Good: stunning inside and out, epic performance, handling on smooth roads.
Not so good: overly firm ride in this spec.
I'm going to try to approach this review logically, but I suspect that I'll occasionally get distracted by Max's shots of the alluring shape of the 6 Series Gran Coupe, as it's a stunning looking car, visually better balanced than the two-door 6 Series Coupe and more desirable than many models costing significantly more. Saying that, the Gran Coupe is not cheap, starting at €98,690 on-the-road for the SE version of the 640d model. Though using a bit of man maths, that's a bit of a bargain, as BMW inexplicably charges the same price for the two- and four-door versions of the 6 Series.
And being logical for a moment, leaving aside the fact that we think the Gran Coupe looks significantly better than its two-door counterpart, the four-door model has much more interior space and it has proven to be better to drive in the past too, the longer wheelbase endowing the chassis with more stability without detracting too much from agility. This is, after all, a large luxury car with sporting pretensions, not a sports car with luxury pretensions. Hence we're not sure why anyone would bother with the two-door model. Sales figures around the world show that we're not alone.
So that's one decision we don't think will take too long. Next up, the engine. The 'entry-level' 640d is the absolute star of the line-up, regardless of how much money you have burning a hole in your pocket. It's powered by BMW's venerable turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six diesel, which now produces 313hp and an astounding 630Nm of torque. The latter figure in particular means it feels fast from any speed in any gear. Effortlessly so, suiting the car's demeanour. Yet it also sounds great, animalistic almost, especially if you extend it. On top of all that of course it costs criminally little to tax each year and, if you have a light foot, you may see 40mpg occasionally. Honestly, there's little reason to choose the petrol-powered 640i or 650i, so tick the 640d box on the configurator and move on.
Next up, the trim level. Choose between demure SE and the more extrovert M Sport specifications. I reckon the 6 Series looks a little weedy in SE guise, though it is undoubtedly more subtle so some may prefer that. There's about a €6,000 premium for M Sport and we think that's money well spent. Colour? That's very personal, though most stick to subdued hues in order to ensure the car will sell on again at a later date. With my own money I believe I'd go for the Mediterranean Blue of our test car here, though the BMW Individual hues are tempting too - if expensive.
Speaking of tempting, I can see from the spec list of the press car that BMW Ireland couldn't resist ticking the box marked 'M Sport Plus package', which costs €4,455.89 and bundles together Head-Up Display, a fabulous Harmon/Kardon surround sound system, speed limit display and lush 20-inch alloy wheels. Relatively speaking that's good value, but hold fire with your mouse, as the wheels are probably one of the main reasons this particular test car scored so low.
Yes they look stunning and really fill out the arches, giving the Gran Coupe's bodywork added presence. BUT (and it deserves to be in capitals), the ultra-low profile tyres have a ruinous effect on the ride comfort. On anything other than glass-smooth tarmac the firm suspension picks up on every little ripple and bump. On really poor roads it means an uncomfortable experience that really is not in keeping with the exceptionally high quality and comfortable cabin. So what to do? I'm torn and I'm only reviewing the thing; I can't imagine how an actual buyer must feel. The larger wheels really do suit the car in design terms.
Fret not, there is salvation to be found within the options list if you dig deep. It comes in the form of Variable Damper Control, at €1,753.59, which gives the driver different damping levels depending on which mode they select from the (standard) Drive Performance Control switch. Fancy a relaxed and comfortable cruise down the coast? Toggle it into Comfort mode and waft away the miles. Spot a fun corner or three on the way? Select Sport and marvel at how such a large car can shrug off its weight and size and attack the road as if you're on a qualifying lap. So-equipped, the 640d M Sport Gran Coupe could well be a five-star car.
We've lost sight of the logical side of the argument again, haven't we?
