2017 BMW 6 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs

A key player in the luxury midsize sport market, BMW’s 2017 6 Series returns as a 2-door Coupe or Convertible or a 4-door Gran Coupe....

A key player in the luxury midsize sport market, BMW’s 2017 6 Series returns as a 2-door Coupe or Convertible or a 4-door Gran Coupe. According to most reviewers, current 6 Series trims are not as nimble or as roomy as the folks at BMW would like you to believe. But that should change, thanks to a number of handling and performance upgrades anticipated for 2017.

The 6 Series comes in two trims, the 640i and 650i. Both versions feature standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), while available 640i X and 650i X variations offer full-time intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD).

Both the current 6 Series Coupe and its Grand Coupe stablemate offer 13.0 cubic feet of trunk space; 6 Series Convertibles boast a surprisingly roomy 12.3 cubic feet of trunk capacity with the top up and 10.6 cubic feet when the top is down and stowed in its storage compartment.

Changes to the 2017 6 Series include a serious drop in curb weight (about 500 pounds), achieved as a result of added carbon fiber trim pieces and large amounts of aluminum, titanium, and magnesium incorporated into the frame and body components. Less overhang beyond the front and rear axles trims weight as well, and brings greater nimbleness and fuel efficiency. A wider stance should also bolster the 6 Series’ agility over rough roads and through hairpin turns.

The 6 Series 4-door Gran Coupe is slated to become a few inches longer than the current version’s 197.1-inch overall length. Hopefully, this will afford rear-seat occupants a tad more legroom. It’s also a rumored that all 6 series variants will feature a more aerodynamic profile, part of BMW's ongoing efforts to match Porsche’s legendary 911.

Perhaps the most intriguing 2017 upgrade, however, is an anticipated boost in engine power. The 640i and 640i X are expected to pack a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder (I6) powerplant that puts out 35 ponies over the current version’s 315 hp. Look for an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission with standard paddle shifters and launch control.

The 650i and 650i X are again expected to pack a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8, which, for the 2017 model year, is slated to boast an extra 30 hp over the current version’s 445 hp. The 8-speed shiftable automatic will come standard here as well.

Torque figures and mileage estimates for 2017 are unavailable as of this writing; torque is expected to jump at least marginally, and fuel economy should see more significant improvement due to the anticipated weight loss and profile enhancements.

The 2017 6 Series lineup will doubtless include all the usual luxury features, such as alloy wheels, a sport-tuned exhaust, leather upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, memory for driver settings, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, and genuine interior wood trim. The Coupe and Gran Coupe trim levels are slated to return with a standard power sunroof, while the Convertible will again sport an individually heated glass rear window.

It’s also been hinted that the 6 Series could receive some brand-new ConnectedDrive-bundled electronic features, including a 3D surround camera system and a remote control parking feature. Other (returning) technology includes BMW Online WiFi capability, Bluetooth-interfaced smartphone apps, a 10.2-inch infotainment display, GPS navigation, and, in the 640i editions, a CD/MP3 player with 9 speakers, satellite radio, HD Radio, and an auxiliary audio input. The 650i adds a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, upgraded leather upholstery, and additional power accessories.

Optional equipment for the 2017 6 Series lineup is slated to include a number of packages with features like upgraded and upsized wheels, a heated sport steering wheel, variable-ratio steering, and a super-premium 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Standard safety equipment aboard all 2017 6 Series trims includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags with head-protection chambers, rear head curtain airbags, daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, and adaptive headlights. BMW’s Remote Services emergency telematics will also return, along with pre- and post-collision safety systems. The Convertible will feature a rollover-sensing pop-up roll bar.

Optional safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision-mitigation braking, a blind-spot monitor, and lane-departure warnings, all of which come with the Driver Assistance Plus package.

Look for the 2017 6 Series to begin appearing in dealer showrooms in the autumn of 2016.