“The BMW 650i GranCoupe is a vehicle I only intend to keep for a year or two. I had to carefully weigh the compromises of different cars before choosing the BMW. It's neither the best car no the worst, but it was the best fit for my overall needs at the time I bought it.”
BMW 6 Series: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The BMW 6 Series is a large luxury car family that blends the speed and sleek shape of a sporty car with the comfort of a long-distance cruiser. It is known for expressive styling, strong turbocharged engines, upscale cabins, and coupe, convertible, and four-door designs.
The 6 Series has consistently been BMW’s more dramatic alternative to a traditional luxury sedan. Its roots are in sleek two-door grand touring cars, while the later Gran Coupe added four-door usefulness without losing the low profile. The Gran Turismo took a different route with more rear-seat room and cargo flexibility, but comfort, power, and distinctive design remained the common thread.
Strengths
- Its low, elegant shape gives it more visual presence than a conventional luxury sedan.
- The cabin combines upscale materials with the relaxed comfort expected from a long-distance luxury car.
- Turbocharged six-cylinder and V8 models deliver strong power without changing the car’s comfortable touring character.
- The Gran Coupe adds useful rear doors while keeping the sleek look that defines the 6 Series.
- The Gran Turismo offers more rear-seat room and flexible cargo space for buyers who need greater everyday usefulness.
- Rear-wheel drive preserves the traditional BMW layout, while all-wheel-drive versions add reassurance in poor weather.
Who it's for
The 6 Series suits someone who wants a used luxury car to feel special on weekend drives and comfortable on long trips. The Gran Coupe fits buyers who need some rear-seat usefulness, while the Gran Turismo makes more sense for those who value passenger and cargo space. Coupe and convertible versions are better suited to shoppers who put style and the driving experience ahead of everyday practicality.
BMW 6 Series lineup
The 640i is the more restrained entry point, pairing the 6 Series experience with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine. Step up to the 650i when the stronger pull and character of a twin-turbo V8 matter more. The ALPINA B6 is the rare, high-performance Gran Coupe of the family, with all-wheel drive and substantially more power. The 640i Gran Turismo stands apart from the low-slung Gran Coupe by emphasizing rear-seat space and hatchback-style cargo flexibility.
BMW 6 Series generations
From 2009 to 2019, the 6 Series spans three generations. The current Transition Lineup — G32 Gran Turismo / Final F06 Models arrived for 2018, following the 3rd Generation — F06/F12/F13 (2012–2017).
Transition Lineup — G32 Gran Turismo / Final F06 Models (2018–2019)
This period mixed the first-generation G32 Gran Turismo with outgoing third-generation 6 Series models. The Gran Turismo used a newer 5 Series-based structure and a hatchback-style body, while the Gran Coupe and ALPINA B6 reached their final U.S. model year in 2019.
6 In Stock
2019Trim changes
Apple CarPlay became standard. The Gran Turismo also gained more standard driver-assistance and display technology, while the Gran Coupe and ALPINA B6 entered their final U.S. year.
2018Trim changes
The all-new G32 640i xDrive Gran Turismo joined with a hatchback-style body and newer structure. The traditional coupe left the lineup, while the Convertible and Gran Coupe changed only lightly.
3rd Generation — F06/F12/F13 (2012–2017)
This redesign brought a larger, stiffer body, a more upscale cabin, and turbocharged six-cylinder and V8 engines. It began with the Coupe and Convertible, then expanded with the four-door Gran Coupe for 2013.
27 In Stock
2017Trim changes
The touchscreen system was updated, and wireless charging plus improved USB and Bluetooth became standard. Styling and engines carried over.
2016Mid-cycle update
BMW refreshed the front and rear styling and made adaptive LED headlights standard across the range.
2015Trim changes
The ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe joined the U.S. lineup. A digital gauge cluster, touchpad controller, navigation, and launch control became standard.
2014Trim changes
All-wheel drive expanded to the 640i Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe. BMW also introduced the limited Frozen Brilliant White Edition convertible.
2013Trim changes
The four-door Gran Coupe joined the lineup, and 650i models received a stronger 445-horsepower twin-turbo V8.
2012New generation
BMW redesigned the Coupe and Convertible with larger, stiffer bodies, newer cabin technology, turbocharged engines, and all-wheel drive on V8 models.
1st Generation Revival — E63/E64 (2004–2010)
This generation revived the 6 Series as a V8-powered coupe and convertible built for long-distance touring. The covered years came after its 2008 styling refresh and changed only lightly before the next redesign.
5 In Stock
2010
BMW added a newer cabin control system and hard-drive navigation. The automatic transmission became standard, while the manual remained an option.
2009
The 650i Coupe and Convertible carried over with the same 4.8-liter V8 and rear-wheel-drive layout.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the BMW 6 Series.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW 6 Series a coupe, convertible, sedan, or hatchback?
It has worn several body styles. Used U.S. examples include two-door coupes, soft-top convertibles, the low four-door Gran Coupe, and the roomier Gran Turismo with a hatchback-style cargo opening. The body style depends heavily on model year.
Does the BMW 6 Series come as a hybrid?
No. The U.S. 6 Series covered here uses gasoline engines. The main choices are a turbocharged six-cylinder in 640i models and a twin-turbo V8 in 650i and ALPINA B6 models.
What is the BMW 6 Series known for?
It is known for style, strong turbocharged power, an upscale cabin, and relaxed long-distance comfort. It feels more dramatic than a 5 Series, but its focus is grand touring rather than being a hard-edged sports car.
Is the BMW 6 Series practical enough for daily use?
Yes, especially in four-door form. The Gran Coupe provides easier passenger access while keeping a low shape. The Gran Turismo is the practical standout, with more rear-seat room, a raised seating position, and a hatchback cargo area with a power liftgate.
Is the BMW 6 Series a true five-seater?
Some later four-door 6 Series models seat five, but space varies by body. The Gran Coupe has a low, style-focused 4+1 layout, while the Gran Turismo provides substantially more rear legroom and is the better fit for regular rear-seat use.
How do the main BMW 6 Series eras differ?
The 2004–2010 revival centered on 650i coupes and convertibles. A redesigned range arrived for 2012 and later expanded to the four-door Gran Coupe. The roomier G32 Gran Turismo joined for 2018 and briefly overlapped with the older Gran Coupe family.
Is the BMW 6 Series rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive?
Both exist. Rear-wheel drive is found across several 640i and 650i versions, while models carrying the xDrive name use all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive reached the V8 cars with the 2012 redesign and expanded across the core 640i body styles for 2014.
BMW 6 Series Reviews
What owners are saying about the BMW 6 Series.
4.5
BMW 6 Series
(435 reviews)
“Excellent cargo room (I need to transfer a wheelchair) and it doesn't look like a hatchback.”
“This is a well made and beautiful vehicle but not a good value for the price I paid. The 640ix lacks several features that my 2014 Audi A7 had, yet cost $17,000 motor.”
“Let be the ease, look and versatility of my BMW 640i. Love that I don't see many of them on the road. Feel like it fits me perfectly.”
“Using the audio input for navigation is a bit of a challenge, needs to be made a little more user-friendly.”
“The technology is so new and the car has so much power that most people would be overwhelmed by it. If you like technology and power it's a great car!”