New for 2016

The 6 Series gets a substantial update for 2016, with some styling changes, an updated interior with more standard equipment, and other tweaks.

BMW's MVP

The BMW lineup wouldn’t be complete without a fast touring coupe. From the 2800 CS to the 3.0 CS and original, E24-generation 6 Series, these cars have provided driving fun with a bit of style. That continues with the 2016 BMW 6 Series. Freshened and ready to face its Audi and Mercedes-Benz rivals, the 6 Series offers an impressive combination of performance, luxury, and comfort.

Powertrains and Performance

For 2016, the 6 Series returns with two available powertrains that both offer plenty of punch. Like every other BMW, the 6 Series is both a luxury car and a performance car, something worthy of the company’s oft-used “Ultimate Driving Machine” tagline.

The 640i features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, which produces 315 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. As in all 6 Series models, it’s teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive or optional xDrive all-wheel drive.

The six-cylinder 6 Series puts in its best performance in two-door coupe form, with 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, and a top speed of 155 mph (if you pay to have the electronic limiter raised from the standard 130 mph). Rear-wheel drive models get an EPA-rated 24 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 31 mpg highway),* while all-wheel drive models get 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway).*

Then there’s the 650i, which packs a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8. This mill produces 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. With rear-wheel drive, it will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, while all-wheel drive models get the job done in 4.3 seconds. Both models are electronically limited to 155 mph. EPA fuel-economy ratings are 20 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive,* and 19 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.*

To help drivers get the most out of the experience, the 2016 6 Series comes standard with a sports exhaust system, which uses a valve that can open under the right conditions to reduce backpressure and increase noise. The 6 Series can also be specified with Dynamic Damper Control adaptive suspension, and Integral Active Steering four-wheel steering.

Features and Trims

The 2016 BMW 6 Series is available in a choice of three body styles. There’s a two-door, four-seat coupe, a two-door, four-seat convertible, and a four-door, four-seat “Gran Coupe.” If you’re looking for more performance, note that BMW also makes M6 and Alpina B6 hot rod models. Prices for the regular 6 Series start at $77,300.**

Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, LED fog lights, power-folding, heated side mirrors, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, Dakota leather upholstery, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, automatic climate control, heated front seats, three-spoke leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, navigation, HD Radio®, SiriusXM® satellite radio, and more.

There’s also a long list of options, including a Bang & Olufsen® sound system, Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection, power rear sunshade, Integral Active Steering, a wood inlay steering wheel, multi-contour seats, an instrument panel finished in Nappa leather, and other personalization options from BMW Individual.

In addition, a Black Accent Package is new for 2016. It adds high-gloss exterior trim, special wheels, and an interior trimmed in Cognac/Black bi-color Nappa leather and Fineline Brown wood. Other option packages include the M Sport Package (M steering wheel, double-spoke alloy wheels, aerodynamic kit, Anthracite Alcantara headliner), Executive Package (harman/kardon® surround-sound system, head-up display, ventilated front seats, soft-close automatic doors), and Cold Weather Package (heated steering wheel, ski bag).

Design

For 2016, the BMW 6 Series gets an update to its already-sharp looks. The BMW-signature “twin kidney” grille is massaged to make it look a little more distinctive, and is accompanied by a new front apron and standard adaptive LED headlights. The rear bumper is also reshaped, and there are other detail changes as well.

As before, the 6 Series is offered as a traditional two-door coupe and convertible, as well as a four-door “Gran Coupe.” BMW’s answer to the Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, the Gran Coupe combines the sleek look of a coupe with the practicality of a four-door sedan. It has an on-road presence few other cars can match.

Interior is luxurious but also focused on the 6 Series’ reason for being: driving. The cockpit includes everything a driver needs, from a sporty three-spoke steering wheel to supportive leather seats. BMW touched things up a little for 2016, adding new trim pieces and the option for bi-color leather surfaces.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 BMW 6 Series includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, BMW’s Active Protection System, and a full array of airbags. Optional features include Parking Assistant, Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection, and ACC Stop & Go + Active Driving Assistant. The Driver Assistance Plus package also includes Active Driving Assistant, Active Blind Spot Detection, side and top-view cameras, and speed limit info, as well as ACC Stop & Go + Active Driving Assistant.

Bottom Line

The 2016 BMW 6 Series offers everything you could want from a luxury car.

Be sure to contact us online or visit us at 3Birds Template to schedule a test drive.

* Preliminary consumption figures shown. Please go to bmwusa.com for latest available information. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower.

** MSRP excludes destination & handling fee of $995, tax, title, license, and registration.

Image: BMW