BMW 6 Series Convertible 2018 Review, Specs, Price

BMW 6 Series Convertible 2018 Review, Specs, Price - There are few cars left like the BMW 6 Series, and fewer still with BMW discontinuing the 6 Series coupe for 2018. While we expect a new generation will debut next year, this year's 6 Series remains an excellent choice for luxury drop-top cruising. Of course, there are sportier and smaller four-seat convertibles, and there are significantly more expensive ones too. But few can match the BMW 6 Series' blend of style, quality and comfort. Drivers will find both engine options satisfying, while available all-wheel drive allows four-season practicality. While the current generation is dated, we still think the 2018 6 Series is worth considering if you're looking for a stylish luxury convertible.

The 650i sDrive is an easy choice. On top of a bigger and more powerful engine, this trim comes standard with some options you'd want from a luxury grand tourer, such as extra seat adjustability and a higher-quality sound system. All-wheel drive adds little benefit and extra weight that makes the car less fun to drive, so unless you plan for snow we recommend the rear-wheel-drive sDrive. If the V8 seems like overkill, the 640i's six-cylinder engine remains a potent, less expensive and more fuel-efficient option. Plus, you can still option everything from the V8. BMW 6 Series Convertible 2018 Review, Specs, Price.

One of the ultimate grand-tourers, the BMW 6-Series stands ready to eat up miles, buyers' budgets, and premium unleaded. The 2018 BMW 6-Series is the German automaker's luxury cruiser; it's more at home whittling away miles on an open stretch of freeway than on a race track and it's available as either a seductive two-door convertible with a power-folding fabric roof, a shapely four-door called the Gran Coupe, and a wagon-esque Gran Turismo that's a bit of an outlier in the range—but more on that soon. 

The 2018 BMW 6 Series comes standard with the automaker’s Active Protection System that detects an imminent collision then automatically prepares the vehicle by pretensioning the seat belts, closing all windows, and activating post-crash braking. Also standard is an impact sensor that activates the Battery Safety Terminal that automatically disconnects the alternator, fuel pump and started from the battery, then turns on hazard light, interior lights, and unlocks doors. BMW Assist eCall, also standard, includes the Emergency Request (SOS button) and Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification while BMW Remote Services includes Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Remote Door Unlock, and My BMW Remote app. Also standard is adaptive cruise control, a rearview camera, Dynamic Stability Control with traction control, adaptive LED headlights, front, side, and curtain airbags, adaptive brake lights, and programmable LED daytime running lights.

BMW 6 Series Convertible 2018 Review, Specs, Price

The available Driving Assistance Plus package consists of Active Driving Assistant (Lane Departure Warning, Frontal Collision Warning, City Collision Mitigation, and Pedestrian Protection) that can automatically brake for you, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go driving, Active Blind Spot Detection, side and aerial view cameras, and speed limit information.

For 2018, the 6 lineup is largely carried over, except for the deletion of the slow-selling two-door coupe. Other variants remain available with both 6- and 8-cylinder power and a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. But the Gran Coupe and the 6-Series convertible march into 2018 with the same wide range of available powertrains and few other changes.

A new 2018 BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo is actually closer to the 5-Series than it is the Gran Coupe or convertible. (Yeah, we know.) The new 2018 640i GT gets the same turbo-6 from the 540i and a stretched interior for more space. It's the closest we may get to a wagon here stateside, but we haven't yet driven it. Stay tuned. BMW 6 Series Convertible 2018 Review, Specs, Price.

The 6-Series received a minor facelift just two years ago and it largely stands pat for 2018. Back in 2016, it gained a sharper nose as well as revitalized air intakes and a cleaner tail end that continues to work well. The Gran Coupe adds a little length thanks to a 4.5-inch longer wheelbase that helps accommodate its second pair of doors. The Gran Coupe isn't quite a luxury sedan thanks to its arching roofline that hints at its sporty moves, but it does have decent second row room.

The 2018 BMW 6 Series is a four-seat convertible available in 640i and 650i trims. Some differences exist between the two (wheel size, the sound system and level of seat adjustability, for instance), but the trims primarily designate the type of the engine. The 640i has the six-cylinder, and the 650i has the V8. BMW makes every option and package available for both trims, ensuring variety no matter which engine you pick. Rear-wheel drive, which BMW calls sDrive, is standard, and all-wheel drive (xDrive) is optional.

