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BMW 640d Coupe

We drive the new, diesel 6 Series Coupe that's set to become the best selling version

BMW 640d Coupe front tracking

Text: Ross Pinnock / Photos: Nathan Morgan

October 2011

There's more to the latest BMW 6 Series than its Coupe body. The convertible model hit showrooms in time to enjoy the summer, but with winter just around the corner it’s the turn of the tin-top to take the limelight. Its arrival also marks the introduction of a brand new diesel engine and M Sport trim. So is the new 640d Coupe the 6 Series of choice?

The statistics suggest it will be. BMW sold 14,000 examples of the old model in the UK and if its sales figures are anything to go by, this combination is set to be most popular. Take one look at the exterior of the Coupe and its long nose, short overhangs and flared wheelarches are all familiar from the convertible, but the coupe roofline give this model a sportier profile.

Our test car featured optional £1,665 LED headlamps (a first for BMW), and M Sport trim includes dark chrome exterior trim, black brake callipers, smart 19-inch alloys and aerodynamic bodystyling. On the inside, the £4,665 premium over SE models adds aluminium trim, a multi-function leather steering wheel, supportive sports seats and a moody anthracite headlining.

The rest of the cabin is carried over from the Convertible, so you get high quality trim, a rotary iDrive controller on the centre console and a no-nonsense layout that is dominated by a 10.2-inch display for the standard sat-nav. The driving position is excellent, although the thick A-pillar creates large blindspots.

Look over your shoulder you’ll see a pair of individual rear seats, and they’re not just for decoration. They provide enough space for children to sit in relative comfort and even tall adults will be happy to complete short trips in the back, which simply isn’t possible in its Jaguar XK and Mercedes SL rivals. Not that the 640d has any direct competitors, as none of its peers come with the option of diesel power.

The new 3.0-litre cylinder engine is a masterpiece and features a pair of sequential turbochargers; a small one for low down punch and a larger one for extra shove at higher revs. They combine seamlessly to produce a linear surge of acceleration, and it even sounds the part thanks to its gruff snarl.

Its hefty 630Nm of torque is directed to the rear wheels through a smooth shifting eight-speed gearbox, which does wonders for performance and economy; 0-60mph takes a blistering 5.5 seconds yet the official figures suggest the 640d should hit more than 50mpg. The latter ensures a range of more than 500 miles and the car’s relaxed pace and excellent refinement make it a fine long distance tourer.

The chassis is capable, too, and the 6 Series feels incredibly secure. The steering, throttle and brakes are all perfectly judged and precise while its composure at high-speed is impressive, although, admittedly our test car was fitted with the optional Adaptive Drive chassis upgrade. This adds a scary £3,400 to the price but includes variable dampers and an extra Comfort+ mode to add to the standard Comfort, Sport and Sport+ settings.

All 6 Series models also feature a new ECO PRO mode, which optimises features like the climate control and heated door mirrors, as well as the throttle and gearbox responses, to improve economy. It’s all enough to make you wonder about the need for a petrol 6 Series at all…

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6 Comments

The extensive list of options will make this car too expensive, but I don't care because this is a beauty!

By JPW2010 on 7 October, 2011, 3:30pm

beer goggles?

you would need beer goggles to think this is a beauty what a waste of time.. where is the market for massive ugly eco statements?

By nedsplace4 on 8 October, 2011, 1:51pm

A QUALITY MACHINE & WHAT AN INTERIOR TOP QUALITY METERIALS USED,

WHO SAID AUDI DO THE BEST INTERIOURS BMW AT IT'S BEST ! I PREFER A 5, 6 OR 7 SERIES OVER THE SAME SIZE AUDI'S ANYDAY !

By BEREAL on 10 October, 2011, 1:17am

Ugly Stick.

Someone has been beating this car hard with an ugly stick, particularly at the back. Bung a well known badge on something and it sells? Mugs and short sighted types will love it.

By Richardcr on 12 October, 2011, 6:28pm

UGLY

I used to be a big fan of BMW but unfortunitly its becoming difficult to stay loyal now that they are producing such ugly cars !

By newpower on 14 October, 2011, 10:00am

Beautiful, Stylish and Sporty

BMW does it again, another class leading vehicle that people can aspire to.

By FlashGordon on 17 November, 2011, 8:08am

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Pictures

BMW 640d Coupe front tracking
BMW 640d Coupe rear tracking
BMW 640d Coupe dash
BMW 640d Coupe sat-nav
BMW 640d Coupe badge
BMW 640d Coupe front three-quarters
BMW 640d Coupe detail
BMW 640d Coupe rear seats

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FIRST OPINION

    Picking holes in the 640d Coupe isn’t easy. It has enough performance to see off most sports cars, four seats and a 460-litre boot. Fuel economy of 51.4mpg and emissions of 145g/km are also impressive given its storming pace. The only downside is its cost, and the M Sport doesn’t come cheap. Rivals are non-existent, though, so if you want the 640d’s unique combination of talents that’s the price you have to pay.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £66,745
    Engine: 3.0-litre 6cyl
    Power/torque: 309bhp/630Nm
    Transmission: 8-speed auto/rwd
    0-62mph: 5.5 seconds
    Top speed: 155mph (limited)
    Economy: 51.4mpg
    CO2 emissions: 145g/km
    Standard equipment: leather upholstery, electric memory seats, BMW Professional satellite navigation, Xenon headlights, LED front fog lights and front and rear parking sensors, stop-start
    On sale: Now
     
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