2018 BMW 6-Series

Is the BMW 6 Series a Good Car?

Despite its middling rank, the BMW 6 Series is a good car. For 2018, BMW axed the coupe body style, leaving behind a sedan (Gran Coupe) and a convertible. With a range of powerful engine choices and a supple ride, the 6 Series is a great cruising vehicle. As you would expect from a luxury large car, it has a well-equipped cabin with easy-to-use technology and infotainment features. Still, the 6 Series has some notable shortcomings. Rear-seat space is limited, due in part to the coupelike sloped roof, and some rivals offer advanced safety features that you can't get in this BMW. 

Should I Buy the BMW 6 Series?

Being a good car and a good value are two different things, especially in the case of the 6 Series. It has one of the highest price tags in the class, with many primary competitors offering the 6 Series' laudable attributes at a lower price. The Genesis G90 has arguably the most elegant interior, while the Audi A7 is a total package that also enjoys a high ranking in this competitive segment. The Tesla Model S sets the bar for exhilarating performance in the class, with a starting price that’s similar to the 6 Series’.

Compare the 6 Series, G90, and A7»

Should I Buy a New or Used BMW 6 Series?

The current 6 Series generation began with the 2012 model year. Since the model's debut, there have been few major changes. The 2017 6 Series added an updated iDrive infotainment system with a new interface and made wireless phone charging and a Wi-Fi hot spot standard. If these features aren't that important to you, consider shopping for an older model to potentially save thousands. These used 6 Series models will also be your only opportunity to get a two-door coupe, as BMW did away with that configuration for the 2018 model year.

To research some other models in this generation, check out our reviews of the 2015, 2016, and 2017 BMW 6 Series. If you decide an older model is right for you, check out our Used Car Deals page for information on incentives of used vehicles.

Compare the 2016, 2017, and 2018 BMW 6 Series »

We Did the Research for You: 45 Reviews Analyzed

For our 2018 BMW 6 Series review, we researched dozens of professional evaluations, along with safety scores, reliability data, and fuel economy estimates, to help you make the best buying decision possible. This 2018 BMW 6 Series review incorporates applicable research for all model years in this generation, which spans the 2012 through 2018 model years.

Why You Can Trust Us

U.S. News Best Cars has been ranking and reviewing vehicles for a decade, and our team has more than a combined 75 years of experience in the automotive industry. To maintain objectivity, we don't accept incentives or expensive gifts from car companies, and an outside team handles the ads on our site.

How Much Does the BMW 6 Series Cost?

Even for a luxury large car, this BMW is expensive. It has one of the highest base prices in the class. Additionally, the price of a 6 Series can vary widely depending on which trim you choose and whether you buy a convertible or sedan.

The base trim – the 640i – has a starting price of $81,400 for a Gran Coupe and $86,700 for a convertible. The lowest trim with a V8 engine is the 650i, which starts at $93,000. The highest trim is the Alpina B6, which has a starting price of $124,300. Each trim offers several option packages, so the cost of any 6 Series can climb several thousand dollars above the starting price. This is especially true if you want an xDrive (BMW's all-wheel-drive system) model; that alone adds $3,000 to the bottom line.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local BMW dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our BMW deals page.

BMW 6 Series Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: BMW 6 Series or Audi A7?

The Audi A7 is an incredibly well-rounded vehicle, and it costs thousands less than the 6 Series. Your money goes further too, as the A7 comes standard with features that are either optional or unavailable in the BMW, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, blind spot monitoring, and lane keep assist. The A7 also has plenty of legroom in the back seat, and its hatchback design gives you one of the largest cargo holds in the class. Though both models offer powerful engines, the A7’s handling is sportier and more engaging. There's really no comparison here; the Audi A7 is the better choice.

Which Is Better: BMW 6 Series or Tesla Model S?

In addition to being one of the most hyped cars of all time, the all-electric Tesla Model S also sits in the top third of our rankings. It offers blistering performance, allowing it to go from zero to 60 mph in under 3 seconds, when properly equipped. Inside, both rows of seats feature plenty of space, and you can up the car's capacity to seven with optional rear-facing jump seats in the cargo area. The Models S has a wealth of high-tech features, the centerpiece of which is a 17-inch touch screen. Lastly, the Tesla offers more cargo space than the BMW does. As an all-electric car, the Model S will save you loads of money in fuel costs.

