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      07-14-2011, 05:58 PM   #1
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Cool 2012 640i Coupe Review by CAR

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2012 640i Coupe Review by CAR
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CAR magazine took the 2012 640i coupe out for their first drive experience of BMW's newest 6-series coupe (the F13). The review was conducted by a self-described hardened BMW fan who we presume has plenty of BMW experience with which to compare the F13 against.

The reviewer falls in love with the drivetrain, but does he love the car overall? It sounds like the answer is "it depends." Viewed properly as a GT car, the car has no better rivals in the luxury coupe segment. Where it may fall short is if the driver expects an edgy sportscar.


Here's the crux of the review:

Quote:
Does the driving experience live-up to the spec?

The drivetrain is absolutely fabulous. The engine is super-smooth and the 640i easily feels good for its 0-62mph claim of 5.4-seconds. You can rachet-up the speed of shifts, tighten the suspension and alter the steering weight via the grandly titled Driving Experience Control switch. In Eco Pro mode the 640i feels like the throttle’s broken but the ride is excellent and it has the potential to deliver 36.7mpg. Shuffle through Comfort+, Comfort and then into Sport and Sport+ and it’s more BMW-like. Body control is good, there’s tons of grip and the gearbox really snaps through ratios like a twin-clutch system. There’s no need to use the paddle shifters, but you probably will because it adds just a bit more fun and control.
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Quote:
So it does the numbers, but is it exciting?

Exciting is perhaps too strong a word. Nothing wrong with the performance, nor the outright grip and composure of the chassis, but 1735kg is quite a lot of weight and the 6-Series never fully shrugs of its mass. More of a concern is the Active Steering system (an option that brings active rear wheel steer for added agility), which is very sticky at speed and highly unnatural. The idea is that this system makes the car easier to drive by speeding up the steering rack at low speeds (for parking or dealing with tight bends) and slowing it down for stability as speeds increase. The reality is that the front never reacts the same way twice, undermining confidence. Perhaps this would fade with time, but drivers who appreciate consistent controls will struggle to warm to the set-up.

The 6-Series is a hugely wide car, too. I suspect it might feel a bit too chunky on narrow UK roads for enthusiastic driving. Of course there’s more to a GT car than its outright handling balance and here the 6-Series looks more attractive. There’s plenty of room for adults in the back, a big boot and the interior is genuinely excellent. The quality is superb and it feels suitably expensive. Add that to the superb refinement and you get a car that would be a real treat on long journeys. You’d be very happy driving down to the Route Napoleon or the Alps… just don’t expect the Six to morph into a thrilling sportscar when you get there.
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Quote:
How does it compare with rivals?

So the new 6-Series is essentially a much-improved version of the old car. The centre of its appeal is the superb drivetrain, the quality of the interior and its relative practicality. A Jaguar XK is nothing like as practical or efficient but is probably a shade more fun, a Maser GranTurismo is perhaps closest to the BMW in concept but costs vastly more. It’s a good car, no question. But my hardened BMW enthusiast tendencies means that I can’t help being a little disappointed that it’s not more fun to drive.
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Source: CAR


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      07-14-2011, 07:29 PM   #2
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I don't know what it is but that is a handsome rear end on that car. Significant improvement over the Bangle-butt. It looks really sporty. IMO
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      07-14-2011, 08:03 PM   #3
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I love this car. I never read into review to much in till i drive the car for myself. I have driven the new 6 series vert at our lot and loved it.
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      07-14-2011, 08:05 PM   #4
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why is almost every 6er review the 640? its making us all look weak. use the 650. jesus.
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      07-14-2011, 08:29 PM   #5
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There is a $13K difference between the 750i and 740i. The 650i starts at $83K in the US- so figure $70K for the 640i. ED brings it closer to $65K- Makes it really tempting. Large grand tourer that actually fits 4.
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      07-14-2011, 08:53 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blipit View Post
It went from an ugly rear end, to a ugly front end.
Agreed, but only from the side for me.
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      07-14-2011, 09:26 PM   #7
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I'm glad they liked it as a GT, which is all I would ever consider it. Why would you be surprised it isn't a good sports car? Who ever considered the outgoing 6 series a sports car? Even the M6 in full M mode was too big and soft to be a true sports car but that never made it anything but a great car and I imagine the new one will be exactly the same.
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      07-14-2011, 09:48 PM   #8
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OMG! I'm in love with the color on this 6er coupe in the pics! Simply stunning!!!
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      07-14-2011, 09:50 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RL530xit View Post
OMG! I'm in love with the color on this 6er coupe in the pics! Simply stunning!!!
More pics of this color here - http://www.6post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=500583
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      07-15-2011, 12:14 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blipit View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by PhillyNate View Post
I don't know what it is but that is a handsome rear end on that car. Significant improvement over the Bangle-butt. It looks really sporty. IMO
It went from an ugly rear end, to a ugly front end.
the front end is ugly to sell more M6s. And when is a M6 due out?
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      07-15-2011, 04:06 AM   #11
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I have seen this car at a car-dealer,... it did not impress me like the old 6er BMW. It's , but not
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      07-15-2011, 07:16 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blipit View Post
It went from an ugly rear end, to a ugly front end.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pow View Post
I have seen this car at a car-dealer,... it did not impress me like the old 6er BMW. It's , but not
+1000
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      07-15-2011, 07:43 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason View Post
Thanks!
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      07-15-2011, 09:01 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pow View Post
I have seen this car at a car-dealer,... it did not impress me like the old 6er BMW. It's , but not
I agree with you. I did find the interior was stunning with the use of high quality materials throughout, very impressed!
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      07-15-2011, 10:36 AM   #15
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1. Seem to be cutting more and more corners
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      07-15-2011, 03:51 PM   #16
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Budget was laid out in first post 6-800
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      07-20-2011, 02:51 PM   #17
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dislike the front end, needs tweaked. profile shot and rear look great tho. the headlight shapes just arent do it for me from the front side.
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      07-22-2011, 09:30 PM   #18
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They must have done some crazy engineering to say it comfortably fits 4 adults... I had an '07 650i and there was room for 2.

I was looking at the new 650 at the dealership a few weeks back and that too didn't look like 4 people (LP's-little peeps maybe) could fit
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      08-27-2015, 06:55 AM   #19
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Lol at the seats 4 comment.
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      08-27-2015, 07:21 AM   #20
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