BMW 6 Series review (2011-2018)

The 6 Series' cabin is an opulent place to spend time. You’ll immediately see how BMW justified a very high price for the 6 Series when these cars were new.

The interior design is flawless, with everything where you’d expect it to be.

Tech and features

Many of the car’s interior functions are controlled through BMW’s iDrive dial on the lower console.

Some find it a little complex at first. Most pick it up quickly and feel it’s a safe and convenient control system. We love it.

The trim and fittings all feel top-quality, with fine workmanship and choice of materials. You can practically see the German craftsmen and women tinkering away at each detail.

Driving position

The equipment is top-class, and front-seat passengers enjoy plenty of head and legroom.

The front seats are big, very well-padded and supportive. They’re electrically adjustable on many versions.

Forward visibility is excellent, rearward less so because of the coupe’s broad rear columns.

Handling and ride comfort

The looks don’t lie; this is a fast cruiser and not a nippy, agile sprinter. The 6 Series is built to cover long distances in relaxed luxury – like a road-bound private jet.

The suspension offers a supremely comfortable ride, thanks to a sophisticated underlying mechanical layout shared with the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.

BMW’s traditional rear-wheel drive system supplies predictable handling characteristics with a sporty hint.

M Sport versions have a stiffer suspension, adding a sportier vibe, although the optional adaptive suspension is the most comfortable of all.

Engines and power

The engines are excellent too. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel is particularly smooth and punchy, allowing economical but swift progress.

Rear seats

The price of all that luxurious front space and of the sleek coupé lines is that the rear seat is more cramped than a saloon.

It’s a common coupe problem and means that perhaps the back is best left for children or stowing easily accessible hand baggage.

If you opt for the convertible version, you’ll find its powered roof is much sturdier than expected, thanks to a sophisticated layering construction.

This is thick enough to insulate well against the wind, cold and noise. A car for all weathers.

We’ve mentioned the cramped back seat and, like many coupes, the practicality of getting into the back is difficult too. Clambering around the folded front seats is only for the particularly agile.

Boot space

Boot space is good for a two-door coupé and the boot lid opens very high for easy loading. The convertible has a little less room because of the intruding roof mechanism.

Either should swallow a golf bag and some weekend luggage with ease. Some models come with a little hatch to let you carry skis or other longer items inside.

Safety

The 6 Series comes with a long list of passive crash protection and active safety tech on board.

This includes BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control that prevents skidding and a clever automatic brake drying system to maintain full stopping power in wet weather.

Fuel economy

It’s surprising - given the very rapid acceleration of the 6 Series - that some diesel versions are quietly able to return up to 50mpg.

In contrast, the thirstiest petrol model returns just 23mpg.

Insurance groups

Overall running costs will be higher than a budget brand of course, as insurance, tax and BMW servicing and parts can be costly.