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BMW 635d CAR review

30 October 2007 09:00

A 635d? Hmm, potentially an interesting combo…

Indeed. Mating the excellent twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel to BMW’s mildly-facelifted 6-Series Coupe and Cabriolet, creating (they say) the world’s first diesel GT 2+2, is something we’ve been anticipating with intrigue. The 282bhp unit has the same power as an ‘80s M 635 CSi, yet the 427lb ft of torque is over 10 percent up on the current M6. Oh, and it’s delivered between 1750 rather than 6100rpm. And 95 percent is yours at 1500rpm, too. As such, BMW promises near-instantaneous throttle response from the sequential turbo set-up, aided by a quick-fire auto (no semi-auto nonsense here). It’s also the world’s first 40.9mpg luxo-sports car.

You’ve sold me on the figures but, as a petrolhead, I’m still to be convinced…

Try this. Cruise at 60mph, then tweak the throttle. Just a tweak, that’s all. Feel that? Instant response, linear as you like, with shove like no other 6 in normal use. With 62mph taking 6.3 seconds, this is a fast car – but all that torque means it’s real-world fast. It makes a mockery of all the flurried downchanges you need in an M6, and yet the other failing fast diesels can suffer – runaway, uncontrollable surge – is also metered. It’s like a very powerful petrol turbo (with similar response), and pretty additive to boot. Other than at tickover and near 4,000rpm, it doesn’t even sound dieselly: the straight-six vocals are throbby, bassy and very smooth.

By: Richard Aucock
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Statistics

How much? £53,910
On sale in the UK: Now
Engine: 2993cc 6-cyl, 282bhp @ 4400rpm, 428lb ft @ 1750rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Performance: 6.3secs 0-60mph, 155mph, 40.9mpg, 183g/km
How heavy / made of? 1725kg/steel
How big (length/width/height in mm)? 4820/1855/1374
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CAR's rating

Rated 4 out of 5

Handling

Rated 4 out of 5

Performance

Rated 5 out of 5

Usability

Rated 3 out of 5

Feelgood factor

Rated 4 out of 5

Readers' rating

Rated 4 out of 5

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BMW 635d CAR review

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audijohn

audijohn says

New 635D Sport

I have just bought a 635D Sport with "Efficient Dynamics", these comprise; quick warm-up flaps in the grill, alternator "disconnect" on accelerating, and "Brake Regeneration". The engine and autobox are stonking, best gearchange I have experienced to date, IDrive quicker and easy to use,all in all Fab car.

29 January 2008 17:32

JohnnyBimmer

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JohnnyBimmer says

635d available for £20,000 discount!!

The 3ltr twin turbo diesel engine provides a granite fist on the motorway. You cannot tell its a diesel except on start-up. The rest of the time you hear a subtle growl or nothing at all so if you like petrol growls buy the petrol. However as a long distance companion the diesel gives you more shove and nearly twice the economy. It really is a no contest for higher milage drivers. Finally interested buyers will like to know there's a £20,000 on this 3.5 coupe. It's the sport version (slightly liger weight, better looking etc) and it's called the 335d coupe!

27 January 2008 01:45

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