Skip to content

 
 

CAR Reviews

Click Thumbnails to Enlarge

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
Need to know

CAR's rating

Rated 4 out of 54

Handling

Rated 4 out of 54

Performance

Rated 5 out of 55

Usability

Rated 3 out of 53

Feelgood factor

Rated 4 out of 54

Readers' rating

Rated 3.5 out of 53.5

BMW 635d (2007) CAR review

By Richard Aucock

First Drives

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.

Rate this article...

Average rating: Rated 3.5 out of 53.5 (32 votes)

Discuss this

Add your comment

BMW 635d (2007) CAR review

Subject

Your comment

By submitting your comment, you agree to adhere to the CAR Magazine website Terms and Conditions

Cancel

 

joe-hxc

reward badge

joe-hxc says

RE: BMW 635d CAR review

There are times where a car is soo ugle that it becomes beautiful again - i love this carr

21 February 2009 21:19

 

audijohn

reward badge

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

reward badge

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

Become a CAR contributor

Upload stories, photos or videos direct to the site, or email newsdesk@carmagazine.co.uk.

Alternatively, call 01733 468 485 (+ 44 1733 468 485)

December 2011 issue of CAR magazine
Win a bmw

Become a CAR contributor

Seen a secret new car, fabulous exotic or have news we should publish? Then get in touch now.