2012 BMW 6 Series Overview

The 6-Series is BMW's flagship 2-door grand tourer, offered in both coupe and convertible body styles. For 2012, it's been redesigned on the outside, giving it a much leaner look than the previous model with a lower trunkline, revised grille and headlamps, and new tail lamps. And although it looks smaller due to the redesign, it's actually three inches longer and an inch and a half wider than the car it replaces, helping to increase interior room.

Three models are available in the U.S. for 2012: the 640i, 650i and, back after a year off, the M6. At the heart of the 6-series' redesign is a lineup of all-new engines, which replace last year's 360-hp 4.8L V8.

The 640i comes with a 3.0L turbocharged 6-cylinder engine that also uses direct injection to produce 315 horsepower. The 650i comes with an all-new 4.4L turbocharged V8 engine that makes 400 horsepower. The M6 carries with it an impressive 4.4L V8 with a twin-scroll turbocharger that makes 560 horses.

The 3.0L is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 650i comes with the 8-speed transmission, but a 6-speed manual transmission can be installed at no charge.
The M6 comes with a 7-speed double-clutch unit.

Inside, the 6-Series gets BMW's latest technology standard, with a 10.2-inch high-definition screen serving as the central hub for both the stereo, navigation and climate controls. BMW's iDrive system returns as standard equipment.

Available safety features include anti-lock brakes, traction control, an anti-skid system, curtain side airbags and front side airbags. Also available are blind-spot alert, a lane departure warning, a full-color heads-up display, and both rear and top view cameras. BMW's Active Roll Stabilization is available as well, which takes on and helps cancel out body lean in tight cornering situations.

The 6-Series also has been given electronically assisted steering, and optional Active Steering utilizes rear-wheel steering to give better maneuverability and stability at high speeds. And BMW's Driving Dynamics Control lets the driver customize steering and throttle response, the suspension, stability control action, and automatic transmission shift points and firmness at the flip of a switch. Standard features include leather interior, navigation and steering-linked headlights.

XDrive all-wheel drive is available on the 650i coupe and convertible.

2012 BMW 6 Series Model Changes

The BMW 6-Series is completely redesigned for 2012, with new styling and increased power from an all-new 4.4L V8. The new model is three inches longer and slightly wider than the car it replaces, with tighter and cleaner front end styling, new headlights and a lower trunk line. Again offered as a coupe or convertible, it is available in one trim only for 2012: the 650i.

The M6 is back after taking 2011 off. It comes in convertible form only and comes with a more powerful, more efficient engine, but the same impressive performance specs expected of anything M-Series.

2012 BMW 6 Series Value

For buyers in the market for a true grand touring car, the BMW 6-Series is among the best choices on the market today. And for 2012, the controversial styling that may have kept buyers away in the past is gone, replaced by a much more sophisticated and clean overall look. It's a great choice for those in the market for both performance and comfort on an equal plane, with a strong foothold in a segment also populated by the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Jaguar XK.

2012 BMW 6 Series Strengths

BMW-standard luxury and performance, high-end gadgetry, coupe and convertible styles