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2009 BMW 6-Series Bottom Line

April 16, 2009

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

TheCarConnection.com's editors drove the 2009 BMW 6-Series in order to bring you an expert opinion here in this Bottom Line. To help you make the best possible purchase decision, TheCarConnection.com has also researched available road tests on the new BMW 6-Series—including the M6—and have gathered highlights in a Full Review.

Likes:

  • cockpit built for two
  • Comes in a ragtop
  • M6 accelerates like a supercar should

Dislikes:

  • Are those rear seats?
  • Overabundance of technology
  • Size and heft
  • Rear styling

Buying Tips:


When it comes to negotiating price, a smaller market, the opposite of celebrity-dense areas like Los Angeles, will likely provide better deals on the 2009 BMW 6-Series.

There's no denying the raw power and ultimate handling of BMW’s 6-Series, but the model teeters on the edge of techno overload. Electronic add-ons for the steering, braking, and suspension take away some of the feel that makes sportscars emotional purchases—and add heft and confusion to the car. A good diet, kicked off with a trip to the recycling bin for some of the electronics, would help the 6-Series regain some sportscar luster.

The four versions that comprise BMW’s 6-Series include the 650i coupe and convertible, and the V-10-powered M6 coupe and convertible. All models share a common profile, a 2+2 seating arrangement, and truly impressive performance, along with hefty 4,000-pound curb weights and a heavy feel at the controls.

In 2006 a high-performance M edition was added to the line, and like the M5 sedan, the M6 is propelled by a 500-horsepower V-10 engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission that can reach 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds.

A 4.8-liter V-8 with 360 hp moves the 650i. The V-8 is coupled to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed "automatic sports transmission" that offers paddle shifting and a choice of a Sport mode that speeds up gear changes and retunes the car's accelerator and steering for optimal response. With the manual, BMW says the 650i Coupe will accelerate to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the Convertible takes 0.3 second more. Both models are limited to 155 mph.

The 6-Series looks thick and squat, especially from the rear, even though BMW reshaped the 6-Series' front and back ends with new LED lights and bi-xenon dual round headlights last year. The decklid was reshaped with a new spoiler and LED taillights, too. Inside it's a little better and reasonably comfortable for two (the rear seats are a mere suggestion), but the wood and leather trim almost gets lost in the BMW 6-Series' complex array of electronic controls. There's the iDrive that works audio, navigation, and climate control; six memory buttons in case you forget where you are in its programming; a lane-departure warning system; and a head-up display all competing for your attention. The convertible top is canvas, not a folding hardtop (which would likely add even more weight).

For 2009 BMW saw fit to add a few electronic gizmos, including Dynamic Cruise Control, Programmable Memory Keys for quick access to iDrive functions, a smartphone adapter, and power-folding exterior mirrors. The expanded BMW Assist includes TeleService, which automatically notifies the BMW center when the vehicle needs service.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 BMW 6-Series, also consider:

Reason Why:

Like the passenger accommodations of the BMW, the Porsche 911 has teensy rear seats plus a cold, technical feel, but stunning handling and straight-line performance—especially in Turbo form. It’s also a bit more practical, thanks to the front and rear cargo compartments. The Mercedes-Benz SL is a two-seat roadster that also has a bit of a weight problem, and technology invades every driving system—but it comes off as more composed than the 6-Series BMW and sports a folding hardtop. Jaguar's XKR is a blast to drive; it's the sexiest convertible in this group as well as the best-handling car here—and the closest to a true sportscar despite offering a heap of luxuries.

The Bottom Line:

The technological burden the 2009 BMW 6-Series carries is a distraction from the car’s Herculean performance.

