2006 BMW 6-Series: Road Test
Archived Review
2006 BMW 6-Series ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $71,800 -$96,100
- Invoice: $65,520 -$87,630
Reviews & Ratings
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to BMW 6-Series
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2006 BMW 6-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2006 BMW 6-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 BMW 6-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 BMW 6-Series help you decide if a 2006 BMW 6-Series is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.2 |
Superb power, response from any speed. Manual transmission has slightly vague engagement points. SMT bred for racetrack-type work, is harsh shifting, cantankerous around town. Automatic smooth, responsive. Test manual-transmission coupe chugged at low speed until engine warmed. No opportunity to test M6.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Test manual-transmission coupes averaged 17.7-19.9 mpg. No opportunity to measure with other models. Premium-grade fuel required.
RIDE QUALITY
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.3 |
Firm suspension, unforgiving run-flat tires make 6-Series ride much stiffer than BMW's 5-Series sedans, and tauter than most rival coupes', too. Still, always stable, never jarring.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 |
Well-balanced, agile--the benchmark for handling among coupes in this class. Active Steering sharpens low-speed maneuverability, but some testers find it intrusive, inconsistent. Active Roll Stabilization eliminates most body lean in fast turns. Braking strong, stable, straight. Little perceived roadholding gain with Sport Package.
QUIETNESS
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 4.1 |
Modest wind rush in coupe. Convertible top well-insulated for marginally greater wind noise than in coupe. Minimal top-down buffeting; scarcely different with rear window deployed, though exhaust rumble noticeable. Plenty of tire noise on rough roads in both body styles. Impressively solid structure. Minimal body flex evident on convertible.
CONTROLS
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6.3 |
Thick steering-wheel rim interferes with clear view of main instruments, turn-signal arrows. Confounding iDrive adds delay and complication to most functions; worse, it diverts driver attention. Control layout itself simple, convenient. No opportunity to evaluate optional head-up display. Elegant interior decor, top-notch materials. Pressing the keyfob's trunk release on one test coupe regularly set off the alarm system.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5.7 |
Good head, leg room for all but the very tall. Firm, supportive seats. Power adjustments and tilt/telescope steering wheel help dial in driving position after some trial and error. Long doors a parking-lot inconvenience. Coupe's large sunroof doesn't slide open, merely tilting for more ventilation. Aft visibility restricted on coupe, worse in convertible with top up.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | .7 |
Seats comfortable, but leg room very tight. Front seats power forward slowly, and entry/exit a typical coupe chore.
CARGO ROOM
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
Trunk volume par for the class--coupe or convertible. Lid powers up but not down. Hinges covered to prevent crushing packages, but gobble space. Interior storage minimal. Single cupholders front and rear; front is odd clip-on device.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
The 6-Series suffers all the typical coupe/convertible compromises, along with daunting prices, a firmer than necessary ride, and BMW's confounding iDrive control system. That said, any version is a treat to drive: surprisingly fast, supremely capable, and very sophisticated.
Total Score
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | 53 | 53 | 53 | 48.5 |
Total Score: 53
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
