The 2019 BMW 6-Series is all about blending luxury and style. This generation is aging, but it’s still a capable and lovable grand tourer.
What's New for 2019
The convertible 6-Series is no more, but otherwise the 6 returns unchanged for 2019.
Choosing Your BMW 6-Series
The 6-series originally took over the coupe versions of BMW’s 7-series. Oddly enough, after losing the convertible the 6-Series is down to just two body styles—both of which have four doors. The Gran Coupe is a heavily styled sedan, while the Gran Turismo is a stylized fastback.
There are also two choices of engine: either a turbocharged 3.0-liter unit with 315 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, or a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 producing 445 hp and 480 lb-ft. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EPA estimates mileage for the smaller engine at 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the V8 drops efficiency to 17/25/20 mpg. All-wheel drive is standard on the Gran Turismo and a $3,000 option on the Gran Coupe, and drops mileage a couple more mpg.
Those two engines delineate the model names of the 6-Series: 640i models get the smaller engine and 650i cars have the larger (when available). All models come with a host of standard features: heated leather front seats, keyless entry and push-button start, customizable automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen. Intelligent features like adaptive LED headlights and active cruise control are standard as well.
Several packages add more customizability. A Cold Weather package adds a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats for $450. Safety technology comes in the form of a Driver Assistance and Driver Assistance Plus packages. The first includes lane departure warnings, collision warnings, pedestrian detection, blind-spot detection, speed limit information, and a heads up display. The Plus package costs extra but includes adaptive cruise control. Top-of-the-line luxury comes in the Executive package, but exact features included vary by body style and trim. A Parking Assistance package adds a parking assistant and side-view cameras for $700, and BMW’s Individual Composition package allows for the maximum aesthetic customization, though it costs a hefty $6,000.
In addition to the 640i and 650i, the final trim level of the 6-Series is the exclusive Alpina B6.
640i
After a $995 destination fee, a 640i Gran Coupe starts at $82,495. Buyers can choose between a regular 640i and the M Sport Edition ($4,950) which adds ventilated seats, ceramic controls, the Harman Kardon sound system, and a heads-up display.
On the Gran Coupe, the Driver Assistance Package costs $1,700 and Driver Assistance Plus is an extra $1,200. The Executive package, which upgrades seats to multi-contour ventilated thrones and provides four-zone automatic climate control (plus the Harman Kardon sound system), all for $3,000. A premium Bang & Olufsen sound system is an option for an additional $3,700. The Gran Coupe also gets an M Sport package ($4,400), which adds M Sport accents, a new aerodynamic kit, and alcantara trim.
Selecting a 640i Gran Turismo drops starting price to $71,195. Buying a GT also means an extra decision for buyers—a choice between three Design lines of Sport (standard), Luxury ($500), and M Sport ($1,200). The Designs add aesthetic elements like chrome accents or aggressive fascia. The GT starts with 19-inch rims instead of the Gran Coupe’s 18-inchers, but 20-inch alloys are an option with the M Sport line.
On the GT, safety features are condensed into the Driving Assistance Plus package, which now costs $1,750. A Dynamic Handling package adds a performance feel with upgraded dampers and roll stabilization, all for $4,100. A Luxury Seating package adds ventilated multi-contour front seats with massage capability for $2,600. On this model the Executive package is more of a technology upgrade, including a heads-up display, gesture control, and upgraded parking sensors for $2,150. The Parking Assistance package remains $700.
Many of the packaged options (and a few new ones) are available on their own. BMW’s Active Steering system is $1,750, the multi-contour seats are $1,000, and the Bang & Olufsen sound system is $3,700. Safety- and performance-wise, a beefed up active suspension is $2,500, blind-spot detection is $500, and pedestrian detection is $2,300.
The GT has a few extra standalone options like a heated steering wheel ($190), power rear seats ($500), and a rear seat entertainment system ($2,200). The top-of-the-line sound system here is a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system costing $4,200. Adaptive cruise control is available on its own for $1,200, as are pedestrian detection for $2,300 and a remote parking assist feature for $750.
650i
The Gran Turismo is only available with the smaller engine, but the Gran Coupe can upgrade to a 650i for $11,600, which means a starting price of $94,095. In addition to the extra power, the 650i includes a few luxury additions like 19-inch rims, fancy 20-way power-adjustable seats, Nappa leather trim, and a Harman Kardon sound system.
Packages remain the same as the 640i with the exception of the Executive package, which now includes the Bang & Olufsen sound system and costs $3,500. Standalone options (where not standard) remain the same as the 640i Gran Coupe
Alpina B6
Alpina has been designing high-end BMWs since the 1970s, and the Alpina B6 (based on the Gran Coupe) is their latest contribution. It’s all about craft, with a hand-tuned engine, a hand-finished interior, and unique cosmetic details. The 4.4-liter V8 has been tuned to produce a shocking 600 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, and all-wheel drive is standard. The B6 is still more of a cruiser than an all-out performance machine, but it does come with beefy brakes and a sport suspension.
Many options, like the 20-way Nappa leather seats and the Harman Kardon sound system, come standard on the B6. The ones that don’t are available in the Executive package, which includes heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, ceramic controls, and a power rear sunshade, all for $2,200. The parking assistance package drops to $500, but the Driving Assistance and Driving Assistance Plus packages remain the same as the Gran Coupe. The only standalone options are the Bang & Olufsen sound system for $3,700, blind spot detection for $500, and pedestrian detection for $2,300.
It’s easy to let BMW’s option selection push prices sky high—try to avoid it. The 6-Series is plenty luxurious as is, and the smaller engine will be plenty of oomph for most buyers. If you need to carry people in the rear seats, make sure to go for the Gran Turismo.