TheCarConnection.com's editors drove the 2009 BMW 6-Series in order to bring you an expert opinion here in this Bottom Line. To help you make the best possible purchase decision, TheCarConnection.com has also researched available road tests on the new BMW 6-Series—including the M6—and have gathered highlights in a Full Review. Likes:cockpit built for twoComes in a ragtopM6 accelerates like a supercar shouldDislikes:Are those rear seats?Overabundance of technologySize and heftRear stylingBuying Tips: When it comes to negotiating price, a smaller market, the opposite of celebrity-dense areas like Los Angeles, will likely provide better deals on the 2009 BMW 6-Series. There's no denying the raw power and ultimate handling of BMW’s 6-Series, but the model teeters on the edge of techno overload. Electronic add-ons for the steering, braking, and suspension take away some of the feel that makes sportscars emotional purchases—and add heft and confusion to the car. A good diet, kicked off with a trip to the recycling bin for some of the electronics, would help the 6-Series regain some sportscar luster. The four versions that comprise BMW’s 6-Series include the 650i coupe and convertible, and the V-10-powered M6 coupe and convertible. All models share a common profile, a 2+2 seating arrangement, and truly impressive performance, along with hefty 4,000-pound curb weights and a heavy feel at the controls. In 2006 a high-performance M edition was added to the line, and like the M5 sedan, the M6 is propelled by a 500-horsepower V-10 engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission that can reach 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds. A 4.8-liter V-8 with 360 hp moves the 650i. The V-8 is coupled to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed "automatic sports transmission" that offers paddle shifting and a choice of a Sport mode that speeds up gear changes and retunes the car's accelerator and steering for optimal response. With the manual, BMW says the 650i Coupe will accelerate to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the Convertible takes 0.3 second more. Both models are limited to 155 mph. The 6-Series looks thick and squat, especially from the rear, even though BMW reshaped the 6-Series' front and back ends with new LED lights and bi-xenon dual round headlights last year. The decklid was reshaped with a new spoiler and LED taillights, too. Inside it's a little better and reasonably comfortable for two (the rear seats are a mere suggestion), but the wood and leather trim almost gets lost in the BMW 6-Series' complex array of electronic controls. There's the iDrive that works audio, navigation, and climate control; six memory buttons in case you forget where you are in its programming; a lane-departure warning system; and a head-up display all competing for your attention. The convertible top is canvas, not a folding hardtop (which would likely add even more weight). For 2009 BMW saw fit to add a few electronic gizmos, including Dynamic Cruise Control, Programmable Memory Keys for quick access to iDrive functions, a smartphone adapter, and power-folding exterior mirrors. The expanded BMW Assist includes TeleService, which automatically notifies the BMW center when the vehicle needs service. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 BMW 6-Series, also consider:Porsche 911Mercedes-Benz SLJaguar XKRReason Why:Like the passenger accommodations of the BMW, the Porsche 911 has teensy rear seats plus a cold, technical feel, but stunning handling and straight-line performance—especially in Turbo form. It’s also a bit more practical, thanks to the front and rear cargo compartments. The Mercedes-Benz SL is a two-seat roadster that also has a bit of a weight problem, and technology invades every driving system—but it comes off as more composed than the 6-Series BMW and sports a folding hardtop. Jaguar's XKR is a blast to drive; it's the sexiest convertible in this group as well as the best-handling car here—and the closest to a true sportscar despite offering a heap of luxuries. The Bottom Line:The technological burden the 2009 BMW 6-Series carries is a distraction from the car’s Herculean performance. TheCarConnection.com's editors drove the 2009 BMW 6-Series in order to bring you an expert opinion here in this Bottom Line. To help you make the best possible purchase decision, TheCarConnection.com has also researched available road tests on the new BMW 6-Series—including the M6—and have ...

Other Choices:

Like the passenger accommodations of the BMW, the Porsche 911 has teensy rear seats plus a cold, technical feel, but stunning handling and straight-line performance—especially in Turbo form. It’s also a bit more practical, thanks to the front and rear cargo compartments. The Mercedes-Benz SL is a two-seat roadster that also has a bit of a weight problem, and technology invades every driving system—but it comes off as more composed than the 6-Series BMW and sports a folding hardtop. Jaguar's XKR is a blast to drive; it's the sexiest convertible in this group as well as the best-handling car here—and the closest to a true sportscar despite offering a heap of luxuries.

Next Steps:

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See the BMW 6-Series in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

Comments (1 total)

  1. fb_644099777 avatar by Tom Gordon #1, Posted: 6/15/2009

    I think it's a very nice car ... I admit that some of the BMW back-ends don't look very smooth though. I hope they keep the 6 series going.

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