The 6-Series, launched in 2004 has been refreshed for 2008; both the front and rear of the car have been updated, affording a car that was hardly a minger to start with, some well placed nips and tucks. There is, however an exciting and important addition to the range; the 635D.
Now BMW never misses a trick, not only in the marketing, production and quality of its cars but also how to recognise potential demand in a massively competitive market. This is a car that promises you the best of both worlds; a diesel GT; a concept unheard of a few years ago but as usual, BMW are right on form - leading the way as with practically everything else.
The 6-Series is BMW’s big Coupe; looks-wise it’s pretty (if slightly angry at the same time) - I’ve always though of it as an individual in a world of clones. The tested car came complete with the design updates for 2008; they are subtle but add nicely to the overall look of the car but the 19 inch rims really set it off. The test vehicle came fully loaded with a Bluetooth phone system, advanced navigation, a dynamic LOGIC7 stereo incorporating a six CD changer and digital radio and a heap of other cool stuff.
What makes this variant different is the 3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine under the bonnet. This unit has been heaped with all sorts of praise and awards and has been fitted to almost the entire range - stuffing it to the 6-Series was inevitable. The technology that has been applied to the engine is incredible; a common-rail six-cylinder, 24-valve 3 litre unit generates 286 BHP.
Starting the car and jabbing the throttle slightly, I felt slightly dubious that this car was going to impress me at all. The motor is quiet but you can still hear the tappety sound inside the cabin. All doubts quickly disperse once I selected drive and give it some hoof - it’s a quick motor and you know that straight away. The sport button nestles close to the gear selector and once onto a nice stretch of open ‘A’ road, I armed it and opened the throttle. Using the manual paddle-shift gearing it became almost surreal to think that this was a diesel-powered car; you can literally feel it becoming tighter and more focussed. It’s all about pulling from low revs in this car - driving it enthusiastically, the available torque seemed endless; the gear changing was smooth and quick.
Okaymit’s quick and it’s economical but you’d expect a compromise wouldn’t you? Perhaps you’d think it’s not quite as quick as a petrol car and you’d be a bit disappointed but endure it in return for it saving you a bit of cash at the pumps. This is where the 635D has the power to astonish; it will perform the 0-60 sprint in just over 6 seconds.
But there’s even more; this car is significantly quicker than the 630i petrol and will give the V8 650i a run for its money. Quite how that level performance is wrung out of this oil burner is beyond me but I
reckon it could be Voodoo – especially when you consider that this car also manages to produce a combined figure fuel consumption figure of over 40MPG.This is a big car but I was astounded at its agility, feedback through the ‘wheel couldn’t be more accurate. The test car was an excellent machine, a true driver’s car and every inch a GT.
It seems that everything that BMW does creates a benchmark for other manufacturers to aspire to; the innovative styling and sleek shapes of its entire stable are the creation of design genius Chris Bangle - each model is unique, yet immediately identifiable. The engineering that‘s used in the suspension, drive, engine, electronics and safety, at times verges on the unbelievable. Technology developed on the track is refined for suspension, engine and transmission, the cabin comfort and
ergonomics have evolved over the years to become a feature that BMW cars are now famous for. Build quality is as good as its gets and has been for decades; the best materials are used and formed to precision. The 635d Sport is the embodiment of all of superb these qualities; a beautiful, blisteringly quick, well finished but amazingly fuel efficient car.
The Facts
Engine: 3-Litre straight 6
Fuel type: Diesel
Top speed 155 MPH (Electronically Limited)
0-62 MPH 6.3 Seconds
Power output: 282 BHP at 4400 rpm
Torque 428 lb ft at 1750 rpm
Fuel Consumption: 41 MPG (combined)
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