Which Is Better: BMW 6 Series or Genesis G90?

The Genesis G90 injects a new brand to the luxury large car segment, and it immediately goes toe-to-toe with class heavyweights. Its premium interior materials are hard to match, and it boasts more standard features than nearly every rival. However, the G90 has a slightly smaller trunk than the 6 Series. Two powerful engines options help improve the G90's performance, but neither is as fuel-efficient as the 6 Series. When it comes to handling, these two cars are both designed for a supple ride instead of aggressive handling. The G90 can match the 6 Series' performance while providing a more upscale interior, making it the better overall pick.

Compare the 6 Series, A7, and Model S »

6 Series Interior

How Many People Does the 6 Series Seat?

Convertible 6 Series models seat four. Gran Coupe (sedan) models seat five people. The rear middle seat is pretty worthless though, so it practically only seats four. The standard multi-contour front seats have plenty of space and support to ensure the comfort of their occupants. Leather seats also come standard. 

6 Series and Car Seats

There are two full sets of LATCH car-seat connectors. Unfortunately, the rear head restraint prevents front-facing car seats from lying flat. For a rear-facing seat to fit properly, the driver and/or front passenger must push their seat forward. Additionally, clipping in a car seat is a chore because the lower anchors are hard to reach.

6 Series Interior Quality

This BMW is quiet even at highway speeds. The well-designed interior features plenty of premium materials, but it doesn't stand out in a class full of well-equipped luxury cars.

6 Series Cargo Space

The only cars in the class to offer drastically more cargo room than the 6 Series Gran Coupe's 16.2 cubic feet are the Tesla Model S and Audi A7, both of which have hatchback body styles. The convertible has less space, with a maximum capacity of just over 12 cubic feet. In either model, you can fit plenty of shopping bags or a cooler and some beach chairs. The rear seats fold down if you need space for larger items.

6 Series Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

Standard features in the 6 Series include wireless phone charging, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and the user-friendly iDrive infotainment system with a 10.2-inch screen and navigation. Two high-end audio systems and Apple CarPlay are available.

Year in and year out, the iDrive system earns praise for being easy to use. The 10.2-inch screen is also larger than some rival infotainment systems, so it's easier to see from the driver's seat. Features like the Wi-Fi hot spot provide connectivity – Bluetooth is also standard – but many other cars come standard with Apple CarPlay, whereas it's an available feature in this BMW. Additionally, the 6 Series doesn't offer Android Auto, though some competitors do.

For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay? and What Is Android Auto? Then, see the Best Cars With Apple CarPlay and Best Cars With Android Auto.

Read more about interior »

6 Series Performance

6 Series Engine: 4 Engines and 7 Gears Ago…

There are four 6 Series trims, and each one has its own engine. The base 640i features a 315-horsepower, turbocharged six-cylinder. This is the only engine that might not wow you. It has ample power for most driving situations, but the acceleration lags behind that of class rivals.

Higher trims feature twin-turbocharged V8s that range in power from the 650i's 445 horsepower to the Alpina B6 that put 600 horses to the wheels. There's no denying that these engines make this BMW go with gusto. The B6 is one of the fastest cars on the road. It'll go from zero to 60 mph in under 4 seconds, and it tops out at 200 mph.

A smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard in all models except the M6, which comes with a choice between a seven-speed automatic and a six-speed manual.

6 Series Gas Mileage: Respectable MPG Ratings

The 640i gets the best gas mileage of the lineup, earning 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Those are decent estimates for a car in this class. Still, even at those numbers you're looking at spending about $1,850 per year on gas. In the 650i, which has a less efficient V8 engine, the cost jumps to about $2,150.

6 Series Ride and Handling: A Luxury Cruise

BMWs have reputations for being athletic corner carvers, but the 6 Series doesn't really fit that mold. It focuses more on providing a cushioned ride and composed handling. As a result, this car is great for long-distance driving, but it's not as fun to drive as the BMW badge would indicate. If you're looking for a car that will really thrill you when you grab the wheel, try the Audi A7.

Read more about performance »

6 Series Reliability

Is the BMW 6 Series Reliable?

The 2018 6 Series has a predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power. That's an above-average score for a car in general (three is considered average), but it doesn't stand out among luxury large cars.

