Used 2018 BMW 6 Series

The 2018 BMW 6 Series offers luxury buyers a choice between a performance-oriented convertible and a performance-oriented sedan. The 6 Series Convertible does battle with the Jaguar F-Type, Porsche 911 Cabriolet and Audi S5, while the 2018 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe offers a coupe-like silhouette with the convenience of four doors similar to the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Porsche Panamera. BMW’s aging 6 Series for 2018 can’t quite match newer models from Jaguar, Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz, but it remains an important part of BMW’s overall portfolio, especially in convertible form. As an all-new 6 Series is on deck for 2019, buyers can expect dealers may be anxious to move models off the lot.

Whether driving the open-air 6 Series Convertible or the thrilling M6 Gran Coupe (reviewed separately), the 2018 BMW 6 Series never disappoints. The 6 Series cars provide differing levels of power and suspension tuning, allowing for a completely unique driving experience. Powering the 640i is a smooth and responsive 6-cylinder engine that motivates the 6 Series to 60 mph in just about five seconds. The 650i ups both power and price, with a potent V8 engine outdone only by the high-performance V8 engine found in the M6 Gran Coupe. BMW equips the 6 Series with its Driving Dynamic Control that allows for various settings from Comfort to Sport+, the latter permitting the driver to adjust transmission shift points and firm up the suspension when a more aggressive driving style is required. Despite its size, the Convertible’s passenger compartment remains rather snug.

The 2018 BMW 6 Series includes an attractive and functional steering wheel with numerous controls and a touch-sensitive iDrive controller that rounds out an already complete cockpit. With premium materials everywhere, exquisite fit and finish, wood or carbon-fiber accents, a high-end audio system and supremely comfortable driver’s seat, BMW’s 2018 6 Series leaves a lasting impression. Not surprisingly, rear-seat room is tight in the convertible models, but acceptable on the Gran Coupe. Trunk space is largely unaffected when the convertible’s top is folded.

The recently redesigned nose on the 2018 BMW 6 Series is subtly effective, with the number of vertical bars in each "kidney" now nine instead of 10. The rear end looks menacing when viewed head-on, which is just as it should be. But whether you choose the Gran Coupe or Convertible, a 6 Series boasts an athletic profile, defined by a long hood and a striking crease that’s nearly the length of the body.

ANY WAY YOU WANT IT
In the 2018 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, you get the look of the old M6 Coupe with the convenience of four doors and a usable rear seat. Want more power and better handling? Step up to the 650i xDrive.

BANG & OLUFSEN AUDIO SYSTEM
The 1,200-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system inside the BMW 6 Series is nothing short of amazing. With sound flowing through 16 individually amplified speakers, you’ll hear every note with eardrum-piercing clarity.

As one of BMW’s higher-end models, the base 6-cylinder 2018 640i Convertible and Gran Coupe come very well-equipped with leather and wood inside, xenon headlights, a navigation system with 10.2-inch display and touch-sensitive iDrive controller, dynamic cruise control and rearview camera. A new 650i adds a V8 engine, along with even softer Nappa leather, 20-way-power front seats, 19-inch wheels and a 12-speaker/500-watt audio system. BMW 6 Series xDrive models offer all-wheel drive, and all BMWs offer four years or 50,000 miles of scheduled maintenance.

While there are stand-alone options like all-wheel drive available for BMW’s 6 Series for 2018, most of the desirable upgrades are divided into packages. An Executive Package adds 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. Definitely get the wonderful Bang & Olufsen sound system, and performance-minded drivers should check out the active steering and Adaptive Drive. The Black Accent package adds high-gloss black trim on the grille and interior trim, black tailpipes, bi-color 20-inch alloy wheels, and black Nappa leather.

Two engine options tempt prospective BMW 6 Series buyers. The 640i gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that makes a robust 315 horsepower, while the 650i gets a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that puts out 445 horsepower. The 640i and 650i use an 8-speed automatic transmission, with either rear- or all-wheel drive (RWD, AWD). To save on its thirst for premium fuel, the 2018 BMW 6 Series uses auto start/stop to cut engine power at idle.

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (640i, 640i xDrive)
315 horsepower @ 5,800-6,000 rpm
330 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/28 mpg (AWD convertible), 20/29 mpg (RWD Gran Coupe and convertible), 19/28 mpg (AWD Gran Coupe)

4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (650i, 650i xDrive)
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 convertible, Gran Coupe), 16/25 mpg (AWD convertible, Gran Coupe)