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2009 BMW 6-Series Features Review

April 16, 2009

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

iDrive system still too complex for some
Edmunds

There are myriad adjustments to tailor the driving position
ConsumerGuide

consider adding a tuning knob and a row of radio station preset buttons
MyRide.com

According to TheCarConnection.com's experts, the 2008 6-Series had a little something for everyone, and for 2009, BMW sweetens the deal by upgrading the 6-Series’ Sport Package with a sportier-sounding exhaust system. Also, an improved BMW Assist now includes a Safety Plan for four years at no additional cost and TeleService, which automatically notifies the BMW center when the vehicle will need service.

According to Edmunds, the 2009 BMW series is available in both coupe and convertible body styles. Standard features on the BMW 6-Series include "18-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, leather upholstery, 12-way power front seats with driver memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker CD audio system with iPod integration and a regular auxiliary audio jack." The convertible top is canvas, not a folding hardtop (which would likely add even more weight to the hefty 6-Series). A navigation system is also standard, as are power features.

In addition, notes Edmunds, there are two option packages for this 2009 BMW: the Sport package, which includes "19-inch alloy wheels, enhanced exterior trim and sport seats," and the Cold Weather package, which includes "heated seats and steering wheel." Stand-alone options for the BMW 6-Series include different leather trim, HD and satellite radio, Active Steering, adaptive cruise control, BMW’s head-up display, and keyless ignition/entry.

Only Edmunds shows some love for the iDrive on the BMW 6-Series, though not wholeheartedly. It is better than previous versions but still difficult to operate. There are some cool features, however, such as "voice command." You can also unlock the door "by just touching the door handle." The iDrive works audio, navigation, and climate controls; 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. MyRide.com professes a love/hate relationship with the controls for the iDrive on the 2009 BMW 6-Series. With the radio dials directly below the climate controls, it's hard to manage them while on the road. "In addition to the minimalist stereo controls on the center of the dashboard," MyRide.com pleads of BMW, "consider adding a tuning knob and a row of radio station preset buttons." ConsumerGuide says, "drivers otherwise grapple with iDrive's many menus and settings—a real distraction."

Conclusion

Besides the questionable iDrive system, the 2009 BMW 6-Series is littered with enough features to make any car fanatic giddy.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:iDrive system still too complex for someEdmundsThere are myriad adjustments to tailor the driving positionConsumerGuideconsider adding a tuning knob and a row of radio station preset buttonsMyRide.com According to TheCarConnection.com's experts, the 2008 6-Series had a little something for everyone, and for 2009, BMW sweetens the deal by upgrading the 6-Series’ Sport Package with a sportier-sounding exhaust system. Also, an improved BMW Assist now includes a Safety Plan for four years at no additional cost and TeleService, which automatically notifies the BMW center when the vehicle will need service. According to Edmunds, the 2009 BMW series is available in both coupe and convertible body styles. Standard features on the BMW 6-Series include "18-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, leather upholstery, 12-way power front seats with driver memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker CD audio system with iPod integration and a regular auxiliary audio jack." The convertible top is canvas, not a folding hardtop (which would likely add even more weight to the hefty 6-Series). A navigation system is also standard, as are power features. In addition, notes Edmunds, there are two option packages for this 2009 BMW: the Sport package, which includes "19-inch alloy wheels, enhanced exterior trim and sport seats," and the Cold Weather package, which includes "heated seats and steering wheel." Stand-alone options for the BMW 6-Series include different leather trim, HD and satellite radio, Active Steering, adaptive cruise control, BMW’s head-up display, and keyless ignition/entry. Only Edmunds shows some love for the iDrive on the BMW 6-Series, though not wholeheartedly. It is better than previous versions but still difficult to operate. There are some cool features, however, such as "voice command." You can also unlock the door "by just touching the door handle." The iDrive works audio, navigation, and climate controls; 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. MyRide.com professes a love/hate relationship with the controls for the iDrive on the 2009 BMW 6-Series. With the radio dials directly below the climate controls, it's hard to manage them while on the road. "In addition to the minimalist stereo controls on the center of the dashboard," MyRide.com pleads of BMW, "consider adding a tuning knob and a row of radio station preset buttons." ConsumerGuide says, "drivers otherwise grapple with iDrive's many menus and settings—a real distraction." ConclusionBesides the questionable iDrive system, the 2009 BMW 6-Series is littered with enough features to make any car fanatic giddy. 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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