- 2015 BMW 6-Series
- Interior / Exterior »
The 6-Series exudes confidence and luxury in all of its forms, with low-slung, wide-shouldered, athletic stances and elegant curves and profiles. At the nose, a pair of tight creases in the hood converge at the distinctive BMW kidney grille, flanked by aggressive headlights and wide air inlets; the rear presents contrast with resolved lines and sleek, simple details.
Along the sides of the 6-Series, flared fenders and light-catching curves give the visual effect of a low belt line, despite the modern crash-safety reality. Large alloy wheels fit neatly under all variants, but stand out as design details on Coupe and Gran Coupe models. A carbon roof section that seems to recede into the background marks out the M6, as does more aggressive front, side, and rear aerodynamic treatment.
Optional add-ons, including the M Sport package, which brings 19-inch wheels, black brake calipers, and darker trim, can also tweak the look of the 2015 BMW 6-Series, but it’s more a matter of detail than broad strokes.
The 6-Series’ interior is similar across the range, with a businesslike starkness and muted palette that looks and feel rich and well-appointed. Order and restraint dominate the control layouts and designs, staying low-key despite being high-tech. Trim packages can add warmth and brightness to the interior, nearly equaling the 7-Series sedans for plushness.
- Performance »
Two core models form the whole of the non-M Division 6-Series powertrain range: the 640i and 650i. Rear-drive is standard, and xDrive all-wheel-drive is available. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment as well, though a six-speed manual transmission can be had with rear-drive 650i models.
The 640i uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine rated at 315 horsepower; the 650i gets a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 engine good for a rated 400 horsepower. Both engines are potent and willing performers, with ample torque for passing at any speed. The V-8, however, seems somewhat better-suited to the 6-Series’ relaxed pace, offering easy, smooth power.
Handling for the non-M 6-Series range is confident and smooth, as well, with easy steering effort and a willingness to sail along at triple-digit speeds. Steering feel isn’t scalpel-sharp, however, and the overall impression of the suspension tune is one intended for comfort and brisk driving, rather than track days or hard canyon runs.
That suspension tune is adjustable, however, through a range of settings including Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, via the Driving Dynamics Control unit. Each mode varies suspension behavior and steering feel as well as throttle and transmission response, to better suit the road or the mood. The range of adjustment can be astounding, pushing the 6-Series Coupe, Convertible or Gran Coupe from easy-going cruiser to sharper-edged carver with greater steering weight and quicker shifts.
For the sharpest version of the 2015 BMW 6-Series, however, the choice is clear: M6. The M6 uses a special version of the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 with power output cranked up to 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. A special seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT) gearbox handles paddle or automatic shifts, and a six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching is available.
The M6, in Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe forms, is a viciously fast machine, capable of 0-60 mph acceleration in the very low four-second range. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph by default. Launch control, upgraded M-tuned suspension, wheels and tires, and unique M-specific traction and stability control modes also up the performance ante. While the M6 is undeniably a large and heavy car, it can perform feats of handling, braking, and acceleration that shame smaller and lighter sports cars when in the right hands.
Styling is one thing the 6-Series range shares across its range, with evocative, finely rendered lines defining the front end, and, in coupe and Gran Coupe forms, the arching rooflines you expect of a sporty luxury car. A taut, sculpted hood, stylized, muscular flanks, and neatly tucked rear end are also common to the range, further telegraphing the 6-Series’ performance potential. The M6 adds a heightened level of urgency to the design, flaring and flaunting its behemoth power.
From the 640i’s 300-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbocharged in-line six-cylinder to the 650i’s 400-horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 to the 560-horsepower M6, the 6-Series range packs speed and performance that scales with the owner’s desires. Of course, curb weights ranging from 4,200 pounds for the coupe to 4,500 pounds for the Gran Coupe damp that aggression slightly, but with BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels (or optionally all four with xDrive all-wheel-drive), acceleration is brisk and positive.
The M6 in particular shines in performance terms, acceleration to 60 mph in as little as 4.1 seconds depending on the body style and transmission chosen. A seven-speed dual clutch or six-speed manual with rev-matching are available on the M6. M-specific stability, traction, and dynamics controls further enhance the accessibility of the M6 range’s performance, adjusting steering, power train, suspension, and more on the fly. The M6 still has to fight with its size and weight, leaving the brakes perhaps a bit over-taxed on track, but in the real world, it’s a competent and enthralling drive.
The Gran Coupe model offers four doors in a sedan-coupe form factor, with what BMW calls 4+1 seating. Rear-seat access is easier than with the true 6-Series coupe, and the rear seat is a touch roomier, too. Driving dynamics of the two-door are largely preserved, but if you’re after a high-performance four-door for people-moving, the 5-Series or even larger 7-Series may be better options.
Priced at a premium point, the 2015 BMW 6-Series offers interior design and materials to match, with fine leathers, available metal and wood trims, and a wide range of customization available through the BMW Individual program. Standard features include a 10.2-inch wide-screen display hosting BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, and new for the 2015 model year, Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster display. Navigation includes a standard iDrive touchpad controller for 2015 as well, and 650i and 650i xDrive models now offer a standard M Sport exhaust system.
Other updates for 2015 include a new Launch Control feature for the Sport automatic transmission, a new Harman Kardon sound system upgrade, and a price reduction for the Night Vision package from $2,600 to $2,300.
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