BMW's coupe and convertible flagship moves into 2017 unchanged following a styling touch-up two years ago. As before, this is a beautiful car that looks as expensive as its $91,000 starting price, and is available in two- and four-door "coupe" forms, and as a softtop.
The 6 Series has undergone a significant transformation since it was reborn in 2003 following a 14-year hiatus. That 2003 car's controversial styling was smoothed out in a 2011 redesign, and the Gran Coupe joined the lineup following a 2012 introduction at the Geneva Motor Show.
Without direct competitors from German rivals Mercedes-Benz and Audi (the SL-Class convertible and E 550 coupe are the closest things Benz has, but Audi doesn't have anything competitive), the 6 Series could be considered more an alternative to a Porsche 911, only with more interior space.
Three versions of the 6 Series share a 650i xDrive nameplate, all of which use a 4.4L turbo V8 that makes 445 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque: they are a Gran Coupe, the standard coupe and the convertible. There's also a 640i xDrive version of the Gran Coupe powered by a 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder making 320 hp and 332 lb-ft.
Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption estimates are 12.1/8.1 L/100 km (city/highway) for the 640i Gran Coupe, 14.4/9.7 for the 650i Coupe and 15.2/9.8 for both the 650i Gran Coupe and convertible.
As the xDrive designation suggests, all 6 Series models are all-wheel drivers, and all share an eight-speed automatic transmission; no manual transmission is offered.
Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, LED foglights, electric parking brak, heated windshield washers, front and rear park assist, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors, intelligent keyless entry, heated steering wheel, dynamic cruise control, power tilt-and-telescopic steering, heated front seats, Dakota leather upholstery and leatherette-trimmed dash, nine-speaker stereo, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation and a 10.2-in iDrive display.
Key options include an M Sport package ($8,800) that brings a trim-specific steering wheel, sport seats, unique interior trim, 20-inch wheels, high-gloss shadow line trim and aero add-ons front, side and rear.
There's also a $4,900 Bang & Olufsen stereo, a $4,500 premium seating package and a full Merino leather interior for $3,900.
Prices start at $90,900 for the 640i Gran Coupe and $102,000 for the 650i variant; 650i coupe pricing begins at $100,500, and the 650i convertible is $111,500.
