“Car has performed great since I purchased it. Only complaint is the low front grille profile. Had the same concern with my previous 535.”
2016 BMW 6 Series: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 BMW 6 Series is a mid-cycle refresh, led by revised front and rear styling and newly standard adaptive full-LED headlights. It is a meaningful update, not a full redesign.
About the 2016 BMW 6 Series
3rd generation (F06/F12/F13), mid-cycle refresh year
BMW positions the 6 Series as a luxury grand tourer: a car that blends strong turbo power, upscale materials, and relaxed high-speed comfort with a sleeker shape than a traditional luxury sedan. In 2016 it spans three personalities under one model range — classic two-door coupe, open-top convertible, and four-door Gran Coupe — but the common theme is elegant design, long-distance comfort, and easy, effortless speed rather than razor-sharp track focus.
The 2016 range remains focused on comfortable long-distance travel, with Coupe, Convertible, and four-door Gran Coupe body styles. The 640i uses a 315-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine, while the 650i brings a 445-hp twin-turbo V8 and richer features such as multi-contour seats and Harman Kardon audio. The limited-production ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe stands out with 600 hp, all-wheel drive, upgraded suspension, and a hand-finished leather cabin.
What changed, by category
Styling
BMW revised the grille, front bumper, rear bumper details, and exterior mirrors across the Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe. The ALPINA B6 also received revised front-end and hood details. Alloy wheels changed from standard to optional on the 650i Gran and 650i Gran xDrive.
Safety
Adaptive full-LED headlights and automatic high beams became standard across the lineup. The ALPINA B6 also received larger front brakes.
Tech
Enhanced USB and Bluetooth functions became standard across the lineup.
Powertrain
A sport exhaust became standard throughout the range, including the six-cylinder 640i models. The ALPINA B6 gained 60 hp for a 600-hp total, along with updated engine and chassis tuning.
Lineup
The 640i xDrive Gran joined the lineup, while the 640i Gran xDrive left it. The Alpina B6 Gran xDrive continued under the renamed Alpina B6 xDrive Gran badge.
2016 BMW 6 Series specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Manual Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Manual Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Manual Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Manual Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Manual Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Manual Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Manual Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Manual Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Manual Spt |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20–21 mpg | 17 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31–32 mpg | 25 mpg | 31 mpg | 25 mpg | 29 mpg | 24–25 mpg | 29 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 315 hp | 445 hp | 315 hp | 445 hp | 315 hp | 445 hp | 315 hp | 445 hp | 591 hp |
| Torque | 330 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft | 330 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft | 330 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft | 330 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft | 590 lb-ft |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | |||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Memory Front Seats | |||||||||
| Power Windows | |||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2016 and 2015 BMW 6 Series?
The biggest difference is the 2016 exterior refresh. BMW revised the grille, bumpers, and mirrors, while adaptive full-LED headlights and automatic high beams became standard across the lineup.
Is the 2016 BMW 6 Series a full redesign?
No, the 2016 BMW 6 Series is a mid-cycle refresh of the existing third-generation model. Its main updates are revised styling, standard LED lighting, upgraded connectivity, and several equipment and performance changes.
Did the 2016 BMW 6 Series engines change?
The regular 640i and 650i kept their existing engines, but a sport exhaust became standard across the range. The ALPINA B6 was the major performance exception, gaining 60 hp for a total of 600 hp along with revised engine and chassis tuning.
Does every 2016 BMW 6 Series have LED headlights?
Yes, adaptive full-LED headlights and automatic high beams became standard across the 2016 BMW 6 Series lineup.
What changed on the 2016 BMW ALPINA B6?
The 2016 ALPINA B6 gained 60 hp for a 600-hp total, updated engine and chassis tuning, larger front brakes, revised front-end and hood styling, and standard adaptive full-LED headlights. Its name also changed from Alpina B6 Gran xDrive to Alpina B6 xDrive Gran.
2016 BMW 6 Series Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 BMW 6 Series.
4.6
2016 BMW 6 Series
(43 reviews)
“The BMW 6 series is one of the most beautiful cars out there. The overall styling is powerful.”
“Don't buy this car (2016 650i grand coupe), there is a design flaw in the power train/chassis setup and BMW is quietly trying to sweep it under the rug and say it's "supposed to shake like that". After 16 BMW's my faith in this brand has been shaken to its core.”