2013 BMW 6-Series Vehicle Overview
View information about the 2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe
View information about the 2012 BMW 6-Series
Vehicle Overview
Redesigned last year, the BMW 6 Series comes with either an inline-six or V-8 engine and is offered in coupe and soft-top convertible variants, both of which seat four. The Jaguar XK is the 6 Series' most direct competitor, but you might cross-shop the car against a Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe or cabriolet, too.
New for 2013
The 650i's twin-turbo V-8 is now rated at 445 horsepower and 480 pounds-feet of torque, and the engine features fuel-saving stop-start technology and BMW's Eco Pro setting.
Exterior
The 6 Series maintains a short front overhang and low-slung appearance. BMW says the design was inspired by the natural motion of waves.
The convertible's fully automatic soft-top has what BMW describes as a flying-buttress design in which the top trails behind a vertical rear window, maintaining a coupe-like roofline. The top, which can be operated at the touch of a button at speeds up to 25 mph, comes in black or beige. Exterior features include:
- 18-inch wheels standard; 19- or 20-inch wheels available
- Standard adaptive xenon headlamps
- Standard glass sunroof with power-sliding sunshade
- Available adaptive LED headlights
Interior
The interior has a 2+2 seating configuration with small rear seats. Trunk volume in the coupe is about 30 percent more than the convertible with its top up; with the top down, the convertible loses another 14 percent. Interior features include:
- Power-adjustable seats
- Optional ventilated and massaging front seats
- Standard iDrive with a 10.2-inch high-resolution screen and navigation
- Available heated steering wheel
- Available Bang & Olufsen premium stereo
Under the Hood
The 640i is powered by a 315-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine while the 650i gets a 445-hp, twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8. Mechanical features include:
- Eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles
- Rear-wheel drive for 640i
- Rear- or all-wheel drive for 650i
Safety
Both the coupe and convertible have front airbags plus side-impact airbags built into the front seats. Safety features include:
- Antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system
- Pop-up roll bars in convertible
- Backup camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Available parallel-parking assist
- Available surround-view system
- Available blind spot warning system
- Available lane departure warning system with frontal collision warning
- Available night vision with pedestrian detection
2013 6-Series Gran Coupe Vehicle Overview
Luxury automakers have been fascinated with coupe-like four-door cars, and BMW joins the fray with the introduction of the 6 Series Gran Coupe. Based on a stretched version of the 6 Series coupe, the Gran Coupe has seating for up to five people but is optimized to carry four. It hits dealerships in summer 2012, and competitors include the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and Audi A7.
Exterior
As the beginning portion of its name suggests, the 6 Series Gran Coupe is rooted in the brand's 6 Series, and it shares numerous styling cues. The front end is very similar to the 6 Series coupe and features BMW's signature twin-kidney grille with vertical slats. A low, sleek roofline defines the car's profile, which is one of its best angles. The Gran Coupe has a traditional trunk lid, though it looks short compared to the long passenger compartment. Exterior features include:
- 18-inch light-alloy wheels with all-season run-flat tires; 19- or 20-inch wheels available
- LED taillights
- Adaptive xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
- Available adaptive LED headlights
- Available M Sport Package features unique front and rear styling, side skirts, black chrome exhaust tips, black brake calipers, LED fog lights, a sport exhaust system for the V-8 model and 19-inch wheels
- Available BMW Individual matte paint finishes
Interior
Though there's a spot for a passenger in the middle of the rear bench, the 6 Series Gran Coupe's seating layout is optimized for four people. The car is 4.4 inches longer than the 6 Series coupe, and BMW says a significant portion of the extra length has been devoted to improve comfort for rear-seat passengers. Interior features include:
Three grades of leather upholstery in a variety of colors
- Center console extends to backseat
- Driver-focused dashboard topped with 10.2-inch screen for iDrive system
- Navigation system
- CD stereo with HD Radio capability and MP3 jack
- Available premium audio with satellite radio and iPod connectivity
- Available Bang & Olufsen stereo
- Available ventilated seats
- Available sunshades for rear window and rear side glass
- Available four-zone climate control
- Available ceramic accents for the gear selector and iDrive controller
