BMW’s 6-Series Is The First Luxury Coupé With A Diesel Engine
Nov 08, 2007
BMW
Five years after the engine’s launch, BMW has finally slotted its superb twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel into the 6-Series coupé, creating the world’s first oil-burning luxury Grand Tourer.
But why has it taken so long? Well, with a top-selling V8 powerplant, plus a high-performance M6 and an entry-level 3.0-litre petrol variant already available, creating a 635d wasn’t high on BMW’s priority list.
However, as this unit is expected to account for 70 per cent of 6-Series sales in the UK, the brand must be kicking itself that it didn’t develop the top-end diesel coupé earlier.
Given the praise we’ve previously heaped on this engine, it won’t come as any surprise to learn it has the same impressive blend of power and economy here, with a 0-60mph time of a little more than six seconds and a combined fuel figure of nearly 41mpg. It pulls like a train from 1,500rpm, never loses its composure and, thanks to superb noise insulation, is marginally quieter and smoother than in the 5-Series.
The 635d’s six-speed automatic gearbox first appeared in the 5-Series earlier this year. Here, however, it has a unique shifter with very neatly integrated buttons. It’s good to use and will find its way into the executive saloon in due course. As well as standard paddleshift levers, a Sport button that shortens shift times is also included in the set-up.
