2012 BMW 6-Series

The new hood is one of the most prominent features, with a series of creases converging toward the nose, giving the surface character while also slightly slimming the broad nose's shape. Lower, wider, and longer than the previous 6-Series, the 2012 model looks decidedly more hunkered-down and ready for action, without looking at all cramped or compact.

BMW's now-characteristic modern take on the kidney grille is present up front, as are sculpted intakes to access the "shark nose" form. At the sides, the surfaces are kept simple, with mildly flared fenders and the coupe profile the dominant details. Large alloy wheels look at home in the large coupe's scale.

Available with a choice of two engines, the 2012 6-Series Coupe and Convertible come in either 640i or 650i trim. The numbers denote the virtual engine sizes: the 640i uses a 3.0-liter TwinPower turbocharged six-cylinder engine rated at 315 horsepower; the 650i gets a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine rated at 400 horsepower. Both engines comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and seamlessly, and rises to the task of more aggressive driving surprisingly well. A six-speed manual transmission is available on rear-drive V-8 models.

Both engines are willing performers, but the larger, more laid-back character of the 6-Series is best suited by the V-8, in our estimation. Easy, smooth power complements the ride quality and handling, making it truly effortless to cruise along well above 100 mph--though you'll want to pay attention to that tendency if you're not a fan of large speeding tickets.

Closing or opening in just under 20 seconds, even while rolling along at up to 25 mph, the soft roof is remarkably sturdy, quiet, and well-constructed. It's also lighter, and stows in a smaller space, than a typical folding hardtop--the 6-Series Convertible still has 10.6 cubic feet of space in the trunk with the  down down. The glass window in the convertible is even a separate piece that can be opened even with the top up for even more ventilation.

The Coupe doesn't have the trick top to deal with, but like the Convertible, it gets an all-new interior for 2012, replacing the previous 6-Series' somewhat clunky space with a well-built, comfortable, and intriguingly designed cabin. The driver-focused controls sees the center console canted toward the left, and the control surfaces are made of classy, premium-looking and -feeling plastics and leathers.

Standard safety equipment on the 2012 6-Series includes advanced dynamic stability control and traction control; anti-lock brakes; cornering brake control; dynamic brake control; start-off assistance; and automatic brake drying function. Optional high-tech extras that can enhance safety and visibility include: a heads-up display; adaptive LED headlights; rear-view, top-view, and side-view cameras; integral active steering,and night-view cameras with pedestrian detection.

Some of the highlights of the 6-Series' standard equipment list include the iDrive infotainment and control system, which uses a console-mounted knob and 10.2-inch widescreen display to enable multi-function access and control of the car's systems; rearview camera plus front/rear parking sensors; and the BMW Assist telematics and help line service (four year contract).

Of course there are abundant options to upgrade the already very nice standard equipment at almost every turn; from upholstery to trim, stereo to navigation, the list of what you can get is longer than the list of what you can't.

The 2012 BMW 640i (six-cylinder turbocharged) rates 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway in Coupe form, according to the EPA; the convertible scores 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

Stepping up to the V-8 engine in the 650i, the hardtops get 15/23 mpg ratings with the eight-speed automatic, while the six-speed manual scores 15/22 mpg. Soft-top models score identical numbers.