2010 BMW 6-Series: Road Test
2010 BMW 6-Series ▼
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- MSRP: $78,200 - $107,900
- Invoice: $71,945 - $99,270
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Our road test for the 2010 BMW 6-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2010 BMW 6-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 BMW 6-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 BMW 6-Series help you decide if a 2010 BMW 6-Series is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 650i coupe w/Sport Pkg, manual | 650i convertible, automatic | M6 coupe, automated manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 6.9 |
The 650s have superb power and response for most any situation. Potent M6s are race-car rapid. The manual transmission is not as precise as it should be for a premium sporty car. The M6's automated manual can be set to shift like an automatic, or drivers can change gears manually via the floor shifter or steering-wheel paddles. In any mode, the automated manual is harsh and inconsistent. The smooth, alert automatic is the best choice for the 650i, with the 6-speed manual the ideal companion for the M6.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 650i coupe w/Sport Pkg, manual | 650i convertible, automatic | M6 coupe, automated manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 2 | 3.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, manual-transmission V8 coupes averaged 17.7-19.9 mpg. Test M6 coupe averaged just 13.3 mpg. All 6-Series cars require premium-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| 650i coupe w/Sport Pkg, manual | 650i convertible, automatic | M6 coupe, automated manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 3.5 |
A firm suspension and stiff 18-inch run-flat tires make 650s jiggly and thumpy versus many class rivals. Convertibles are impressively rigid, with little body flex. M6 is borderline harsh 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 | 7.2 |
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 | 6 | 3.6 |
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. 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 | 4.7 |
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. The 6-Series' available head-up display provides useful information.
DETAILS
| 650i coupe w/Sport Pkg, manual | 650i convertible, automatic | M6 coupe, automated manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.1 |
Elegant cabins match lofty pricing with top-notch materials and assembly. 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 | 4.9 |
A wide console imparts a cozy cabin feel, headroom and legroom are sufficient for all but the very tall. The seats are firm and supportive. M6 seats have heavy side bolsters that 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 |
Seating is for two, and the bench is comfortable--for the very small people who can fit; there's scant headroom and virtually no legroom with the front seats pushed back even partially. Entry and exit are the typical 2-door squeeze. The front seats power forward, but slowly.
CARGO ROOM
| 650i coupe w/Sport Pkg, manual | 650i convertible, automatic | M6 coupe, automated manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 2.1 |
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 | 4.7 |
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. For the best experience, choose a 650i with the smooth automatic transmission, and don't opt for the Sport Package. If the M6 is more your speed, avoid the aggravating automated manual transmission.
Total Score
| 650i coupe w/Sport Pkg, manual | 650i convertible, automatic | M6 coupe, automated manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 58 | 55 | 47.9 |
Total Score: 57
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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