BMW 6 Series coupe (2012-2018)

The BMW 6 Series Coupe is the German brand’s premier high-performance Grand Touring car, or GT. It takes on accomplished rivals like the Audi A5 Coupe, Mercedes E-Class Coupe and Mercedes S-Class Coupe, as well as certain models of the Porsche 911.

Although a responsive, rewarding time behind the steering wheel is guaranteed, the 6 Series also excels as a relaxed long-distance cruiser, able to carry two adults across whole continents in absolute comfort – while providing space for the children to come along, too, if the adults don’t mind. If four adults wish to travel together at great speed, though, the four-door BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will be a better bet. It’s mechanically closely related and we’ve reviewed it separately.

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The appeal of the 6 Series Coupe is broadened by its wide choice of engines, so buyers can choose outright power, surprising fuel economy or a blend of both. The 640d is available with a high-performance diesel engine and can return 52.3mpg while still offering a fantastic turn of speed. At the opposite end of the spectrum sits the fearsome – and expensive – BMW M6, its twin-turbocharged engine giving supercars a real run for their money.

Less extreme, but no less appealing are the 3.0-litre petrol 640i SE and its more overtly sporting 650i Sport sister. No matter which model you choose, though, you can enjoy a lavishly equipped, beautifully designed interior with a quality that few cars can rival at any price. The sporty nature of the Coupe does mean that the suspension feels a little on the firm side, while road noise can become obtrusive thanks to the big wheels and wide tyres, but most find traveling in a 6 Series an intoxicating experience for all the right reasons.

The 6 Series is, deservedly, an expensive car and choosing one isn’t a decision to take lightly. However, it can actually stack up reasonably well as an investment – compared to many cars of its type it holds onto its value remarkably well, meaning you’ll see an impressive proportion of your money back when it comes to time to sell and choose your next car.

Meanwhile, you’ll find it an extremely enjoyable car to travel in, as well as a very safe one. Journeys are supported by many of the latest driver aids, including active cruise control and night vision. Our annual Driver Power owner satisfaction survey shows that BMW customers are delighted by the handling of their cars, while their performance impresses owners enough to see the brand in fourth place out of 32 carmakers in the survey.

Reliability didn’t see the same praise, though, with BMW only reaching 21st place overall i this category, although this does take every BMW model into consideration, not just the 6 Series. It doesn’t look like any of this uncertainty is putting buyers off, though. BMWs continue to be popular among car buyers in Britain – and with products like the 6 Series it’s not hard to see why.

As well as the 6 Series Coupe and 6 Series Gran Coupe, a BMW 6 Series Convertible is also available, the latter of which can be chosen in M6 specification, so you can relax in the sunshine if you need a break from all that performance.