2018 BMW 6-Series

2018 BMW 6-Series Overview

Is the 2018 BMW 6 Series a Good Used Car?

The BMW 6 Series is a pretty good used luxury large car, but it just doesn't have the all-around quality to secure a top finish in our rankings.

The 2018 6 Series has many strengths:

• Powerful turbocharged engine lineup
• Comfortable ride and balanced handling
• Many available safety features
• User-friendly iDrive infotainment system
• Support for Apple CarPlay
• Luxe interior materials
• Gran Turismo models have five spacious seats

There are a few notable drawbacks, however:

• Cramped back seat in sedan and convertible models
• High projected ownership costs
• Models with V8 engines have poor fuel economy estimates

Before buying a 6 Series, give the 2018 BMW 5 Series a look. It offers all the luxury of the 6 Series, but it's typically less expensive. Other highly rated alternatives include the 2018 Genesis G90 and 2018 Audi A7.

Compare the 6 Series, G90, and A7 »

Why You Can Trust Us

We’ve analyzed 45 BMW 6 Series reviews, as well as hard data points like reliability ratings and cost of ownership estimates, to help you make the best car-buying decision possible.

U.S. News Best Cars has been ranking and reviewing vehicles since 2007, and our team has decades of experience in the auto industry. Though we’re passionate about cars, we’re even more committed to providing helpful consumer advice. To maintain objectivity, we don’t accept expensive gifts or trips from car companies.

How Much Is the 2018 BMW 6 Series?

Based on listings for the 2018 BMW 6 Series on our site, the average price is $58,100. Prices range from $47,000 to $80,000 and vary depending on the vehicle’s condition, mileage, features, and location.

See the Best Used Car Deals »

How Much Does the 2018 BMW 6 Series Cost to Own?

The 6 Series’ five-year costs for gas, insurance, repairs, and maintenance are projected to be about $37,600, or $7,520 per year. That’s much higher than average for a luxury large car.

Is It Better to Buy a Used or New 6 Series?

Prices for the 2019 BMW 6 Series start at around $70,000. You'll probably spend a lot less by purchasing a used 2018 model instead, and you’ll find more body styles to choose from. For 2019, BMW discontinued the 6 Series convertible to make way for the all-new 2019 BMW 8 Series, leaving the 6 Series with just the sedan and hatchback.

Read about the new BMW 6 Series »

You can save even more money by shopping for a used 2012 to 2017 6 Series. These vehicles are all part of the same generation, and they offer similar styling and powerful engine options. There are a few year-to-year updates to be aware of though. BMW added the sedan body style (Gran Coupe) for the 2013 model year, followed by the Alpina B6 variant for 2015. The 2016 model received refreshed styling inside and out, as well as an updated infotainment system with a touchpad.

Compare the 2016, 2017, and 2018 6 Series »

See the Best New Car Deals »

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How Reliable Is the 2018 BMW 6 Series?

The 2018 BMW 6 Series has a slightly above-average predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power.

Read more about 6 Series reliability »

2018 BMW 6 Series Recalls

At the time of writing, there is one recall for the 2018 6 Series:

• Crankshaft sensor may cause engine to stall (640i Gran Turismo only)

Before buying any used vehicle, make sure all recalls have been addressed.

See more information on BMW 6 Series safety recalls »

Which Used BMW 6 Series Trim Is Right for Me?

The 2018 BMW 6 Series is available in a few configurations. There are four trim levels – 640i, 650i, M6, and Alpina B6 – each with a different powertrain and different standard features. There are also three body styles: sedan (Gran Coupe), hatchback (Gran Turismo), and convertible.

Overall, we think the base model 640i is the best option for most shoppers. It is offered in each body style, it's well-equipped with tech and convenience features, and its engine packs a strong punch.

• BMW 640i: The entry-level 640i has a turbocharged six-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and either rear- or all-wheel drive. Standard features include a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, a navigation system, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a smartphone charging pad, keyless entry, push-button start, cruise control, automatic climate control, leather seats, heated and power-adjustable front seats, adaptive LED headlights, automatic high-beam headlights, a rearview camera, parking sensors, an adaptive suspension, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The 640i Gran Turismo model also has a power liftgate, a touch-sensitive infotainment screen, and the Active Driving Assistant package (optional in all other trims), which includes low-speed forward collision warning with brake assist, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning.
• BMW 650i: The midrange 650i features a 445-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 engine and either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. This trim adds a Harman Kardon stereo and 19-inch wheels.
• BMW M6: The racy M6 packs a twin-turbo V8 with 552 horsepower, and it’s available solely with rear-wheel drive. A six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic are available. An M6 Competition package is available, which boosts this engine's horsepower to 600.
• Alpina B6: The exclusive B6 has a twin-turbo V8 engine that puts out 600 horsepower. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This trim adds four-zone climate control, soft-closing doors, and a more-advanced active suspension.

The list of available features is lengthy. It includes Apple CarPlay, a Bang & Olufsen stereo, a heated steering wheel, ventilated and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, rear sunshades, a rear-seat entertainment system, adaptive air suspension, four-wheel steering, carbon ceramic brakes, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, a night vision camera, lane keep assist, parallel park assist, and a head-up display.

See 2018 BMW 6 Series trims and specs »

What Does BMW's Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Cover?

The BMW Certified CPO program is available on vehicles with between 300 and 60,000 miles on the odometer. The program covers buyers for one year with unlimited mileage after the four-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty has expired. This warranty can be renewed for a fee, but there is a maximum of five years of coverage. Each BMW must pass a road test and a 196-point inspection before earning CPO status. Additional benefits like towing and 24-hour roadside assistance may be available. Restrictions apply on transferring CPO coverage to subsequent owners. Read the BMW warranty page carefully.

BMW has one of the less-attractive CPO programs among luxury car manufacturers, according to our research. You’ll get better warranties from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Jaguar.

See the best CPO programs »

Read more about the BMW certified pre-owned program »

How Safe Is the 6 Series?

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the 2018 6 Series.

Standard advanced safety features:

• rearview camera
• parking sensors
• adaptive LED headlights
• automatic high-beam headlights

Available advanced safety features:

• blind spot monitoring
• lane departure warning
• lane keep assist
• a 360-degree camera system
• a night vision camera
• a head-up display
• hands-free park assist
• forward collision warning
• low-speed brake assist (City Collision Mitigation)
• adaptive cruise control
• full-speed automatic emergency braking

See 6 Series safety scores »

2018 BMW 6 Series Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: 2018 BMW 6 Series or 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS?

The 2018 Mercedes CLS fills the same niche as the 6 Series. Both of these coupelike luxury cars reward drivers with strong engine performance, great ride comfort, quality materials, and posh amenities like massaging seats. Both also rate better than average for predicted reliability. The BMW is the better buy for most shoppers, though. It has an easier-to-use infotainment system, and it's a bit less expensive on average.

Which Is Better: 2018 BMW 6 Series or 2018 Cadillac CT6?

The 2018 Cadillac CT6 is another alternative in the luxury large car class. The CT6 feels sportier and more agile around turns than the BMW. It returns better fuel economy, and it’s offered with more-advanced safety features, including a semiautonomous driving mode. It's also far less expensive to buy. On the other hand, the CT6’s cabin doesn’t feel as luxurious, its infotainment system can be fussy, and its predicted reliability rating is below average. Test-drive both cars to see which you prefer.

Compare the 6 Series, CLS, and CT6 »

2018 6 Series Performance

How Does the 2018 BMW 6 Series Drive?

Don't expect the 6 Series to handle like a luxury sports car – you'll be disappointed. This BMW is more of a luxury cruiser, but that’s not a bad thing. The 6 Series glides comfortably over bumps and dips in the road, thanks to its standard adaptive suspension. It stays balanced around turns, and its large brakes provide confident stopping power. The steering is light and responsive, but the car’s substantial weight keeps it from feeling particularly agile.

Regardless of engine choice, the 6 Series is no slouch in a straight line. The 640i’s turbocharged six-cylinder engine is smooth, and it can whisk the big BMW from zero to 60 mph in just under six seconds. Its eight-speed transmission deserves some of the credit as well: It delivers quick, smooth gear changes. Opting for the twin-turbo V8 of the 650i and M6 cuts the zero-to-60 dash time to just 4.5 seconds. The racy Alpina B6 can hit 60 mph in a blistering 3.6 seconds.

• Base engine: 315-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder (640i)
• Available engines:
  • 335-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder (640i Gran Turismo)
  • 445-horsepower twin-turbo V8 (650i)
  • 552-horsepower twin-turbo V8 (M6)
  • 600-horsepower twin-turbo V8 (M6 Competition and Alpina B6)
• Drivetrain: standard rear-wheel drive; available xDrive all-wheel drive (standard in B6)
• Transmission: eight-speed automatic; six-speed manual (M6); seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (M6)

Does the 2018 BMW 6 Series Get Good Gas Mileage?

The 6 Series earns good fuel economy when paired with its six-cylinder engines, but its available V8 engines are among the least fuel-efficient in the luxury large car class.

• 640i: 20/29 mpg city/highway
• 650i: 17/25 mpg
• 640i xDrive: 19/28 mpg
• 650i xDrive: 16/25 mpg
• Alpina B6 xDrive: 16/25 mpg
• M6 with six-speed manual: 15/22 mpg
• M6 with dual-clutch automatic: 14/20 mpg

Read more about 6 Series performance »

2018 6 Series Interior

How Many People Does the 2018 6 Series Seat?

The 2018 6 Series is available in three body styles. The 6 Series sedan and hatchback have five seats, while the 6 Series convertible has four seats.

All models offer supportive and highly adjustable front seats, which make it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The Gran Turismo hatchback is the best of the bunch. It has fine head- and legroom in both rows, and its cabin materials look and feel a step above class competitors. By comparison, the sedan and convertible have cramped back seats – the sedan’s middle seat is essentially useless – and rear visibility is poor.

Standard seating features:

• leather seats
• heated and power-adjustable front seats

Available seating features:

• ventilated and massaging front seats
• heated rear seats

How Many Child Car Seats Fit in the 2018 BMW 6 Series?

The 6 Series has two full sets of LATCH connectors for securing child car seats.

2018 BMW 6 Series Features

The 6 Series earns praise for its user-friendly iDrive infotainment system. This large 10.2-inch display has crisp graphics and simple menus. It also supports Apple CarPlay, which can mirror some of your iPhone apps on the screen. Functions are controlled using a knob and touchpad on the center console, as well as buttons on the dashboard and steering wheel.

Opt for the Gran Turismo hatchback, and you’ll find even better equipment. Its iDrive system has a touch-sensitive screen and a camera that can recognize hand gestures. For instance, you can point or swipe in front of the screen to accept or decline a phone call or twirl a finger to adjust the radio volume.

• Standard infotainment features: a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, a navigation system, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, satellite radio, a smartphone charging pad, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a digital gauge cluster
• Available infotainment features: Apple CarPlay, Harman Kardon and Bang & Olufsen sound systems, gesture control, and a pair of rear-seat infotainment screens
• Additional standard features: automatic climate control, keyless entry, and push-button start
• Other available features: a power liftgate, four-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, rear sunshades, and soft-closing doors

See 2018 BMW 6 Series specs »

Read more about 6 Series interior »

2018 BMW 6 Series Dimensions

BMW 6 Series Cargo Space

The 6 Series Gran Turismo hatchback has 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats and 65 cubic feet with these seats folded. That’s a lot of cargo room, even for a luxury large car. The 6 Series sedan has 16.2 cubic feet of trunk space, which is average for the segment. The 6 Series convertible has 12.4 cubic feet of trunk space with its top up and 10.6 cubic feet with it down.

These cargo dimensions are for comparative purposes. There is no substitute for visually examining the storage area in any car you’re considering.

2018 BMW 6 Series Length and Weight

• Length: 16 feet, 1 inch to 16 feet, 9 inches
• Curb weight: 4,165 to 4,780 pounds

Where Was the 2018 BMW 6 Series Built?

BMW built the 2018 6 Series in Germany.