes a 6-disc CD changer.
BMW's highly innovative optional Head-Up Display is available as an option on both the
Convertible and Coupe. It projects important driving information directly into the driver's line of
vision. This includes the current road speed, navigation instructions, speed limits and feedback
from the Check/Control. The virtual image provided by the Head-Up Display is presented in
front of the driver seemingly on the road ahead, and allows the driver to view the information
without taking their eyes off the road.
Unique convertible top provides coupe-like noise and heat insulation
Every convertible experience begins with the top. The newly developed roof on the 6 Series
Convertible captures the look of the Coupe. It dampens exterior noise just as effectively as it
braves the wind and weather, with a noise- and heat-insulating layer made of PUR plastic
between the rubberized outer layer and the inner lining. The result is a very low noise level
within the Convertible, allowing relaxed conversation even at high speeds.
The vertical rear window is made of glass and is electrically heated. The rear window can be
electrically retracted completely into the luggage compartment bulkhead with the roof both
open and closed. This creates a draft-free ventilation effect similar to that offered by a sliding
roof in a Sedan. All side windows can also be fully retracted into the body of the car. With the
top down, the rear window can be raised allowing it to act as a wind deflector for all four
passengers.
The BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle - Any weather, any corner, any pace, any passion
The new BMW X3 combines the versatility of a BMW SAV with unprecedented levels of agility,
thanks in large part to the debut of xDrive, BMW's innovative new all-wheel-drive system. The
BMW X3 2.5i will have an MSRP of $30,995 and the X3 3.0i will start at $36,995, including
destination charges.
The BMW X3 combines the characteristic proportions of a Sport Utility Vehicle with both
classic and new design features from BMW. As a BMW SAV it offers a high seating position,
copious cargo volume and an eagerness to tackle any road in any weather. It also brings with
it that characteristic BMW blend of performance, agility and ride comfort.
Dynamic performance is ensured by BMW's 2.5- and 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engines widely
lauded for their outstanding refinement and performance. The X3 3.0i boasts 225 horsepower
while the X3 2.5i delivers 184. Both models come standard with a six-speed manual
transmission. A five-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission is available as an option.
The unique blend of traction and agility in the X3 is due in large part to the all-new xDrive
intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which sets new standards for all-wheel-drive vehicles.
BMW's xDrive allows infinitely adjustable and fully variable distribution of torque front-to-rear.
The system immediately recognizes any need for a change in power distribution and responds
literally within a tenth of a second, often before the wheels begin to lose their grip. As a result,
the X3 responds instantly, but at the same time is able to feed optimum drive forces to the
respective axle at any time when cornering, significantly minimizing both understeer and
oversteer in the process.
The outstanding versatility of the new BMW X3 is by no means limited to the wide range of
different road conditions and terrain on which this SAV demonstrates its agile and dynamic
performance. In addition to typical BMW comfort and ergonomics, the X3 interior offers several
unique and desirable features. Interior cargo rails (standard on the X3 3.0i, available on the X3
2.5i) facilitate an interior rack that can hold two bicycles. With the available Accessory Audio
Input Adapter, a variety of music devices can be played through the audio system. The
available two-piece Panorama Moonroof provides nearly 10 square feet of ambient light. In the
middle of the dashboard, the driver will find the optional DVD-based navigation system with a
wide-screen color monitor that flips up when required.
The X3 offers class leading handling and agility and innovative interior features. Customer
deliveries of the X3 SAV will begin in February.
All-New X5 4.8is - the Ultimate Sports Activity Vehicle
Following close on the heels of the X5 facelift, the new X5 4.8is will offer an enhanced, sportier
driving experience beyond the realm of the other X5 models.
The new X5 features an enlarged version of the VALVETRONIC 4.4-liter engine featured in
the X5 4.4i. This new 4.8-liter V8 power plant produces 355-horsepower and 360 ft-lbs of
torque, and is coupled with a 6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission. This abundant
power is driven through 20-inch W-rated performance tires - 275/40 fronts and 315/35 in the
rear. Massive 14-inch front/12.8-inch rear disc brakes bring BMWs most potent SAV to a quick
and sure-footed stop.
For 2004, all X5 models have been treated to a freshened exterior design, with an entirely (yet
subtly) revised front end, new taillights and several fresh new colors.
The long list of standard features includes rain-sensing windshield wipers and adaptive
headlights with automatic headlight control and self-dimming mirrors. Also included with this
package are adjustable and heated rear seats, a ski bag, and a digital compass mirror. For the
audiophile, an in-dash CD player is included as is a 6-CD changer. In fact, the list of standard
features is so extensive, that all option packages are included in the list price of $70,495
including destination.
As with the other X5 versions, xDrive, BMW's newest all-wheel drive system, helps to ensure
optimum performance in all driving situations. The perfect match to the X5 4.8is' abundant
power, the xDrive system performs stepless and variable distribution of torque between the
front and rear wheels at an unprecedented speed.
The X5 4.8is will be available at BMW SAV centers in late Spring, 2004.
BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. ROLLS-
ROYCE Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the
United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for
the BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the ROLLS-ROYCE brand of Motor Cars;
DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley
and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Corp. in South
Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive
manufacturing plant for all Z4 roadster and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales
organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 340 BMW passenger car centers,
327 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 148 BMW motorcycle retailers, 73 MINI passenger
car dealers, and 25 ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW
Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff
Lake, New Jersey.
