BMW has announced the introduction of the new 630i in UK, going on sale in September.

Powered by the world’s lightest six-cylinder engine, the all-new 3.0-litre straight-six engine features Valvetronic technology and is made from magnesium and aluminium composite.

Available in both Coupé and Convertible guises from launch, the 630i develops 258bhp at 6,600rpm, an increase of 12% compared to the current 3.0-litre petrol unit. Maximum torque is 300Nm and this is available from just 2,500rpm up to 4,000rpm.

On the road this power translates into a zero to 62mph time of 6.5 seconds (6.7 seconds for an automatic) in the Coupé and 6.9 seconds (7.2 seconds) in the Convertible.

Top speed on all versions is limited to 155mph. The 630i returns 31.4mpg (29.7mpg for the auto) for the Coupé and 29.4mpg (28.5mpg) for the Convertible. This represents a 12% increase in BMW 3.0-litre petrol engine efficiency.

The EU4 compliant 3.0-litre engine, which features the world’s first electric water pump to keep the block cool for increased efficiency, will appear in future BMW models. Details will be released at a later date.

Customers will be able to specify their 630i with either six-speed manual, automatic or BMW’s Sequential Manual Gearbox and the car will sit on 17-inch light alloy wheels fitted with 245/50 R17 tyres.

The BMW 630i will also feature Dynamic Stability Control + Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control and ABS as standard among a host of other safety features. Meanwhile, the list of optional equipment will include Active Steering and Dynamic Drive for a more bespoke driving experience.

Prices for the 630i Coupé and Convertible will be announced later this year.

 

• BMW Great Britain has also announced first details of the forthcoming BMW M5. Closely resembling the Concept M5 revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2004, the fourth generation M5 will be the most powerful BMW road car ever built, generating 507bhp and surpassing the 100bhp per litre mark.

  Inspired by BMW’s Formula 1 car, the new M5 is powered by a normally aspirated five-litre V10 engine – a first for BMW. The 507bhp and 520Nm of torque propels the car from zero to 62mph in 4.7seconds and to 124mph in 15 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Without the limiter, the new M5 would be capable of 205mph.

  The BMW M5 will be launched in Europe in January 2005, while deliveries of right-hand-drive models in the UK start in spring 2005.