Vehicle Overview BMW’s luxury two-door car, the 6 Series, competes with sports cars like the Jaguar XK, Mercedes-Benz SL and Porsche 911. A V-8 engine is standard, and BMW is one of the few carmakers in the segment to still offer a manual transmission; an automatic is also available. The high-performance, 6-Series-based M6 is covered separately in the Cars.com Research section.
New for 2009 For 2009, a new Sport Package adds a redesigned hood and a revised exhaust system with chrome tailpipes. Besides paint and interior color adjustments, there are few other changes.
The 6-Series’ lightweight construction makes ample use of aluminum and composite materials. An electronic stability system is standard. At the touch of a button, the two-level system alters steering and allows the transmission to hold gears longer.
Exterior The coupe is long, low and wide and features a sculptured power-dome hood. At about 190 inches long, it’s similarly proportioned to the XK; the SL and 911 are a bit shorter. Standard features include:
Swiveling bi-xenon headlights
18-inch alloy wheels
19-inch alloys, dark chrome exhaust and a reshaped hood (Sport Package)
Standard tilting panorama glass roof (coupes)
Retractable rear window (convertible)
Power soft-top (convertible)
Interior Up to four occupants can fit inside the 2+2 coupe and the convertible. BMW’s iDrive system uses a console knob to control multiple comfort and convenience functions. The system includes six “favorite” buttons that can save radio stations, navigation locations or phone numbers.
Standard full-leather interior, including seats and dashboard
12-way power seats (14-way power in convertible)
Standard navigation system
Standard eight-speaker CD stereo
Optional Logic7 13-speaker system (11 speakers in convertible) with full iPod/MP3 compatibility
Optional sport seats with adjustable thigh supports (Sport Package)
Optional heated seats
Under the Hood A 4.8-liter V-8 is standard; BMW’s Sequential Manual Gearbox, offered in early editions of the 6 Series, has been dropped.
360 horsepower, 360 pounds-feet of torque
Standard six-speed manual transmission
Optional six-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Rear-wheel drive
Safety Most safety features are standard, but a few high-tech ones are optional.
Standard active head restraints
Standard antilock brakes
Standard traction control and electronic stability system
Eight airbags (coupe) including front knee, chest, side-impact and side curtain airbags
Six airbags (convertible) including front knee, chest and side-impact airbags
Pop-up rollover bars (convertible)
Adaptive brake lights illuminate brighter under heavy braking
Optional lane-departure warning system
Optional adaptive cruise control with full-stop capability in heavy traffic