BMW 6 Series Warranty

BMW covers the 2018 6 Series with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty. You'll find those same warranty terms on many rival cars, including the Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS.

Read more about reliability »

6 Series Safety

6 Series Crash Test Results

The BMW 6 Series has not been put through crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

6 Series Safety Features

Standard driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. These features come standard in virtually every car in the class.

Available features include a head-up display, night vision, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, side-view and top-view cameras, automatic parallel park assist, and collision preparation, which automatically tightens seat belts and rolls up the windows if an impending crash is detected. As with the standard features, many of these are useful, but they are also common. Some class rivals offer features the 6 Series doesn't, such as driver drowsiness monitoring.

Read more about safety »

Which BMW 6 Series Model Is Right for Me?

Deciding on the right 6 Series model comes down to four major factors: convertible or not, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, engine power, and features. All trims except the Alpina B6 are available as a sedan (Gran Coupe) or convertible coupe, and all trims except the M6 are offered with all-wheel drive.

Each trim has its own engine, so if there's a certain one you like best, that makes your trim decision for you. Finally, like most vehicles, the higher the trim, the more features it offers. Note that these features also affect price. For example, all-wheel-drive models cost $3,000 more than their rear-wheel-drive counterparts, and convertibles cost $5,300 more than sedan models.

If you're looking for a high-performance car, you'll want to go with either the M6 or the Alpina B6. If you just want a V8 engine, however, the 650i offers plenty of power for a much lower price than the two performance trims. The 640i is the best value in the lineup. It offers most of the same features as the 650i, but it costs much less because it comes with a six-cylinder engine. In addition to the upfront savings, the 640i will save you gas money too because it's the most fuel-efficient model in the lineup.

BMW 640i

The 640i is the base trim, and it starts at $81,400. It's the only trim that doesn't feature a V8 engine. There are plenty of standard features, and you can add several more through various option packages. Available features in the 640i include heated rear seats, a Harman Kardon audio system, and driver assistance features like blind spot monitoring and a head-up display.

BMW 650i

The 650i starts at $93,000 and is the lowest trim to feature a V8 engine. In addition to all of the 640i's standard features, the 650i comes with a Harman Kardon audio system and 20-way power-adjustable front seats. The available features are the same as in the 640i.

BMW M6

The M6 has a starting price of $119,800. It features a 560-horsepower V8 engine and is the only trim that doesn't feature an eight-speed automatic transmission. Instead, you have a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed automatic. In addition to the 650i's features, quad-zone climate control comes standard. Available features include a Bang & Olufsen audio system, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and the optional features from lower trims.

BMW Alpina B6 xDrive

The Alpina B6 has a starting price of $124,300. It comes with the most powerful engine: a 600-horsepower V8. It's also the only trim that doesn't offer a convertible or rear-wheel-drive model. Its standard and available features mirror those of the M6.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local BMW dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our BMW deals page.

See 2018 BMW 6 Series specs and trims »

The Final Call

The 2018 BMW 6 Series is unquestionably a good car, but it shouldn’t be at the top of your wish list; there are better options in this class. The 6 Series delivers a good blend of performance and interior quality, but so do many class rivals. Many competitors have better performance ratings, nicer cabins, or offer features the 6 Series doesn't. Additionally, the BMW costs more than nearly every rival.

Don’t just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

• "Of course, there are sportier and smaller four-seat convertibles, and there are significantly more expensive ones too. But few can match the BMW 6 Series' blend of style, quality and comfort. Drivers will find both engine options satisfying, while available all-wheel drive allows four-season practicality. While the current generation is dated, we still think the 2018 6 Series is worth considering if you're looking for a stylish luxury convertible." -- Edmunds
• "Complementing the 6 Series' ample performance credentials is a stunning design language both inside and out, plus the choice of strong V6 and V8 engines to sweeten the deal. Can you find newer designs and more features in an Audi S5, Mercedes E-Class or Jaguar F-Type? Sure you can. But, they won't carry the blue-and-white BMW Roundel or the unique driving experience only a BMW can deliver." -- Kelley Blue Book (2017)
• "Overall, the 6 Series seems quite comfortable in its newly conservative role, providing all the luxury and power that shoppers in this segment expect. BMWs are a different kind of driving machine these days, and judging by the 2015 6 Series, that's potentially a pretty good thing." -- Autotrader (2015)