A diesel GT. Are they mad?
Nope, quite brilliant. BMW has dropped is superb 3.0-litre biturbo diesel into 6-series coupe and convertible to steal a lead on its Jag XK and Maserati GranTurismo rivals to create the first 21st Century diesel-powered grand tourer. The new 635d (coupe, £53,910, convertible £59,600) also ushers in a mid-life refresh for the three-year old 6-series range with subtle changes to the car’s rear, indicators and cabin.
Is it quick?
Oh yes. The 635d gets the same twin-turbo diesel as the 335d and 535d models. The straight six gets a new six-speed paddle-shifter and rockets the 635d to 60mph in just 6.3seconds and onto a 155mph limited max speed, while sipping a gallon every 40.9miles and posting an 183g/km CO2 figure. The existing six and eight cylinder petrol models now enjoy BMW’s Efficient Dynamics package to cut consumption and lower emissions. In the 635d it’s arguably the most compelling package yet for this award-winning engine– a powerful and refined cruiser that can travel 600miles on a tank and with its massive turbo-enhanced torque, obliterate pretty much any car in its path.
What are the other changes you mentioned?
You’ll need to be real 6-series fan to tell the new car from the old. The biggest clue is at the back where a prominent lip houses the third brake light and acts an air spoiler too. The front and rear indicators have been fiddled with as have the air intakes, there’s a choice of new alloy wheels and paint options, while in the cabin gets some updated switches and controls for the climate control, a tweaked iDrive and sun-reflective leather for the convertible. It’s a subtle makeover, but understandable given that BMW has shifted 75,500 6-series around the world.