2012 BMW 6-Series - Performance Review

As BMW's sporty grand touring coupe, the 6-Series isn't as concerned with maximum lateral grip or race-track lap times as it is with comfortably and briskly devouring long stretches of interstate--or autobahn, as the case may be. It does this exceedingly well.

Available with a choice of two engines, the 2012 6-Series Coupe and Convertible come in either 640i or 650i trim. The numbers denote the virtual engine sizes: the 640i uses a 3.0-liter TwinPower turbocharged six-cylinder engine rated at 315 horsepower; the 650i gets a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine rated at 400 horsepower. Both engines comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and seamlessly, and rises to the task of more aggressive driving surprisingly well. A six-speed manual transmission is available on rear-drive V-8 models.

Both engines are willing performers, but the larger, more laid-back character of the 6-Series is best suited by the V-8, in our estimation. Easy, smooth power complements the ride quality and handling, making it truly effortless to cruise along well above 100 mph--though you'll want to pay attention to that tendency if you're not a fan of large speeding tickets.

A Driving Dynamics Control system offers adjustability to the car's performance character, with driver-selectable Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes available at the press of a console-mounted button. Tweaking throttle response, transmission behavior, and suspension settings, the DDC is a handy tool to smooth out rough roads or firm up the ride for a more spirited bit of road.