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2009 BMW 6-Series Review

April 16, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Elegant cabins match lofty pricing
ConsumerGuide

deeply cut side sills
Road & Track

Flawed Exterior Styling
MyRide.com

It's the same news as with the 5-Series
Car and Driver

The four versions that comprise BMW’s 6-Series include 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.

Last year BMW reshaped the 6-Series' front and rear ends and decklid but it still looks thick and squat, especially from the back. ForbesAutos considers it a “sleek design,” and Car and Driver calls its “unique looks” a “high.” Cars.com says “the humplike trunk, probably my least favorite attribute, blends in from most viewing angles.” Edmunds refers to its “controversial styling” and defers on insults: “let's just say the 2009 BMW 6-Series has a great personality.”

There are additional style features, such as "taillights and front turn signals lit with LEDs, a third taillight integrated into the spoiler on the trunk hatch, and lengthier reverse lamps and reflectors," says ForbesAutos. Car and Driver points out the "vertical face of the trunklid grows more concave" as it curves up "to meet the trailing edge of the plateau." Road & Track notes the "unique profile" of the BMW 6-Series "remains essentially unchanged."

Cars.com says, “Side sills are aerodynamically contoured. Forged aluminum 19-inch wheels were developed specifically for the M6, and an 'M' logo is present in the ornamental side slats.” The M6 edition gets a carbon-fiber roof in coupe trim. “Changes to the basic 6 Series design include a modified front air dam with large secondary intake openings that provide additional engine-cooling air.”

The interior of the BMW 6-Series is more along the lines of what you’d expect from BMW. The 6-Series' "leather-wrapped dashboard comes across as a simplistic and elegant design festooned with add-on pods for iDrive," says J.D. Power. Cabins within the 2009 BMW 6-Series models possess an "elegance" that matches the "lofty pricing," says ConsumerGuide. Edmunds agrees, deeming the interior "elegantly crafted," though the cockpit has an "austere feel." Car and Driver calls minor tweaks to the BMW 6-Series "barely worth noting." Stereo controls are "minimalist" in this 2009 BMW, though, and without preset radio buttons, drivers are forced to contend with the iDrive, warns MyRide.com.

Conclusion

The styling of the 2009 BMW 6-Series is certainly unique, but not necessarily crowd pleasing.
 

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Elegant cabins match lofty pricingConsumerGuidedeeply cut side sillsRoad & TrackFlawed Exterior StylingMyRide.comIt's the same news as with the 5-SeriesCar and Driver The four versions that comprise BMW’s 6-Series include 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. Last year BMW reshaped the 6-Series' front and rear ends and decklid but it still looks thick and squat, especially from the back. ForbesAutos considers it a “sleek design,” and Car and Driver calls its “unique looks” a “high.” Cars.com says “the humplike trunk, probably my least favorite attribute, blends in from most viewing angles.” Edmunds refers to its “controversial styling” and defers on insults: “let's just say the 2009 BMW 6-Series has a great personality.” There are additional style features, such as "taillights and front turn signals lit with LEDs, a third taillight integrated into the spoiler on the trunk hatch, and lengthier reverse lamps and reflectors," says ForbesAutos. Car and Driver points out the "vertical face of the trunklid grows more concave" as it curves up "to meet the trailing edge of the plateau." Road & Track notes the "unique profile" of the BMW 6-Series "remains essentially unchanged." Cars.com says, “Side sills are aerodynamically contoured. Forged aluminum 19-inch wheels were developed specifically for the M6, and an 'M' logo is present in the ornamental side slats.” The M6 edition gets a carbon-fiber roof in coupe trim. “Changes to the basic 6 Series design include a modified front air dam with large secondary intake openings that provide additional engine-cooling air.” The interior of the BMW 6-Series is more along the lines of what you’d expect from BMW. The 6-Series' "leather-wrapped dashboard comes across as a simplistic and elegant design festooned with add-on pods for iDrive," says J.D. Power. Cabins within the 2009 BMW 6-Series models possess an "elegance" that matches the "lofty pricing," says ConsumerGuide. Edmunds agrees, deeming the interior "elegantly crafted," though the cockpit has an "austere feel." Car and Driver calls minor tweaks to the BMW 6-Series "barely worth noting." Stereo controls are "minimalist" in this 2009 BMW, though, and without preset radio buttons, drivers are forced to contend with the iDrive, warns MyRide.com. ConclusionThe styling of the 2009 BMW 6-Series is certainly unique, but not necessarily crowd pleasing.  2009 BMW 6-SERIES STYLING | [7 out of 10] ConsumerGuide: "Elegant cabins match lofty pricing" Road & Track: "deeply cut side sills" MyRide.com: "Flawed Exterior Styling" Car and Driver: "It's the same news as with the 5-Series " The four versions that comprise BMW’s 6-Series ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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.

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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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