BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
      07-14-2011, 06:58 PM   #1
Jason
Administrator
Jason's Avatar
United_States
43819
Rep
21,327
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Cool 2012 640i Coupe Review by CAR

BIMMERPOST NEWS
2012 640i Coupe Review by CAR
19
COMMENTS
Name:  Screen shot 2011-07-14 at 3.47.37 PM.jpg
Views: 11513
Size:  19.7 KB

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.
Name:  10.jpg
Views: 11482
Size:  84.3 KB

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.
Name:  13.jpg
Views: 11359
Size:  89.5 KB
Name:  17.jpg
Views: 11364
Size:  70.1 KB

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.
Name:  22.jpg
Views: 11269
Size:  69.7 KB


Name:  Screen shot 2011-07-14 at 3.47.37 PM.jpg
Views: 11513
Size:  19.7 KB

Source: CAR


Appreciate 0
      07-14-2011, 08:29 PM   #2
PhillyNate
ENTHUSIAST
PhillyNate's Avatar
United_States
135
Rep
2,096
Posts

Drives: 2010 Porsche Cayman
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Philadelphia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
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
__________________
"what I'm driving here...is an ending." Jeremy Clarkson
2010 Carrara White Porsche Cayman 6mt
2014 Whiteout Toyota GT-86 6mt(Sold 05/23/15)
2011 Alpine White BMW M3 6mt ZCP Coupe(forced retirement 06/06/14)
2008 Alpine White BMW 328i 6mt Coupe(retired 06/21/11
)
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2011, 09:03 PM   #3
GOLFFRR
GOLFFRR's Avatar
11211
Rep
27,973
Posts

Drives: GOLFFRR cart
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states

iTrader: (4)

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.
__________________

BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY KOTE FIRST!
Kote M Sales:Kotem@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-368-9101
vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties!
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2011, 09:05 PM   #4
kdbryce
I have to return some video tapes
kdbryce's Avatar
United_States
363
Rep
4,712
Posts

Drives: e70 X5M
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Albany, NY

iTrader: (0)

why is almost every 6er review the 640? its making us all look weak. use the 650. jesus.
__________________
13 Carbon Black e70 X5M - 13 Black Sapphire e92 335i - 10 Le Mans Blue e92 335i - 09 Monaco Blue e92 328i xdrive - 07 Sparkling Graphite e92 328xi
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2011, 09:29 PM   #5
palpatine_us
Banned
United_States
66
Rep
164
Posts

Drives: 535i
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

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.
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2011, 09:53 PM   #6
PhillyNate
ENTHUSIAST
PhillyNate's Avatar
United_States
135
Rep
2,096
Posts

Drives: 2010 Porsche Cayman
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Philadelphia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
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.
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2011, 10:26 PM   #7
Remonster
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
828
Rep
1,585
Posts

Drives: E90 M3
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

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.
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2011, 10:48 PM   #8
BMWRL
Captain
BMWRL's Avatar
United_States
596
Rep
617
Posts

Drives: 528xi
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (0)

OMG! I'm in love with the color on this 6er coupe in the pics! Simply stunning!!!
__________________
Is there really anything besides a BMW?
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2011, 10:50 PM   #9
Jason
Administrator
Jason's Avatar
United_States
43819
Rep
21,327
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

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
__________________
Check on the Latest BMW News
Become a fan of Bimmerpost Facebook
Follow us on Bimmerpost Twitter
Subscribe to Bimmerpost Youtube Channel
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2011, 01:14 AM   #10
Quasimodem
Colonel
Quasimodem's Avatar
United_States
151
Rep
2,383
Posts

Drives: 335d
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: California

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2009 335d US  [0.00]
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?
__________________
Speakers: CDT Audio HD-42 comps--front doors (RAAMmat deadened), CDT ES-06 6.5" woofers--kickpanl Pods, Hertz EBX202R dual 8" ported trunk sub. Amps: Phoenix Gold RSd 500.4 (comps & pods). PG RSd 600.1 (sub). Power & Ground: 4AWG Streetwires w/RockFosgt RFDB1 distro blocks. Input: HU lineout--Kicker KISL RCA adapters--RockFosgt RFIT-6 cables--Audiocontrol Matrix--Monster cables--RSd 500.4--lineout Monstr Cabl to RSd 600.1.
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2011, 05:06 AM   #11
pow
Private
pow's Avatar
Germany
0
Rep
52
Posts

Drives: 320i
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Germany

iTrader: (0)

I have seen this car at a car-dealer,... it did not impress me like the old 6er BMW. It's , but not
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2011, 08:16 AM   #12
JSCO
Brigadier General
JSCO's Avatar
United_States
535
Rep
3,718
Posts

Drives: AMG GT
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Tampa

iTrader: (4)

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
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2011, 08:43 AM   #13
BMWRL
Captain
BMWRL's Avatar
United_States
596
Rep
617
Posts

Drives: 528xi
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason View Post
Thanks!
__________________
Is there really anything besides a BMW?
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2011, 10:01 AM   #14
turbotoy4me
Captain
turbotoy4me's Avatar
United_States
147
Rep
753
Posts

Drives: 2020 X5 M50i
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Berthoud, CO

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2015 Porsche Macan ...  [10.00]
2017 BMW i3  [10.00]
2020 BMW  [10.00]
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!
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2011, 11:36 AM   #15
taibanl
Brigadier General
taibanl's Avatar
281
Rep
4,116
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NA

iTrader: (4)

1. Seem to be cutting more and more corners
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2011, 04:51 PM   #16
taibanl
Brigadier General
taibanl's Avatar
281
Rep
4,116
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NA

iTrader: (4)

Budget was laid out in first post 6-800
Appreciate 0
      07-20-2011, 03:51 PM   #17
irfan
Private First Class
United_States
1
Rep
109
Posts

Drives: 2011 335i XDrive Coupe 6M
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (0)

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.
Appreciate 0
      07-22-2011, 10:30 PM   #18
335i101
Lieutenant
335i101's Avatar
United_States
87
Rep
590
Posts

Drives: 2008 E60 M5
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: ND

iTrader: (2)

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
__________________
2021 Mercedes G550
2015 X5M
2020 Supra-JB4, DP
2008 M5 with muffler delete-sold
2007 650i-sold
2008 335i-JB4, DP, Meth-sold
Appreciate 0
      08-27-2015, 07:55 AM   #19
BDO
Lieutenant
281
Rep
538
Posts

Drives: 2016 X6 40d M-sport
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Citizen of the World

iTrader: (0)

Lol at the seats 4 comment.
Appreciate 0
      08-27-2015, 08:21 AM   #20
Blauweiss1988
New Member
0
Rep
5
Posts

Drives: 645Ci convertible
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Garda lake -Italy

iTrader: (0)

beautifull
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
6 series forum, 6 series forums, 6-series forum, 6-series forums, bmw 6 series forum, bmw 6 series forums, bmw 6-series forum, bmw 6-series forums

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:15 AM.




6post.com
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST