2017 BMW 6 Series
The 2017 BMW 6 Series represents the pinnacle of BMW's luxury grand touring offerings, blending exhilarating performance with sophisticated comfort and cutting-edge technology. Available in Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Turismo body styles, the 6 Series caters to those who appreciate a potent powertrain, refined driving dynamics, and a premium interior experience.
Highlights
- Engine Prowess: The 2017 6 Series is powered by a choice of potent BMW TwinPower Turbo engines.
- 640i/640i xDrive Gran Turismo: Features a 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine producing 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. This engine offers a fantastic balance of smooth power delivery and respectable fuel efficiency, making it a capable daily driver.
- 650i/650i xDrive Coupe/Convertible: Boasts a more powerful 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivering 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provides truly exhilarating acceleration and a muscular exhaust note.
- M6 Competition: The M division's touch graces the 6 Series with a significantly boosted 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, churning out 600 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, making it a serious performance machine.
- Exhilarating Driving Dynamics: Even in its non-M guise, the 6 Series is renowned for its engaging driving experience. Expect precise steering, well-controlled body roll, and a comfortable yet sporty ride, especially when equipped with the optional Adaptive M Suspension. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system enhances grip and stability in various road conditions.
- Advanced Safety Features: BMW equipped the 2017 6 Series with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems designed to enhance safety and convenience:
- Active Driving Assistant: Combines features like Forward Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation and Pedestrian Warning to alert the driver to potential hazards and automatically apply brakes if necessary.
- Lane Departure Warning: Monitors lane markings and alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane.
- Blind Spot Detection: Uses sensors to monitor the vehicle's blind spots and alerts the driver to the presence of vehicles in adjacent lanes.
- Surround View Camera: Provides a 360-degree bird's-eye view of the vehicle's surroundings, aiding in parking and low-speed maneuvers.
- Head-Up Display: Projects key driving information, such as speed and navigation prompts, onto the windshield directly in the driver's line of sight, minimizing distractions.
- Trim Summary:
- 640i/640i xDrive Gran Turismo: The entry-level powertrain in the practical Gran Turismo body style, offering a blend of luxury and utility.
- 650i Coupe/Convertible/xDrive Coupe/xDrive Convertible: The V8-powered versions, available in both sleek coupe and open-air convertible formats, delivering a significant performance upgrade and enhanced luxury.
- M6 Coupe/Convertible/Competition Coupe/Competition Convertible: The ultimate expression of the 6 Series, featuring a significantly more powerful engine, sport-tuned suspension, and aggressive styling for the discerning performance enthusiast.
- Luxurious and Tech-Savvy Interior: The cabin of the 2017 6 Series is a testament to BMW's commitment to luxury. High-quality materials, supportive and comfortable seats, and an intuitive iDrive infotainment system with a high-resolution display are standard. Features like heated and ventilated seats, premium audio systems, and advanced connectivity options further elevate the experience.
- Elegant Design: The 6 Series boasts a timeless and sophisticated design, characterized by its long hood, flowing lines, and athletic stance. The Gran Turismo offers a more practical fastback silhouette, while the Coupe and Convertible exude classic sporty elegance.
What to Expect
Ownership of a 2017 BMW 6 Series typically involves a premium experience. The driving dynamics are engaging, offering a rewarding connection to the road. The cabin is a sanctuary of quiet luxury, making long journeys comfortable and enjoyable.
Maintenance: As with any luxury performance vehicle, expect maintenance costs to be higher than average. Regular servicing, including oil changes, filter replacements, and brake inspections, is crucial. Parts and labor at BMW dealerships can be expensive. Independent specialist mechanics who are familiar with BMWs can sometimes offer more affordable servicing options. Routine maintenance items like tires and brake pads will also be priced at a premium.
Insurance: Insurance premiums for a 2017 BMW 6 Series will likely be higher than for a less powerful or less luxurious vehicle, due to its performance capabilities, advanced technology, and luxury positioning. Factors such as your driving record, age, location, and chosen coverage levels will significantly impact the final cost.
Potential Considerations
- Rear Seat Space: While the Gran Turismo offers more practicality, the Coupe and Convertible models have limited rear-seat space, making them best suited for occasional use by adults or for children.
- Infotainment System Learning Curve: While the iDrive system is powerful, it can have a slight learning curve for those unfamiliar with BMW's interface.
- Ride Comfort vs. Sportiness: While the adaptive suspension offers a good balance, some buyers may find the ride to be firmer than expected in its sportiest settings, especially on less-than-perfect road surfaces.
- Fuel Economy: The more powerful V8 engines and performance-oriented nature of the 6 Series mean that fuel economy is not a primary strong suit, particularly for the M6 models.
Overall Summary
The 2017 BMW 6 Series is a compelling choice for those seeking a luxurious and dynamically engaging grand tourer. It masterfully combines powerful engines, refined handling, a comfortable and high-tech interior, and sophisticated styling. Whether you opt for the practical Gran Turismo, the sporty Coupe, or the exhilarating Convertible, the 6 Series delivers a premium driving experience that befits its prestigious badge, albeit with higher-than-average ownership costs for maintenance and insurance.