The 640i comes as standard with a 3.0-liter inline-6 with a turbocharger rated at 315 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. It may be the gateway into the brand, but it scoots to 60 mph in a hair over 5 seconds. That's hardly "base." Opt for the 650i and you'll spend more, but you'll also get a twin-turbo v-8 with 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque that slices a second from its 0-60 sprint. Its power runs deep, with thrust available from even a gentle tap at the throttle. All models are fitted with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive (branded as xDrive) is on the options list for those who simply must have everything or want to head to the ski slopes. 

BMW 6 Series Convertible 2018 Review, Specs, Price

There's also an M6 version of each on offer, which we cover separately. Those models feature far more power—560 hp—and a more buttoned-down suspension. Droptop variants of the BMW 6 suited best for two adults with plenty of stretch-out space for long rides. There's more rear seat space here than in a Porsche 911, but row two is best for short jaunts with the kids—or, more realistically, a briefcase or purse. The Gran Coupe's longer wheelbase delivers more legroom but remains compromised in favor of styling over head room.

Neither the federal government nor the independent IIHS have crash-tested the BMW 6-Series; given its low volume and hefty price tag, it probably won't attract much scrutiny. But all models are available with high-tech safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane change assist. The 6-Series doesn't offer near the level of near-autonomous driving found in many high-end cars, which reflects its relative age.

A base 640i stickers for about $80,000 and it's well-outfitted from the get-go with acres of leather and wood, power everything you might touch, a backup camera, navigation, and BMW's iDrive infotainment system with a 10.2-inch screen. From there, the sky's nearly the limit; high-spec models crest the six figure mark with little difficulty. Fuel economy isn't the BMW 6-Series' primary selling point, but the 640i rear-wheel drive is surprisingly gentle on fuel. Base versions are the thriftiest: 20 mpg city, 29 highway, 23 combined, but the figures go down from there. BMW 6 Series Convertible 2018 Review, Specs, Price.

All 6s scoot, but only the 2018 BMW 650i truly excels. Four combinations are on offer for the 2018 BMW 6-Series and each bestows these luxury cars with a unique personality. Our favorite is the V-8; it's not as frugal as the 6-cylinder, but it fits this vehicle's mission in life so well. And if you're looking to spend the better part of $100,000 on a luxury vehicle, the extra $10,000 for the 650i over the 640i seems like money well spent. 

There's also a high-po M6 available in all three bodies with 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque teamed with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic or a 6-speed manual, but it warrants its own coverage separately. The 640i includes a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 rated at 315 hp and 330 lb-ft. It's hardly a base powertrain, even it's shared with nearly every BMW under the sun. A slick-shifting 8-speed automatic is the only gearbox on offer, but buyers do have the choice between rear- and all-wheel drive. 

The inline-6 makes most of its torque low in the rev range (at about 1,700 rpm), which makes it immensely usable around town. But, compared to the 650i, it runs out of steam when passing on the highway when it reveals its mass and relatively weak 315 hp.  Opt for the 650i and you'll net a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 with 446 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque that slice a second off of the 640i's 0-60 sprint. But it's not just about drag racing, of course. The V-8 is far stronger from any speed and is among our favorite engines ever made. 

BMW 6 Series Convertible 2018 Review

Most 6s sold are equipped with xDrive, BMW's all-wheel drive system, which makes them suitable all-season vehicles. Fit winter tires and even the convertible will gleefully bound its way up a snowy driveway. But there's nothing wrong with the base rear-wheel drive setup, which works well with the 6's confident handling and suspension that can handle more forceful driving. That said, no 6 is exactly a razor-sharp sporty car, with reflexes blunted by its curb weight and its steering that's surprisingly lazy. Base models are more comfort-oriented, but even the M package doesn't turn this big coupe into a corner-carver. 

Underneath, the 6's suspension is adjustable to Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ settings. Each varies the suspension's behavior, the steering's heft, and throttle and transmission response. It's a successful setup that truly changes the 6's personality from boulevardier to almost sports car.

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