Visiting Marseille, France with the new BMW 6 Series Part Two

If Day One was a whirlwind then I really didn't know what I was getting myself in for with Day Two. Just to get us all up to speed, Day One consisted of us zipping around the South of France in the new BMW 6 Series: 650i Coupé, 650i xDrive Gran Coupé and the 640d Convertible. We took off through tiny historical towns, twisting mountains and up Marseille's endless highways. It was intense, but nothing could prepare me for what they had planned for the next day.

We gathered just outside of BMW's top secret test track at 9am. Straight away we handed in our passports over to security, before being checked over just in case we were undercover spies. This place was high security, which only added to the anticipation of what laid ahead.

Today was all about controlled speed – the Coupé, the Gran Coupé and the Convertible would be at our disposal and ready to go. We got behind the wheel so we could really see what these cars were capable of. We'd get a go at pushing all three models to the limits, but first on the agenda was a extensively introduction with every car by an instructor. Shortly after we were sent around the track with our instructor (probably the coolest dad going right?), which turned out to be a moment I will never forget. If I could have only give my stomach a heads-up to get it know what it was in for... 


For someone that's not so accustomed to higher speeds - or handling anything of this power - this sure what a jolt to the system. All three cars packed some serious heat, but first myself + Craig from MenswearStyle strapped ourselves into the 640d Convertible for a few warm-up laps. We were given a masterclass from our instructor; how + where to break correctly, when to go flat out, and how to maximise BMW's overall performance. After a few bumpy (read, scary) laps we were quickly flying around those corners, trying to beat our previous lap time.

Each car had its own perks; the Coupé with its sportiness and elegance, the Convertible with a high range of agility and dynamic, and the Gran Coupé with its second-to-none comfort and spaciousness.

We spent most of our time in the Mediterranean Blue Convertible; getting to grips with its TwinPower Turbo engine and Sports+ reactive driving dynamics. On the first day we mainly drove with automatic gears in ECO Mode, but while on the track we had the opportunity to test the 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission’s manual gear selection. In Sport mode it was notable that the gear shifts are configured for maximum performance, while keeping the engine of the Convertible at the level at which it could make best use of its power and efficiency.


Due to the fact we drove at higher speeds the eighth gear reduced the required engine speed, the fuel consumption and engine noise. After a few laps more we were convinced that the 8-speed transmission offered a nice shift in comfort. It was also the perfect moment to play around with the Sports Exhaust System, as the team mentioned that the sound can be modified using an integrated exhaust valve mechanism, which is controlled by the “Driving Experience Control”. Sounds more like a computer game, but of course we wanted to experience that stuff in reality.

Each BMW utilised another feature called Integral Active Steering. At speeds of up to about 60 km / h, the rear wheels steer in opposite directions to the front wheels. The shortened wheelbase improves thereby felt manoeuvrability and agility. At speeds from 60 kph the rear wheels steer the same direction as the front wheels. The wheelbase is so prolonged that both driving stability and comfort increases – especially with rapid and abrupt lane change, which pretty often.

Each "session" was followed by some downtime, which is where we enjoyed watching the fella from Cool Material + Ape To Gentleman whizz around the track like they were in some kind of getaway movie.

While driving the Gran Coupé we had the chance to get in touch with BMW xDrive, which is an intelligent all-wheel drive system that works close with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). Both together ensure that the Gran Coupé remains perfectly stable in its track. These two systems helped a lot to manage most of our laps without our instructor. xDrive – controlled via the DSC sensor – distributes drive power between the axles in order to prevent oversteer or understeer. With that support, we felt safer and safer with every lap.

We were at the track for a good six hours, which not only gave us time to get totally familiar with each model, but also to appreciate their individual design, construction and performance:

 
As we spend most of the time inside a car it's really important to me that the interior looks the part - this is where so many car manufacturers try to cut costs, and ultimately fail at something which is so important for an overall great driving experience.

The interior of the 6 Series offers such a good driving mood, with high attention taken to the materials and colours used, the placement of controls, and overall comfort was spot on. Not to mention the Bang & Olufsen surround sound!

What an experience it was, and one I will never forget! The setting was just perfect. It was my first time visiting the Southern Coastal region of France, a truly stunning place, and it's only made me want to pick back up those plans of a Buckets European road trip and get the ball rolling again. Or more appropriately, get the engine revving.

So, from our first day driving through the mountains and weaving our way through the busy outskirts of Marseille, and our the test track experience throughout day two, it's safe to say that I'm not only more accustom to a more powerful car, but the luxurious design and connective nature of the BMW 6 Series has left a lasting impression on me.

Thanks for reading,
Mat.

For more information on the BMW 6 Series click here.

This post is in partnership with BMW.

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