New BMW 6 Series Coupe: What the fuss is all about

Long known for their high performance sedans, BMW also has a well-deserved reputation for producing sports touring coupes with equally high performance and handling.

In the Sixties BMW brought to market the 2000 CS, a beautifully designed four cylinder coupe and then expanded into larger, six cylinder versions; 2800 CS, 3.0 CS/CSi/CSL. These touring cars are still eagerly sought by collectors today for their beauty and performance.

In 1976, BMW brought out their Six Series coupe, a worthy successor to the gorgeous road machines of a few years earlier. The E-24, in BMW-speak, was produced until 1989 and was replaced by the Eight Series V-8 and V-12 powered two-door coupes of the early nineties. The Six Series returned to the BMW line-up in 2004.

The BMW Sixer for 2012 arrives first in a convertible version this spring, with a coupe arriving on 15 October. Two models of the coupe/convertible will be offered; a 640i with a 320 horsepower gasoline engine and a 650i with 407 horsepower. A diesel option will also be available shortly after the initial launch. The 640d turbo-diesel is expected to account for 52% of UK sales, unlike in the past when diesels were as much as 75% of sales.

The UK market for the Six Series is tied with Germany for the second largest market area, both of them being behind the USA, where Sixes are hugely popular. Premium brand coupes and convertibles are immensely popular in the UK. The BMW Six joins the Jaguar XK, Mercedes-Benz SL and Maserati Gran Cabrio in bringing luxury touring to UK drivers.

All Six Series cars will be equipped with the new BMW eight-speed automatic transmission. The operation of this self-shifter is smooth and seamless. The console shift lever is augmented by paddle shifters on the steering wheel, allowing sports-car-like shifting and control.

The 640i is expected to have a base price £59,680 and the 650i will be at £67,430. The turbo-diesel will be approximately £70,000. Optional equipment could add another £11,000 to the final price of any model. These costs could affect your BMW insurance rates somewhat.

The popularity of Six Series in the UK means that BMW car insurance is readily available. Make sureyour cover is comprehensive and offers protection against most contingencies. For more information about car insurance, look no further than Your Cover Insurance, a product of Allianz.

BMW has earned the right to be called "The Ultimate Driving Machine" by the performance and pleasure provided when you take the wheel of any BMW model; 1, 3, 5 or 7 Series. The ultimate ride, however, is provided by the new BMW Six Series coupe or convertible. If you are a driving enthusiast and your belief is that it is "the trip, not the destination," you belong behind the wheel of a BMW Six Series.