2008 BMW 6-Series Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2008 BMW 6-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2008 BMW 6-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 BMW 6-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 BMW 6-Series help you decide if a 2008 BMW 6-Series is right for you.

2008 BMW 6-Series Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Instruments/controls

Steering/handling	Fuel economy (M6)

	Transmission performance (automated manual)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual	650i convertible, automatic	M6 coupe, automated manual	Class Average
8	8	9	8.2

The 650s have superb power and response for most any situation. Potent M6s are race-car rapid. Regular manual transmission has just OK shift/clutch action. The automated manual is often harsh and inconsistent in any shift mode. The smooth, alert automatic is thus the best choice for 650s, with the traditional manual the best for the M6.

Fuel Economy

650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual	650i convertible, automatic	M6 coupe, automated manual	Class Average
5	3	2	4.1

Test manual-transmission V8 coupes averaged 17.7-19.9 mpg. Test M6 coupe averaged just 13.3 mpg. All 6-Series require premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual	650i convertible, automatic	M6 coupe, automated manual	Class Average
6	6	4	4.3

A firm suspension and stiff 18-inch run-flat tires make 650s jiggly and thumpy vs. many class rivals. Ride is borderline harsh in M6s due to 19-inch tires and less-compliant suspensions; 650s with the Sport Package also get 19s, so try before you buy.

Steering/Handling/Braking

650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual	650i convertible, automatic	M6 coupe, automated manual	Class Average
8	8	9	8.7

These cars are too large and heavy to be sports-car agile--even the handling-biased M6s--but they're balanced and assured on highways and byways. Active Steering sharpens low-speed moves, but some testers find it intrusive. Active Roll Stabilization quells most body lean in fast turns. Braking is strong, stable, and straight.

Quietness

650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual	650i convertible, automatic	M6 coupe, automated manual	Class Average
7	6	5	4.1

Engines are audible but pleasing at high rpm; M6s are noisier than 650s in normal cruising, but acceptable. Fat tires generate expected rough-surface drone, but it's not irksome. Wind rush is modest in coupes. Convertibles have a bit more despite well-insulated tops, but there's little top-down wind buffeting even with all windows lowered.

Controls

650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual	650i convertible, automatic	M6 coupe, automated manual	Class Average
3	3	3	5.5

The dashboard has only basic audio and climate controls; drivers otherwise grapple with iDrive's many menus and settings--a real distraction--and M6s add suspension and engine-power adjustments. Available head-up display is useful.

Details

650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual	650i convertible, automatic	M6 coupe, automated manual	Class Average
8	8	8	6.9

Elegant cabins match lofty pricing with top-notch materials and assembly. Structures are impressively stout, with minimal body flex on convertibles. However, all the high-tech electronics give us cause for concern; on one test coupe, pressing the keyfob's trunk-release switch regularly set off the alarm system.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual	650i convertible, automatic	M6 coupe, automated manual	Class Average
8	8	8	5.7

A wide console imparts a cozy cabin feel, but there's good headroom and legroom for all but the very tall on firm, supportive seats. M6 seats' heavy side bolsters can impede entry and exit. There are myriad adjustments to tailor the driving position, though finding the right settings take time. Long doors are a parking-lot nuisance. Aft visibility is tricky in coupes, restricted top-up in convertibles.

Room/Comfort (rear)

650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual	650i convertible, automatic	M6 coupe, automated manual	Class Average
1	1	1	.6

There's seating for two, and the seats are comfortable--for the very small people who can fit; there's scant headroom and virtually no legroom. Entry and exit is the typical 2-door squeeze. The front seats slowly power forward to try and help.

Cargo Room

650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual	650i convertible, automatic	M6 coupe, automated manual	Class Average
3	3	3	2.6

Trunk volume is par for the class, coupe or convertible. Covered hinges gobble some space. Interior storage is poor: just one cupholder front and rear, and the front one is an afterthought console clip-on.

Value within Class

650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual	650i convertible, automatic	M6 coupe, automated manual	Class Average
4	4	2	5.2

The 6-Series suffers from the usual coupe/convertible compromises, daunting prices, a ride that seems firmer than necessary, and BMW's confounding iDrive control. Still, any model is a luxurious driving treat: swift, supremely capable, and very refined. If you want an M6, avoid the aggravating automated manual transmission.

Total Score