Tag Archives: 6Series
New-Car Review: 2013 BMW 6-Series
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2013 BMW 6-Series: What Is It?
This is BMW’s flagship sporty car. It seats 4 and is available as a coupe or convertible. Standard models are available with a choice of 6-cylinder or V8 engines. At the top of the roster is an ultra-high-performance version tuned by BMW’s Motorsports arm.
Competitors include the Audi A5 and Audi S5, Jaguar XK, and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
2013 BMW 6-Series: What’s New
The high-power M6 convertible joined the 6-Series lineup very late in the 2012 model year. The companion coupe didn’t make the cut so it launches in the US as a 2013. All 2013 6-Series coupes and convertibles get some new standard equipment, though a manual transmission is no longer available.
The mid-line 650i gets a revised engine with more power.
Note that BMW offers a 4-door version of this car called the 6-Series Gran Coupe, which we cover in a separate report.
2013 BMW 6-Series: Model Lineup, Features, and Options
The 6-Series returns for 2013 in base 640i, uplevel 650i, and high-performance M6 trims. Previously optional, heated front seats and satellite radio are now standard on the 640 and 650. Curiously, the latter feature remains an extra-cost add-on for the M6.
Other standard amenities common to all 6-Series cars include leather upholstery, navigation system, rearview camera, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and an HD Radio receiver.
The 650i has 20-way power-adjustable seats, an upgraded sound system, and 19-inch wheels on run-flat tires (up from standard 18s).
In addition to a more-powerful engine, the M6 has a sport suspension.
There are a number of packaged and standalone options. The Executive Package for the 640i and 650i includes heated and ventilated front seats, heads-up instrument display, smartphone integration, power door-close assist, and a power rear sunshade. The 640i adds 20-way power front seats, which are standard on the 650i. The M6′s Executive Package includes a heated steering wheel, along with most of the above mentioned items. The heated steering wheel is available separately on the 640 and 650.
A Driver Assistance Package for all models includes blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, and side and top-view cameras.
The M Sport Package includes an increased top-speed limiter, sport steering wheel, and unique trim.
Adaptive cruise control, massaging front seats, and BMW Active Steering are among the many standalone options offered on the 640i and 650i. A night-vision camera is available across the board.
2013 BMW 6-Series: Engines, Transmissions, and Drive Wheels
The 640i, 650i, and M6 are rear-wheel drive. BMW offers its xDrive all-wheel drive on the 650i coupe and convertible.
Standard on the 640i is a 315-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 650i gets an upgrade for 2013. While it returns with a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, this year’s version has 445 horsepower, which is an increase of 45 from the 2013 model.
The 640i and 650i include an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 650i’s previously optional 6-speed manual transmission has been discontinued.
M6 also has a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 but with 560 horsepower. Its sole transmission is a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual that behaves like an automatic.
2013 BMW 6-Series: Fuel Economy
The EPA gives 6-Series coupes the following city/highway ratings: 640i, 23/33; 650i 17/25; M6 14/20.
Convertibles are as follows: 640i, 20/30; 650i 17/25; M6 14/20.
2013 BMW 6-Series: Safety Features
The 2013 BMW 6-Series includes the standard complement of expected and federally mandated safety features. Blind-spot alert and lane-departure warning are optional as part of the Driver Assistance Package.
This evaluation is based on preview test drives.
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Sneak Peek: 2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe
Vehicle Highlights
2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe: What Is It?
BMW is entering the “4-door coupe” fray with this entry. The 6-Series Gran Coupe essentially uses a stretched version of the basic platform found on the company’s 2-door 6-Series coupe. The GC seats up to 5 passengers, though BMW calls this arrangement “4+1″ so we have to figure that whoever occupies the middle section in the back seat won’t be too happy about it.
The 6-Series Gran Coupe comes to market against other similar purpose, high-end German cars including the Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Though it’s priced significantly less, we’ll also include the Jaguar XF on the list of competitors.
2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe: What’s New
Neither the basic design nor many of the features of this car are “new” in the sense that BMW introduced them on the 2012 6-Series coupe and convertible. The drivetrain of the entry-level 640i comes from the coupe while the top-line 650i gets a few upgrades to make it more powerful than the 2-door. BMW is positioning the Gran Coupe between its mainstream midsize 5-Series and large 7-Series sedans.
2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe: Model Lineup, Features, and Options
The 6-Series Gran Coupe follows its 2-door siblings’ naming convention. The base 640i arrives at dealerships first, followed by the uplevel 650i.
The 640i’s standard equipment list largely mirrors that of its 2-door counterpart. It includes leather upholstery, navigation system, HD Radio receiver, steering-linked xenon headlights, rearview camera, power sunroof, and front- and rear-obstacle detection.
Options include heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats (not available on the 2-door), heated steering wheel, power rear sunshade, 4-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, and a high-end Bang & Olufsen audio system.
The M Sport Package includes an increased top-speed limiter, specific wheels and tires, and sport trim.
BMW Individual Composition includes unique exterior and interior trim that’s not available in any other form, either via package or standalone option.
Standard and optional equipment for the 650i was not available at time of writing.
2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe: Engines, Transmissions, and Drive Wheels
All BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe models offer rear-wheel drive and include an 8-speed automatic transmission. Due in late-calendar 2012 is a 650i with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive.
Standard on the 640i is a 315-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine. The 650i gets a 445-horsepower turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. This is 45 horsepower more than the 2-door 650i coupe and convertible.
BMW has not announced a high-performance M6 version, but we wouldn’t be surprised if one became available sometime in calendar 2013 as a 2014 model.
2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe: Fuel Economy
EPA estimated fuel economy for the Gran Coupe was not available at time of writing.
2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe: Safety Features
The 2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe includes the standard complement of expected and federally mandated safety features. Blind-spot alert and lane-departure warning are optional as part of the Driver Assistance Package.
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