Review
6 Series Gran Coupé 640d xDrive
Three models have emerged from the lineage of the new BMW 6 Series. We have the 6 Series Convertible and 6 Series Coupé, both of which are more focused on sportiness. If you are charmed by elegant looks, then the 6 Series Gran Coupé will be your thing. We were introduced to the 6 Series Gran Coupé 640d xDrive.
engines
The 6 Series is available in three body styles: Convertible, Coupé and Gran Coupé. Within each bodywork variant you can choose from 6 engines. As an entry-level car with a petrol engine, you have the 640i with rear-wheel drive and the 640i xDrive with intelligent all-wheel drive. The 640i is equipped with a BMW TwinPower turbo petrol engine with a capacity of 2,979 cc, a power of 320 hp and a maximum torque of 450 Nm. You can reach 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and the top speed is 250 km/h.
If you want even more power, that is possible. There is also a 650i available as well as a 650i xDrive. These sports enthusiasts have a 4395 cc V8 turbo petrol engine. This fast guy delivers 450 hp and an impressive torque of 650 Nm. You can reach 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds with the 650i. The 650i xDrive does slightly better with 4.5 sec.
We got a diesel shoved under our bottom. More specifically the 640d xDrive Gran Coupé. This was equipped with a 2,993 cc engine with six cylinders in-line. It is a BMW TwinPower Turbo diesel engine with a power of 313 hp. On paper this is not a huge amount, but the car does feel fast. This is partly thanks to a generous torque of 630 Nm. This elegant appearance reaches 100 in 5.2 seconds. This also means you leave a lot of cars behind you when you move on. The top speed is 250 km/h, just like its brothers. A 640d with rear-wheel drive is also available. This is almost the same as the xDrive, but slightly slower.
If all this is not enough, there is also an M variant with 560 hp of the Coupé, Cabrio and Gran Coupé.
In terms of budget, you can park the Coupé in your driveway from 85,250 euros and the Gran Coupé from 87,650 euros. You will have to dig a little deeper into your pockets for the Cabrio, because it is available from 94,350 euros. The M versions have an entry price between 130,000 euros and 138,000 euros.
6 Series Gran Coupé
The 6 Series Gran Coupé is the result of an elegant mix between the sporty performance and looks of a coupe and the practical benefits of a four-door sedan. The Gran Coupé has a total length of just over 5 meters, making it longer than the three-door Coupé. In the interior of the Gran Coupé, the driver and passengers can bathe in a sea of space and luxury. For long journeys you can travel comfortably with a total of 4 people. The 2 people at the back also each have their own seat. If necessary, you can also seat 3 people at the back, but this is not really comfortable or elegant.
xDrive
For every body variant of the 6 Series, including the Gran Coupé, you can choose rear-wheel drive or xDrive. xDrive means intelligent all-wheel drive, where the distribution of drive to the front/rear wheels is aimed at optimizing traction and stability for any type of weather or surface. In addition, xDrive ensures better road holding and faster acceleration. Personally, we are convinced of the advantages of this system and would opt for a 6 Series with xDrive.
Head-Up Display
As should be the case in a sporty luxury sedan, you can also choose from many nice options to personalize your 6 Series according to your taste.
The Head-Up Display (+1,610 euros) is certainly something on our wish list. This display projects color-relevant information such as speed, speed limits and navigation information on the windshield in the driver’s field of vision. BMW’s Head-Up Display, together with that of Mercedes, is one of the best we have already tested.
Our test car was also equipped with BMW Night Vision with pedestrian detection (+2,240 euros). When you switch on this system, you will receive thermal images on the Control Display. This makes it easier to recognize people and larger animals in the dark. If there is danger, you will receive a warning on the screen and in the Head-Up Display and the brakes will be put on high alert.
Our ears were also thoroughly spoiled in the Gran Coupé. You can opt for a high-end Surround Sound System from Bang & Olufsen (+5,240 euros). Thanks to 16 speakers with a power of no less than 1,200 watts, you get a crystal-clear unique sound experience. The automatically extending speaker in the center of the dashboard also looks good.
We would certainly also opt for the reversing camera (+500 euros) and surround view (+750 euros). It doesn’t always have to be the most expensive options that really complete a car. An M-Sport steering wheel (+225 euros) was missing on the test car, but we would certainly choose it.
Conclusion
The new 6 Series Gran Coupé has become a handsome car with a stately and elegant look. We personally think it works best as an xDrive variant and its driving behavior makes every ride a real pleasure.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
