Used 2014 BMW 6 Series

Slotted between BMW’s 5 and 7 Series sedans is the 6 Series line of coupes and convertibles. While its numerically lower and higher kin constitute practical transportation for the well-heeled, the more exclusive 6 Series models are for buyers more interested in style and image. They offer heaping portions of both, and a hearty helping of BMW’s stellar driving dynamics, especially in the high-powered M variants. With roots tracing to the late 1970s, today’s 3rd-generation 6 Series has raised the ante for grand-tourers. The 6 Series models’ power and looks enable them to stand up to the Jaguar XK, Mercedes E-Class Coupe and Audi S5 in this niche segment, while buyers desiring more space can have it in the 4-door, 5-passenger Gran Coupe variant.

The 2014 BMW 6 Series boasts something of a Jekyll and Hyde nature, but both characters in this story deserve praise. Think of Comfort mode as Dr. Jekyll, in which the BMW 6 Series is a high-power pleasure cruiser with a comfortable-yet-responsive ride. Switch the Driving Dynamics Control to Sport+ mode, and suddenly Mr. Hyde appears. Here, the transmission eagerly kicks down, the revs go up, the suspension tightens, and the 6 Series begins to feel like a smaller, lighter sports car. It’s safe to say that no 6 Series is slow. With a "base" 640i Coupe, you’ll beat a most other cars up the onramp with a 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds. Step up to the fire-breathing M6 and suddenly you’re hitting that mark in just over 4 seconds. But even here, switch settings and your speed demon returns to a more docile form.

While we appreciate BMW’s luxurious interiors, but we’d still rather ride in an Audi cabin. That said, new hues, more premium materials and interesting shapes are finding their way into new BMWs, and the latest-generation 6 Series may be one of the best examples yet. The leather-wrapped driver and passenger seats coddle bodies, and if their 10-way adjustment isn’t enough, you can double that amount as an option. The two rear seats in the coupe and convertible are tight for adults, but the trunk is surprisingly sizable. Convertible 6 Series models have a black fabric top that doesn’t eat up much cargo space when folded.

The 2014 BMW 6 Series has an athletic profile defined by a long hood and a striking crease that’s nearly the length of the body. We appreciate the Coupe’s confident, not cocky, nature. The 6 Series Convertible, likewise, is an elegant tourer with the top down, but to our eyes doesn’t quite have the visual balance of the Coupe. This is even more apparent when the black fabric top is raised. M6 performance models are distinguished by wider 19-inch wheels, quad tailpipes and carbon-fiber composite roof panel.

BANG & OLUFSEN AUDIO
The name may sound odd to those who aren’t audiophiles, but listen to this optional sound system and you’ll soon join their ranks. This primo audio option drenches ears with 1,200 watts of sound emanating from 16 speakers, each with its own amplifier.

SURROUND VIEW SYSTEM
Using cameras in the outside mirrors, this optional system provides a bird’s-eye-view of the area around the car to aid maneuvering in tight spaces, while its selectable Side View function uses cameras in the sides of the front bumper to monitor traffic crossing in front of the vehicle.

Even a base V6-powered 640i Coupe is highly equipped with a leather and wood interior, xenon headlights, navigation system with 10.2-inch display, dynamic cruise control and rearview camera. The standard audio is a 9-speaker/205-watt system. Along with a V8 engine, 650i models up the ante with Nappa leather, 20-way power front seats, 19-inch wheels, and a 12-speaker/500-watt audio system. Scheduled maintenance for 4 years or 50,000 miles is included as part of BMW Ultimate Service. Models listed as xDrive come with all-wheel drive instead of a rear-drive configuration.

Aside from some a la carte options such as 20-inch wheels and ceramic controls for the iDrive command-center module, most options for the 2014 BMW 6 Series are bundled into packages. Among the more tantalizing ones are the Executive Package with amenities such as ventilated front seats, soft-close doors, and a futuristic head-up display that projects travel information onto the windshield so you can focus on the road. For audio appreciators there’s the Bang & Olufsen sound system, and the performance-minded may steer toward options like active steering (with rear-wheel steering) and Adaptive Drive. A night-vision system can detect pedestrians via infrared camera.

The 2014 6 Series is motivated by 6-cylinder or 8-cylinder engines and is offered in a trio of performance flavors. The 640i models use BMW’s much-loved 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that makes a robust 315 horsepower. Moving up to the 650i nets a 4.4-liter turbo V8 good for 445 horsepower. At the top is the M6, which also uses a 4.4-liter turbo-8, but one tuned to make a sizzling 560 horsepower. The first two are connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission and are all-wheel drive (AWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD). M6 variants use a 7-speed automatic or 6-speed manual and are rear-drive only. In an effort to use less of its required premium gasoline, the 2014 BMW 6 Series features auto start-stop functionality that can cut engine power at idle.

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6
315 horsepower @ 5,800-6,000 rpm
330 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/33 mpg (RWD coupe), 20/29 mpg (AWD coupe and convertible), 20/30 mpg (RWD convertible)

4.4-liter turbocharged V8
445 horsepower @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
480 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 mpg (RWD coupe and convertible) ), 16/24 mpg (AWD coupe and convertible)

4.4-liter turbocharged V8
560 horsepower @ 6,000-7,000 rpm
500 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-5,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 mpg (automatic coupe and convertible), 15/22 mpg (manual coupe and convertible)