2018 BMW 6 Series

2018 BMW 6 Series Review

Few cars can match the BMW 6 Series' blend of style, quality and comfort.
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by Carlos Lago
Edmunds Editor

There are few cars left like the BMW 6 Series, and fewer still with BMW discontinuing the 6 Series coupe for 2018. While we expect a new generation will debut next year, this year's 6 Series remains an excellent choice for luxury drop-top cruising.

Of course, there are sportier and smaller four-seat convertibles, and there are significantly more expensive ones too. But few can match the BMW 6 Series' blend of style, quality and comfort. Drivers will find both engine options satisfying, while available all-wheel drive allows four-season practicality. While the current generation is dated, we still think the 2018 6 Series is worth considering if you're looking for a stylish luxury convertible.

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what's new

The two-door coupe is no longer available. Aside from minor option changes, the 6 Series is otherwise unchanged.

we recommend

The 650i sDrive is an easy choice. On top of a bigger and more powerful engine, this trim comes standard with some options you'd want from a luxury grand tourer, such as extra seat adjustability and a higher-quality sound system. All-wheel drive adds little benefit and extra weight that makes the car less fun to drive, so unless you plan for snow we recommend the rear-wheel-drive sDrive. If the V8 seems like overkill, the 640i's six-cylinder engine remains a potent, less expensive and more fuel-efficient option. Plus, you can still option everything from the V8.
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trim levels & features

The 2018 BMW 6 Series is a four-seat convertible available in 640i and 650i trims. Some differences exist between the two (wheel size, the sound system and level of seat adjustability, for instance), but the trims primarily designate the type of the engine. The 640i has the six-cylinder, and the 650i has the V8. BMW makes every option and package available for both trims, ensuring variety no matter which engine you pick. Rear-wheel drive, which BMW calls sDrive, is standard, and all-wheel drive (xDrive) is optional.

Under the hood for the 640i is a turbocharged 3.0-liter engine (315 horsepower, 332 pound-feet of torque). An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission choice. Standard feature highlights include 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tires, keyless entry, a rearview camera, parking sensors, heated front seats, automatic high beams, navigation, Bluetooth, wireless phone charging, Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker sound system.

The 650i adds a powerful turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 (445 hp, 480 lb-ft of torque). Aside from the engine, this trim gains a few features that are optional on the 640i, such as 19-inch wheels, upgraded power adjustable seats and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

BMW offers a variety of premium color, upholstery and trim upgrades, providing buyers plenty of opportunities for personalization. While some stand-alone options are available, most upgrades are grouped in packages. A heated steering wheel only comes in the Cold Weather package, for instance, and you must order the Executive package for ventilated seats. The M Sport package introduces a sport body kit, a sport steering wheel, a higher top-speed limit, and package-specific 19-inch wheels with either all-season or summer tires.

Blind-spot monitoring is not standard but is available in the Driving Assistance package, which also includes a head-up display, lane departure warning, and front collision warning with low-speed automatic braking. An upgraded Driving Assistance Plus package adds adaptive cruise control and enhanced front collision mitigation. When you select the Parking Assistant package you get an automated parking system and side- and top-view cameras.

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trim tested

Edmunds has not yet driven any version of this vehicle. The following is our first take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.

Driving

The 2018 BMW 6 Series prioritizes comfort over sporty handling. Nevertheless, most drivers will enjoy the driving experience. The 6 Series rides comfortably over bumps, and there's plenty of power from both engine choices.

Comfort

The 6 Series is a benchmark for front passenger comfort, with multi-adjustable seats and high-quality leather. Cramped rear seats are the unfortunate norm for four-seat convertibles.

Interior

Premium leather and attractive plastics adorn the 6 Series' interior. Operating most controls makes immediate sense, though the shifter takes a little getting used to. The convertible roof limits rear visibility, but that's a problem easily solved by putting the top down.

Utility

The 6 Series offers 12.4 cubic feet of trunk space with the top up and 10.6 cubic feet with the top down. That's quite roomy for a four-seat convertible at this price. A pass-through accommodates longer objects.

Technology

BMW's iDrive infotainment system is very useful once you learn it, and optional gizmos such as night vision easily impress. Still, we're disappointed that only Apple CarPlay is supported and not standard equipment.

edmunds expert review process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

related vehicle information

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