MANILA, Philippines - The recent BMW Expo at the NBC Tent in Bonifacio Global City was another important milestone for Asian Carmakers Corporation, exclusive distributor of the prestigious Munich brand. It was not just a venue to showcase the entire BMW lineup, but an opportune time to introduce two mouth-watering vehicles new to the portfolio.
And who better to introduce the two new BMWs than the relatively new ACC president, Maricar Parco and the recently acquired executive director for sales and marketing, Glen Dasig?
First on the block was the all-new series 6 Series Convertible, what BMW calls an “open-top premium automobile of the upper class.” And clearly upper class it is. Large yet sleek, this 6 commands attention before it even arrives. The front fascia is aggressively, tastefully styled, with muscular, spacious hood and sweeping lines. You’d swear you were looking at one menacing shark about to seize you in a death bite.
“The new BMW 6 Series will add to the tradition of open-top cars that embodies the hallmark proportions of a BMW convertible and I am sure, BMW enthusiasts will be thrilled at this new addition,” said Dasig.
The twin, seemingly dichotomous values of fun and luxurious meet in a package that’s hard not to ogle, particularly upon seeing the telltale BMW icon just above the delicious double kidney grille.
From the back, the controlled aggression is similarly reflected. Imagine the sedate, classy look of the new 5 Series rear lights, albeit angry. The boot lid and recessed fascia (concaved lower portion) add to the menacing scowl.
This sleek BMW is not all bling, either. Two engine types are available, both equipped with bite to match the bark. The eight-cylinder heart of the 650i delivers 407 hp of pleasure, while an in-line six develops 320 horses – no pushover indeed. Regardless of your choice, it will be mated to an eight-speed Sports automatic gearbox. The BMW EfficientDynamics package also comes standard such as the Auto Start-Stop Function, which BMW says will “ensure even greater dynamic capability and similarly discernible improvement in ride comfort.”
BMW says it is the only vehicle in its class to feature head up display (where you can spot and read important data seemingly on the windshield). In the 6, BMW continues with its tradition of the driver-oriented layout – which makes getting behind the wheel of this al fresco speedster (priced at P10.78 million) even better.
At the time of the Expo, two new 1 Series M coupes had already entered the country. Both were sold, and it was extremely fortunate that one of the buyers acceded to exhibiting his unit for the rest of us mortals to admire. The limited global supply will surely keep people scrambling to get their own.
I was fortunate to get behind the wheel of a souped-up 135i that grumbled during traffic, and was in its element when smoking everyone else on the road. It was one mean ride, and didn’t suffer slowpokes in the very least.
“It’s nothing like the new 1 Series M Coupe,” said the smiling Jun Engracia, aftersales director.
If we go by the truly insane performance that the 1 Series M put on in a BMW promotional video, this 1 has earned its M emblem.
Six cylinders give out a hearty 340 hp, courtesy of M TwinPower Turbo and petrol direct injection. BMW says the 1 Series M has “an engine speed-oriented characteristic curve typical of BMW M cars.” The 340 hp may not sound particularly impressive, until you note the power-to-weight ratio of 4.4 kilograms per bhp and “optimized aerodynamic components.” The results are clear (or, rather, a blur): zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, 200 km/h in 17.3 seconds.
This entry-level, true-blue M comes with the usual complement of acronym features, as well as sporty touches such as an M leather steering wheel. An M button on the right steering wheel spoke lets you switch from a normal disposition M to a “sports-style vehicle setup.” Targeting a well-heeled, younger market, the 1 Series M goes for P5.54 million.
So, are you ready to go fast? Act fast.
EDITOR’S NOTE: For details, e-mail information@bmw.com.ph or contact the M Certified Dealership in Autohaus BMW (Libis) at 638-0734.