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.
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.