Home » Car Reviews » BMW » BMW 6 Series » 2005 BMW 6 Series Luxury Sports Coupe and Convertible
2005 BMW 6 Series Luxury Sports Coupe and Convertible
…Continued
We prefer the SMG transmission BMW puts in the M3, to this one. It shifts differently than the 6 Series. The M3 has two paddles. The one on the right shifts the gears up, and the left-hand one shifts down. In the 6 Series the paddles are two sided: pull either paddle toward you to shift up, and depress down with your thumbs to shift down. We want BMW to put the M3’s SMG in the 6 Series, for “over the top” fun.
Ride and Handling
BMWs handle like no other production cars sold in the US. They have been the driving-dynamics benchmark for luxury cars for a decade. BMWs provide an exciting driving experience that is controlled, and comfortable. This is true for the new 6 Series, making it the best handling large luxury coupe, or convertible, on the market.
The 6 Series has a lower ride height, and wider track in both the front, and back, than the 5 series sedan. The springs and shocks are stiffer than a standard 5 Series, but not as stiff as the 5 Series with the sport suspension.
The 6 Series, with the sport package, is the second BMW we have driven with Active Steering. BMW introduced this technology in the new 5. The system varies the steering ratio (amount of steering it takes to turn the car) based on vehicle speed, and driving conditions. This makes the car easy to maneuver in parking lots, or when making U-turns,
The complaint we hear about Active Steering is that it makes the car unpredictable in turns. We found that once we got used to it Active Steering helps the driver to better predict how the vehicle will respond when driving fast or slow. We enjoyed this benefit.
All the technology gives this big car nimble, sports car performance belying its weight and size. The 6 Series is much more a driver’s, and design-lover’s car than primary competitors such as the Lexus SC 430, or (to a lesser degree) the Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Safety
BMWs are among the safest cars on the road. The 6 Series is equipped with dual-stage, driver and front-passenger airbags. For side-impact protection, the coupe has BMW’s Head Protection System, and side-impact airbags that are integrated into the front seats.
The convertible 6 Series has a Rollover Protection System. The system is comprised of two roll bars, stored behind the rear seats, that deploy upward in the event of a rollover. The deployed bars, along with the reinforced, front-windshield A pillar, form a roll cage protecting the occupants.
BMW’s optional On-Star like “Assist” is a subscription-based product featuring collision notification, an SOS button, roadside assistance, and Concierge services.
Conclusion
It is great to have the 6 Series back after a decade of absence. BMW needed a large, luxury coupe, and convertible, in its lineup. It was a rather glaring omission from their otherwise comprehensive product line.
The 6 Series ride and handling are top notch. The transmission choices are comprehensive, and the SMG makes the car fun for everyone, without the performance loss of an automatic, or the physical effort of a manual. SMG transmissions are the wave of the future, and it is likely they will replace their automatic and manual predecessors.
Despite what other journalists say, the 6 Series is a classic. It’s beauty is understated and on par with the Cords, Auburns and Packards of yesteryear. If you love sports cars, this is -- yet another -- great offer from BMW.
Pros: Great handling, and performance. Beautiful inside, and out.
Cons: Cramped back seat. Frustrating iDrive. Priced for a Pope.
- Style: 10
- Performance: 10
- Price: 9
- Handling: 10
- Ride: 10
- Comfort: 8
- Quality: 10
- Overall: 9.6
