2008 BMW 6 Series

The BMW 6-Series is a costly luxurious cruiser because it's too big and heavy to be a sports car. But it's still plenty fast and athletic, and also rather exclusive.

BMW introduced the 6-Series as a coupe and convertible for 2004, when the automaker was giving some models an unusual trunk lid shape. Some call that lid distinctive -- I call it awkward-looking. The 2008 model has minor styling changes but retains that trunk lid -- and the 2009 6-Series is basically unchanged.

The solid-feeling 6-Series line starts with the $75,600 650i coupe and $82,700 convertible. It then jumps to the rather over-the-top hot rod $99,300 M6 coupe and $105,100 M6 convertible from BMW's high-performance division.

The 650i has a sophisticated 4.8-liter, 360-horsepower V-8, which makes the car more than plenty fast. The M6 is powered by a 5-liter V-10 with 500 horsepower, which feels potent enough to rocket it to the moon.

Fuel economy isn't a strong point of any 6-Series model because they have all that muscle and weigh 3,781 to 4,178 pounds.

The V-8 provides an estimated 15 mpg in the city and 22 on highways with a 6-speed manual transmission (14 and 21 for the convertible) and 15 and 23 with a six-speed automatic. The M6 delivers 11 and 17 with either the standard six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed automated manual transmission, which works in a harsh and clumsy manner, especially in town.

BMW should toss the automated manual along with its overcomplicated, distracting iDrive system with its control settings and menus. At least the dashboard has basic audio and climate controls.

All 2008 6-Series models are expensive, and often-costly options can significantly increase prices.

For example, a $75,600 650i coupe I tested had a bottom-line price of $88,195, excluding a $775 destination change. Granted, its options were desirable. They included $2,400 "black pearl leather" upholstery, $2,100 sport package for sharper handling and extra-supportive seats, $2,000 premium sound system and $2,200 night vision system for safer night driving. Lesser extras included $595 satellite radio and a $750 cold weather package with heated front seats and steering wheel.

Could you do without all that stuff? Probably, if you're not too spoiled or wealthy -- considering that all 6-Series models have a mile-long list of standard comfort, convenience and safety features.

Even the 650i coupe has regular leather upholstery, air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate controls, power front seats, power sunroof, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, navigation system, power tilt/telescopic wheel with radio controls and the usual power mirrors, windows and door locks. There's even steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights with washers to better see around curves, and heated door locks. Naturally, the convertible's snug top is power-operated, and top-down wind buffeting is acceptable.

There are plenty of safety items, including a bunch of air bags and antiskid, traction control and active roll stabilization systems. A worthy safety option is $2,400 adaptive cruise control, which helps prevent rear-end collisions with the vehicle ahead.

The precise steering has the right amount of power assist, although some might feel it's a bit heavy. The manual transmission allows decent 65-75 mph passing even in sixth gear. But the best transmission for this car is the automatic. The regular six-speed manual shifts OK, but it can get notchy and works with BMW's typical moderately heavy long-throw clutch. The 650i isn't as involving to drive as other BMW models, although handling is quite good. You always can feel the weight, which makes the 650i a great interstate cruiser that's less at home on curving back roads.

The faster M6 feels sharper, with its sport suspension, larger tires and beefed-up brakes -- although a Porsche 911 still is more fun to drive. The 650i's ride is well-controlled, although occupants can feel expressway expansion strips. The M6's firmer ride is for diehard performance car buffs. The brake pedal has a rather soft, but progressive, action and all models stop admirably.

Long doors are awkward in tight spots, but the quiet interior is posh. It has supportive seats, especially with the Sport option, but gauges could be more easily read with larger numbers. I found the front power windows impossible to stop with their controls as they raced down or up. The large console eats space, but there's good room up front for tall occupants. The rear seat area is just plain tight, with acceptable adult legroom only behind a front passenger willing to slide the seat up more than halfway. There isn't much interior storage space.

My test coupe's trunk was fairly large, although it has a high opening. The trunk lid has an interior lining, but its covered manual hinges consume some space.

The lined hood raises smoothly on twin struts to reveal an imposing-looking engine. Too bad, though, that BMW doesn't offer the 6-Series with one of its traditionally butter-smooth inline six-cylinder engines, such as the 330-horsepower "six" in its Z4 M sports car. The 650i's performance wouldn't suffer all that much with that engine, and BMW's tradition would be better served.

2008 BMW 6-SERIES COUPE 

Price: $75,600-$105,100 

Likes: Fast. Good handling. Smooth as silk.

Dislikes: High prices. Low fuel economy. Awkward trunk lid shape. Harsh automated manual transmission. Annoying iDrive controller. No traditional inline six-cylinder.