2012 BMW 650i Coupe Arrives This Fall in U.S.

Just the Facts:

• The third-generation 6 Series Coupe features all-new sheet metal and lots of cutting-edge hardware.
• The 2012 650i Coupe follows the launch this spring of the new 2012 650i Convertible, which was unveiled last fall at the Los Angeles auto show.
• Both cars feature a 400-horsepower twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, New Jersey — BMW said its redesigned 2012 650i Coupe will go on sale this fall in the U.S., about six months after the rollout of the new 650i Convertible.

The 2012 650i Convertible was introduced last fall at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show and goes on sale this spring in the U.S.

Like the soft top, the new 650i Coupe gets all-new sheet metal, a revamped cabin and lots of cutting-edge hardware and technology. To help reduce weight, BMW has constructed the doors, hood and front spring mounts from aluminum, and the front fenders, roof and deck lid from reinforced composite.

Both models share BMW's twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, which makes 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque and can be mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The coupe is marginally quicker than the convertible, zipping from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds with either transmission. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

BMW said the third-generation 6 Series Coupe is nearly 3 inches longer than its predecessor, with its wheelbase growing by the same amount, to 112.4 inches. The car is also 1.5 inches wider, but sits 0.36 inch lower.

The more ample exterior dimensions translate into more interior space, including more front and rear headroom and additional rear legroom.

As you would expect on the 6 Series, BMW offers a staggering array of high-tech equipment inside and out. Buyers can order such dynamic systems as active roll stabilization, adaptive LED headlamps and integral active steering, which includes a new steerable rear axle.

Among the available driver-assistance systems are Automatic High Beams, Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Rear and Top View cameras, Parking Assistant, a new 3D full-color Head-Up Display, Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection and Active Cruise Control with stop-and-go capability.

A Bang & Olufsen high-end surround sound system, with 16 speakers and digital signal processing, also will be offered.

Inside Line says: For the first time, the 6 Series and 3 Series share a number of familial styling cues. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent