2014 BMW 6-Series – From the Driver’s Seat

The 2014 BMW 6 Series, now on sale at Braman BMW in Jupiter, seems to have been designed specifically for South Florida. In this environment, people like their cars long and low, sleek and powerful. They like it when the tops go down, and they like at least a touch of the exotic, like the ‘frozen’ paint on our test vehicle. We like them luxurious and well-crafted, and everything about the 6-Series, from the air-conditioned leather seats to the ceramic controls that feel like a fine Swiss watch, are absolutely top-of-the-line.

We also like our cars with all the latest high-tech systems, and BMW is the very essence of technology, including a head-up display, sophisticated navigation system with i-Drive controller, premium audio systems and soft-close doors that latch themselves tightly. The M-Sport package, new for 2014, features 20-inch wheels and high-performance radial tires as well as aerodynamic bodywork and an M-style racing steering wheel.

All of which gives the 6 Series not merely an athletic look, but genuine athletic capability. You can cruise in stylish luxury on the streets, but mash the gas and it feels like you’ve been shot out of a cannon. To make the 2014 6 Series even more appealing, BMW now offers both engines with either rear- or all-wheel drive in both the coupe and convertible body styles.

The 2014 BMW 640i is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces 315 hp and 332 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard across all models, and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system is optional. Thanks in part to an automatic stop-start system that shuts down the engine when stopped to save fuel, the EPA rates the 640i coupe at an impressive 25 mpg combined (22 city/32 highway) and the 640i convertible at 24 combined (20 city/30 highway). With all-wheel drive, the EPA says to expect 23 combined for both body styles. BMW estimates that a rear-drive 640i will go from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.

The 2014 BMW 650i is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 generating 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. The V8 also uses an eight-speed automatic and comes with rear- or all-wheel drive. The EPA rates the rear-drive 650i coupe and convertible at 20 mpg combined (17 city/25 highway), and AWD 650i models are listed at 19 combined (16 city/24 highway). BMW estimates that a rear-drive 650i will go from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

The interior features a driver-focused dashboard, a large, crisp navigation display and excellent build quality and materials. The convertible distinguishes itself with a rear window that can raise and lower independently from the soft top, along with upholstery that’s treated to remain cool even in direct sunlight.

Standard equipment on the 640i coupe includes a turbocharged six-cylinder engine, 18-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, LED foglights, adaptive suspension dampers, front and rear parking sensors, heated power-folding mirrors, a large tilt-only sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, heated six-way power front seats (with four-way lumbar adjustments), driver seat memory functions, leather upholstery, a heated power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, auto-dimming mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control and a rearview camera.

Electronic features include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 10.2-inch display, a navigation system, voice controls, the iDrive electronics interface, smartphone app integration and a nine-speaker sound system with a CD player, a USB interface and satellite and HD radio. The convertible has a power soft top with a glass rear window that can be raised and lowered independently, along with heat-reflective leather upholstery.

The 650i comes with those features plus a turbocharged V8 engine, 19-inch wheels, a 12-speaker surround-sound audio system and 16-way power front seats.

The optional Driver Assistance package adds side- and surround-view cameras, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning and speed-limit information. The Executive package adds self-closing automatic doors, a power rear sunshade (650i coupe), ventilated front seats, leather-covered dash and contrasting stitching throughout, ceramic-trimmed knobs, a head-up display and smartphone integration. For the 640i models, the 16-way seats and surround-sound audio system are also included.

The Cold Weather package includes a heated steering wheel and a trunk pass-through ski bag. The Lighting package includes full LED lighting and automatic high beam control. BMW’s Individual Composition options allow you to choose among various door sills, headliners, interior upholstery and trims, wheels and exterior trim.

The M Sport package adds unique 19-inch wheels, a sport steering wheel, a faux-suede headliner and an aerodynamic body kit. Stand-alone options include active roll stabilization, active rear steer (rear-wheel drive only), 20-inch wheels, an infrared night vision display with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system and an automated parallel parking system (rear-wheel drive only).

The 6-Series shares a platform with BMW’s 5-Series sedan, though the styling is dramatically different. The 6 Series features well-balanced proportions and graceful detailing that give it a muscular yet understated appearance that will retain its good looks for years to come.

To see the extensive selection of 2014 BMW 6 Series, and all BMW models, visit Braman BMW in Jupiter. To view a video test drive of the 2014 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, click here.