BMW 640i Coupe

[EXTRACT]#EANF# What‘s it? For any change, the coupe has arrived following the cabriolet. Not that a lot of would have noticed the variation inside the traditional launch schedule. Still, the move says plenty about BMW’s priorities using the elegant new 6-series, which by its own admission remains targeted primarily in the North American market. Larger and much more comprehensively equipped than its predecessor, the new 6-series coupe exudes class coming from the initial moment – and with terms of styling and interior appointments, both of that far better resolved than upon the car it replaces. What’s it like? Sitting on a single platform like the latest 5-series, additionally it is terrifically rounded given by a dynamic standpoint. Even after a brief spell behind the wheel, you’re well aware the new two-door’s on-road ability is really a improvement upon the old 6-series coupe and a transparent match for rivals for example the Mercedes-Benz E-class coupe and Jaguar XK. The new 6-series coupe has the selection of three engines, mirroring the strategy taken with 6-series cabriolet launched earlier in 2012. Among the many turbocharged direct injection petrol units is really a 315bhp 3. 0-litre in-line six inside the 640i driven here in addition to a more powerful 4. 4-litre V8 developing 401bhp inside the initial range topping 650i. Also available is really a turbocharged common rail injected 3. 0-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel with 308bhp inside the 640d. Despite plans to the introduction of the four-wheel drive 650i Xdrive model in certain markets, all versions from the new BMW coupe destined to the UK will retain rear-wheel drive. Unlike the old model which came using the selection of both a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic, though, the new 6-series gets an eight speed automatic gearbox with remote shifting capability over the range as standard. In keeping with developments in other recent new BMW models, additionally receives automatic stop / start, brake energy regeneration, flaps behind the grille that near enhance the drag co-efficient on part throttle loads as well as on demand ancillary functions – all and that is claimed to result in combined cycle fuel savings of as much as 12 per cent on standard 17-inch wheels and 225 / 55 R17 tyres. Although It‘s lumbered with 1660kg (or 130kg greater than old 630i due to its increased dimensions ), the bottom engine endows the 640i with impressive straight-line performance. With 332lb ft of torque on tap at just 1300rpm, bursts from the line with enthusiasm and provides determined acceleration well into three figures. The delivery is terrifically linear ; the twin scroll turbocharger spools up with no discernable lag from idle onwards, providing V8 like levels of shove all of the method to the 7200rpm cut-out. BMW claims 0-62mph in 5. 4sec – a full second inside time quoted to the 630i, with top speed limited to 155mph. There aren‘t any official in-gear figures just yet, but by having an added 96lb ft developed 1450rpm lower inside the rev range it always feels more eager compared to the model it replaces, even when the engine note, a lower than appeal combination of induction and exhaust blare, is nowhere near as entertaining like the old naturally aspirated 3. 0-litre in-line six, whose raspy mechanical hum appears set to become resigned to history. The 640i coupe devours big distances with great aplomb. High speed stability is just one of its real strengths, which makes it a consummate grand tourer. With combined average fuel consumption of 37. 2mpg, it ought to be good for a minimum of 500 miles between visits towards the petrol station forecourt at normal motorway speeds. Regardless of its obvious heft, additionally feels in your own home on challenging back roads. Accurate and well weighted electro-mechanical combine having a terrifically rigid and resilient body structure, to endow it with real sharpness, while grip levels are incredibly high. For such an enormous car the new BMW is simple to place on an open road and terrifically agile, most especially when running the optional Integral Active Steering, which introduces counter steer upon the rear wheels, and Adaptive Drive, which suppresses roll though the usage of hydraulically operated anti-roll bars. Inside a bid to cater a broader choice of driving styles compared to the second-generation model, BMW has provided the new 6-series with four different driving modes included in a typical Driving Experience Control system : eco pro, comfort, sport and sport plus. Each provides the new car using its own individual character. In everyday driving it feels best in sport, though for all those seeking added response, sport plus introduces even greater sharpness towards the steering, throttle response and damping. Should I buy one? The new 6-series coupe is really a highly accomplished car. It‘s a more harmoniously styled car than its predecessor – both inside and out, boasts heady performance even in base guise, packs added levels of agility, is impressively frugal when driven in the kind of legal limits imposed inside the UK, is roomier all round and imparts a satisfying sense of solidity. But despite all of this, it fails to link with an emotional level. It has got the job done – determinedly, efficiently and with no obvious short comings. However it ultimately fails to really engage the driver inside the way a car with such clear sporting pretensions should. Let’s hope the M6 puts it right. BMW 640iPrice : £59, 550 ; Top speed : 155mph ; 0-62mph : 5. 4sec ; Economy : 37. 2mpg (combined ) ; CO2 : 177g / km ; Kerb weight : 1660kg ; Engine : 6 cyls in line, 2979cc, turbo, petrol ; Installation : Front, longitudinal, RWD ; Power : 315bhp at 5800rpm ; Torque : 332lb ft at 1300rpm ; Gearbox : 8-spd automatic ; EXTRACT#EANF# BMW 640i Coupe