2017 BMW 6 Series Coupe

The BMW 6 Series has been BMW's range-topping coupe for years, straddling the line between competitors such as the E Class Coupe and S Class Coupe. Based on the now outdated F10 BMW 5 Series, the 6 Series can be had in three body styles globally, but only two here in the USA - a convertible, and the answer to a question nobody asked, the four-door Gran Coupe. But this may be the last you see of the sleek 6 Series - production will be discontinued soon to make way for the new 8 Series. The only model bearing the 6 Series name will be 6 Series GT, replacing the 5 Series GT, but not yet available in the US.

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The 6 Series is the epitome of athleticism combined with beauty, with a sleek silhouette and flowing lines that emphasize the large size of the Coupe. With colors like Melbourne Red, Mediterranean Blue and Moonstone Metallic, it creates an elegant image. It ships with 18-inch wheels, although 19s and 20s are optionally available. Standard specs include LED headlights, fog lamps, and a sunroof.

Exterior dimensions worth noting are a height of 53.9 inches, a width of 74.6 inches, and a base curb weight just over the 4,000-lbs mark.

Like the 5 Series upon which it's based, the BMW 6 Series Coupe interior is packed full of high-quality materials, tactile finishes, and a typically precise German layout and design.

Everything feels solidly put together and ready to stand the test of time. Also much like the 5 Series, there's space for five occupants, though in Gran Coupe models, the rear headroom is somewhat cramped. Inherited from the 5, but also exacerbated by its own styling, visibility from the 6 Series feels limited, with a long-reaching hood, and generally large proportions tending to swallow you as a driver.

Thankfully, the seating position is infinitely adjustable and absolutely superb – sitting low and with incredible telescopic reach adjustment positioning the steering wheel perfectly. It feels like a luxury GT, even though it's based on an executive dad-mobile.

The F10/F12 platform has one giant flaw - it is gigantic. The 6 Series may not necessarily be as large as a Mercedes S Coupe, but it certainly feels as big. The weight of it and the low slung seating position make it feel larger than it is, which makes it awkward to blindly place on the road.

But what it lacks there, it more than makes up for in outright talent. The new BMW 6 Series offers a superb balance between ride and handling, soaking up bumps but feeling ever connected with the road. It feels its heft, but the standard M-Sport suspension deals with it superbly with minimal heave and body roll. Optional rear-wheel steering makes it far nimbler than its long wheelbase would suggest.

Press on, and the 6 Series is a driving enthusiast's joy – able to be chucked around with ease. The rear-driven nature leads to oversteer on the limit, but the long wheelbase makes it feel steady, progressive, and tied down.

Two configurations are available on the 6 Series - not including the Alpina B6 - with both engines utilizing the familiar, but always excellent, ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox. Drive, by default, goes to the rear wheels, though xDrive all-wheel drive is available. The 640i features BMW's turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, with outputs of 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. The 650i gets a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, with substantial performance figures of 445hp and 480lb-ft. The 650i GC with xDrive questions the need for an M6, with a 0 to 60 mph sprint of just 4.3 seconds. Getting up to top speed is no problem at all.

Fuel economy is on par for the segment, too, with city/highway/combined ratings of 21/30/24 mpg according to the EPA. These are a point better per cycle than the gas mileage figures from the competition that is the E-Class Coupe .

As standard, the newest 6 Series is generously equipped with 14-way power-assisted front seats, leather upholstery, adaptive LED headlights, dynamic cruise control, and iDrive 6.0, with navigation, a 10.2-inch display screen, and a standard 200GB hard drive. Safety features are equally generous, including stability control, and ABS with cornering brake control and EBD. The Driving Assistance Package adds a heads up display, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitors and frontal collision warning.

Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA has conducted a review of the 2017 BMW 6 Series for safety ratings.

The 2017 6 Series may be on the verge of replacement with the 8 Series revival, but it's still got plenty to offer for its price and is certainly worthy of a test drive. Powerful engines and a luxuriant cabin make the 6 Series the ultimate five-seater GT car, although we can't help but imagine how much better it would be if it were lighter. In terms of reliability, one recall for potentially faulty seat-mounted airbags is all that's noted.

With a base price of around $77,600 for the base model 640i Coupe, the BMW 6 Series' price is quite a bit more expensive in comparison to the Merc E-Class Class Coupe. The all-wheel-drive Bimmer ups the total cost by an extra $3,000. The MSRP for 650i variants with rear-wheel drive is $89,000, while the top-end 650i xDrive Coupe will set you back $92,000.