BMW 6 Series 640d

Top of the class

I knew BMW made darn good motorcycles – in fact the last three that I’ve owned were those from the ‘propeller’ marque. I haven’t sampled a BMW four-wheeler for some time for some strange reason, and the offer of an Alpine White 640d 6 Series Coupe for evaluation was gratefully accepted.

I had the perfect route planned for the 640d … I needed to see a pal in Oudtshoorn, so can you think of a better way to evaluate a R889 000 coupe than heading out of Cape Town on the N1, through the Du Toits Kloof tunnel and then enjoy a lengthy, beautiful and most enjoyable trip over the R62 towards Barrydale, on to Calitzdorp before reaching my final destination – Oudtshoorn. (We blessed citizens of the Western Cape remain very privileged to having the best roads in the country.)

Without doubt, this must be the quietest diesel-powered car I’ve ever had the privilege of ‘owning’ – if only for a couple of days. Under that enormously long bonnet is a straight six, 2993cc turbodiesel motor developing a whopping 230kW of power and 630Nm of torque. (C02 emissions are set at 145g/km = R2 137,50). Factor in a 0-100km/h time of less than six seconds, coupled to a potential top speed of 250km/h, and it soon becomes quite obvious the 640d is very much a seasoned sports coupe.

Creature comforts remain superb, such as front comfort seats; lumbar support for driver and front passenger (electrically adjustable); seat heating for driver and front passenger; interior trim finishers in fine, brushed aluminium; ambient interior lighting; park distance control (PDC), front and rear; LED fog lights; high beam assist; navigation system, professional head-up display; internet preparation; voice control; Bluetooth compatible cellphone preparation; area code 2 for DVD and USB interface; automatic start/stop function; brake energy regeneration, locking wheel bolts; sports automatic transmission; alarm system with radio remote control; rear view camera; glass electric sunroof, electric sliding and vent function; velour floor mats; warning triangle and first aid kit; interior and exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function; smoker’s package(!).

What’s it like to drive though, I hear you say. As a R900k car should is my only answer! Seriously, there is absolutely nothing to dislike in this car. It’s a great place to be because you are cosseted in complete luxury every kilometre of every journey. It steers, brakes and heads for the horizon in a most spectacular way.

 Would I buy one? … Well, put it this way.

If those lotto numbers play ball this weekend I’ll be beating down the front door of the local BMW dealer first thing Monday morning to place my order!