Maybe,.....but, trust me, the 3.0L twin-turbo is no slouch. It will more than get out of its own way.


Well, without getting too deep into stereotypes, among BMWs, much of South FL's population (especially those with money) would probably prefer the more conservative 7-series sedans to the 6-series coupes/convertibles.

 

The 92K on my test-car included the leather-dash option. Like you, though, I see little sense in putting leather on the dash (the Hyundai Genesis sedan also does). IMO, wood-paneling or carbon-fiber trim on the dash is preferable to leather.

 

Compared to the original 6-series, I think the styling-facelift did a lot of good. The new body-style, IMO, though not ideal, definitely looks better than the first one did.

BTW, one thing I forgot to mention in the write-up was that my test-car had run-flat tires. They normally ride stiffly and, of course, are expensive to replace (just like everything else on this car) Still, BMW's suspension/chassis engineering is so good that it still managed a reasonably-comfortable ride even with stiff tires.

 

20/30 mpg is fantastic for all that power and weight.

 

Naw, there are a ton of the last model 6 series. People here like it.
That's why I know the new one isn't doing well, no one is buying it down here.

I do most of my eating and shopping in the areas where the people with money drive nice cars. Not because I'm snobbish but my modded GS blends in better in those areas....which makes me more comfortable. I see bimmers all day. Too many to count. To date I've seen about 3 new model 6 verts and no coupes. Clearly, Fort Lauderdale's populace is not buying it.

 

Opting for the 650i (and the twin-turbo 4.4L V8) doesn't really seem to make that much difference in response (both engines are excellent). And, of course, the V8's highway MPG drops to 23.

 

Looks bloated and overweight. Only the M6 version looks any good.

 

NIce review Mike. Kind of stunning to see 92k for the 6 cylinder. I've now seen a few of these and I don't find it beautiful but it is less controversial than the last model (which I now find myself kind of liking lol). I'm just happy to see a nice big coupe when I see one and wish Lexus had something in this segment.

BMW has really stepped it up with interiors, wow, what was once a weak point is now a strong one!

I honestly don't undertstand some of these MPG ratings. This big beast gets 30MPG on the highway with 300hp and I believe the new Acura ILX will get 31MPG highway with 200hp. What the hell? Great work BMW they also do a great job with MPG.

 

Thanks. You can get that engine (or an equivalant V6) in the 335i for some 40K less.


.............Now if they would just dump the I-Drives and those electro-shifters. I've never liked them. That's one of the issues (among several) that has kept me out of a BMW as a personal DD, despite their superb road-manners. Some of the entry-level BMWs, like the 1-series, lack the I-Drive and electro-shifter, but they are a little too small inside for me.

MPG drops significantly with the 4.4L V8 on the 650i, but, from my experience, there's not that much difference in response (I sampled the 4.4L in the 550i).

 

Nice review. I have mixed feelings about the previous 6 series styling wise. I have seen a few that look good but in many ways the design did not work and looked awkward, the interior was very disappointing and not fitting for such a expensive car. I saw the new 6 series on the road a few weeks ago and really liked it, the first thing I noticed was how much lower and wider it looked compared to the previous model. The previous model had a more aggressive sports car look where the new one looks more elegant with much better proportions. The interior is vastly improved too, it is still way too expensive though in my opinion.

 

Thanks. Wasn't really a whole review, though, just a test-drive and cursory-write-up.

The previous model was a typical Chris Bangle special......with the new one, you can definitely tell he's gone.

 

I think Bangle still works for BMW, last I heard. He just isn't responsible for design anymore.

I miss his work. Before Bangle, BMW's were too understated. Nice but too plain Jane. Many times I'd see one next to another car of similar status and couldn't understand why people liked them so much.
Bangle brought style to the brand. He took a risk and brought in many new customers. They lost quite a few as well but the brand didn't suffer.
Now they are making plainer cars again that look nice but imo don't deserve the premium price.

The new 6 for example. For 100K, I'd rather have a Porsche 911 or Panamera. The Audi S5 or Benz E, CL or CLS look more stylish as well. Heck, you can get a pre-owned Audi R8 for around 100K. Plus, the BMW's are becoming less super driver's cars and more luxury oriented. They'd lost that edge. I test drove a previous model 6 series and the sales guy kept telling me to push it. So I did. He regretted telling me that after seeing I am an enthusiastic driver. I enjoyed it but didn't see what all the BMW hype was about. It was good but not ground breakingly good.

 

Yes...we can definitely tell.

The first time one samples the steering/chassis engineering usually answers that question. Often it doesn't take more than about 30 or 40 seconds.

It wasn't just the Bangle-styling that drove people away. Most auto-reviewers and testing organizations never liked the I-Drive and electronic-shifters, and still don't.

I agree that BMWs, by my standards, tend to be overpriced (especially the upper-end models), but the chassis-engineering, IMO, is unmatched by any other mass-produced brand. There's a reason why BMW can charge those prices....and get them.