- Available M Sport Package adds Alcantara simulated suede and leather sport seats with blue stitching, an M steering wheel, aluminum trim and additional M logos
Under the Hood
The 640i Gran Coupe features a 315-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder while the 650i gets a 445-hp, turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8. Both engines work with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Mechanical features include:
- Rear-wheel drive; all-wheel drive available for 650i
- Zero to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds (640i), 4.6 seconds (650i) or 4.5 seconds (all-wheel-drive 650i)
- Adaptive dampers with driver-selectable modes
- Eco Pro mode reduces gas pedal responsiveness, makes the transmission upshift sooner and downshift later, and includes a screen to show how driving characteristics affect vehicle range
- Available active suspension works to limit body roll
- Available rear-wheel steering can enhance high-speed stability and low-speed maneuverability
Safety
Safety features include:
- Antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system
- Active front head restraints
- Side-impact airbags
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Backup camera
- Available lane departure warning
- Available blind spot monitoring system
- Available surround-view camera system
- Available night vision with pedestrian detection
- Available full-color head-up display
2012 BMW 6-Series Vehicle Overview
Now in its third generation, the BMW 6 Series occupies a special niche in the automaker's lineup. It's alternately been the company's flagship GT platform and an experimental canvas, the latter for former design chief Chris Bangle's polarizing exteriors.
With this year's full redesign, the 2012 BMW 6 Series largely shakes off the Bangle legacy looking a little longer, wider, shorter and sharper. The larger dimensions are attributed to a new aluminum-intensive rear-wheel-drive architecture that BMW says is 50 percent stiffer than its predecessor.
And the chassis needs that extra rigidity given the engines underhood. The old V8 wasn't exactly a slouch, but its acceleration is now matched by the more fuel-efficient turbocharged six-cylinder found in the new 640i model. For those wanting even more, the new V8 in the 650i will definitely get the job done. Slightly smaller than its predecessor, the twin-turbo 4.4-liter makes more horsepower and nearly 100 pound-feet more low-end torque. It makes for a 650i that accelerates to 60 mph just a few tenths shy of the former V10-powered M6.
Inside, the 6 Series has a beautifully sculpted cabin with a more driver-focused dashboard than that of the old model. Along with the new 10.2-inch navigation display, it's clearly evident through the attention to detail lavished on the instruments, controls and overall design that BMW has taken a good deal more time developing the interior than it did with its predecessor. As for the convertible, it continues to feature the clever rear window that's separate from the folding top and can be lowered to allow the breeze in while still keeping the sun off.
Taken all together, the 2012 BMW 6 Series shapes up to be a very impressive grand touring coupe and convertible. There are a couple of competing models to also consider, of course. With classic curves and a lightweight aluminum structure, the Jaguar XK is a competitor with character and performance in equal measures, while the Mercedes-Benz E550 offers comparable luxury for less, plus actual room for rear seat passengers. But imbued with new style and strength, the 6 Series is one of the most exhilarating luxury experiences you can have behind the wheel.
New for 2012
The 2012 BMW 6 Series has been fully redesigned. Highlights for the coupe and convertible include sharper looks, larger wheels and a pair of turbocharged engines.
Exterior
The 2012 BMW 6 Series is available in 640i and 650i trim levels, both of which can be had as a coupe or a convertible.
Standard equipment on the 640i includes 18-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, automatic and adaptive xenon headlights, LED foglights, automatic wipers, parking sensors, power-folding mirrors, a large tilt-only sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, 10-way power front seats with four-way lumbar adjustments and memory functions, leather upholstery, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, auto-dimming mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control and a rearview camera. Electronic features include Bluetooth, a nine-speaker sound system (with a CD player, HD radio and an auxiliary audio jack), a navigation system, voice controls and the iDrive electronics interface. The convertible has a power soft top with a glass rear window that can be raised and lowered independently, along with heat-reflective leather upholstery.
The 650i differs with a V8 engine, 19-inch alloy wheels and 16-way comfort seats. The latter two items are available on the 640i.
Options include the Driver Assistance Package that adds side- and top-view cameras, blind spot detection, a head-up display, lane departure warning and automatic high beams. The Luxury Seating package adds a power rear sunshade and ventilated front seat with adjustable bolsters and a massage feature. The Cold Weather package mixes it up with heated front seats (also available as a stand-alone option), a heated steering wheel and a trunk pass-through ski bag. The Premium Sound package adds a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with an iPod/USB audio interface and satellite radio.
Other options include 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, active steering, active roll stabilization, an infrared night vision display, BMW Apps enhanced smartphone integration, extended leather upholstery and enhanced interior trim materials.
Interior
It's not as elegant as the Jaguar XK's streamlined design, but the 2012 BMW 6 Series interior offers top-shelf materials and craftsmanship in a fitting, cockpit-centric design. Depending on your preference, the center console's high hip line may instill a sense of security or slight claustrophobia. Improvements to successive generations of iDrive make it one of the most intuitive interfaces for controlling phone, navigation and audio functions. The latest upgrade, featuring a 10.2-inch color display, makes cycling through essential menus even easier.
The 6 Series excels at accommodating two passengers, but the rear seat is only suitable for adults on short trips to the restaurant or driving range. Trunk space measures a relatively enormous 12.3 cubic feet in the convertible (10.6 with the top down) and both cars have a pass-through to accommodate longer items. The convertible's heated rear window retracts independently of the soft top, doubling as a wind deflector when the top is dropped. Lowering the soft top takes about 20 seconds; raising it takes just a few seconds longer.
Under the Hood
The 2012 BMW 640i is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that produces 315 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard, along with an automatic start/stop system that shuts down the engine when stopped to save fuel. BMW estimates that the 640i will go from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds -- quicker than the old V8-powered 6 Series.
The 2012 BMW 650i is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 generating 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but "xDrive" all-wheel drive is optional. An eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control is standard, and a six-speed manual is optional on rear-drive cars. The start/stop feature is not included. In Edmunds performance testing, a manual-equipped 650i coupe went from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Interestingly, we timed a heavier automatic-equipped 650i convertible from zero to 60 mph in a quicker 4.9 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy for an automatic-equipped convertible stands at 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. Opting for the manual drops those to 15/22/17.
Safety
Standard safety equipment includes four-wheel antilock brakes with advanced standby and drying features, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags, active head restraints and BMW Assist. Pop-up roll bars also come standard on the convertible. In Edmunds brake testing, the 650i coupe stopped from 60 mph in 109 feet. The convertible was virtually identical -- impressive stops for cars that tip the scales at 4,200 pounds.
Special Offer Details
*2013 640i Coupe $679*/month for 36 months. $3,000 Lease/APR Credit and $750 Loyalty Cash included in payment. $679 First months payment, $4,500 Down payment, $0 Security Deposit, $725 Acquisition fee, $5,904 Cash due at signing.
*Lease financing available on 2013 BMW 640i Coupe vehicles, only at participating BMW centers on leases assigned to BMW Financial Services NA, LLC/Financial Services Vehicle Trust through May 31, 2013. Build Out Credit is a $5,000 credit against the MSRP of the final purchase, loan or lease on a 640i Coupe through May 31, 2013. Loyalty Cash is a $750 credit against the MSRP of the loan or lease on a 640i Coupe through May 31, 2013. $750 Loyalty Cash available for returning BMW customers only. Monthly Lease payments of $679.00 for 36 months based on MSRP of $75,825.00. Vehicle may need to be ordered. Total Lease payments are $24,444.00. Excludes tax, title, license and registration fees. Program available to qualified customers and not everyone will qualify. Subject to credit approval. See participating dealer for details. Dealer contribution may affect terms. Lessee must cover insurance and all items not covered under the BMW Maintenance Program. At lease end, lessee will be liable for disposition fee ($350.00), any excess wear and use as set forth in the lease agreement and excess mileage charges of $0.20 per mile for miles driven in excess of 30,000 miles. Purchase option at lease end for $41,704.00 excludes taxes. Lessee acquires no ownership interest unless purchase option is exercised. See participating BMW centers for details and vehicle availability.