BMW broke the taboo of a diesel engine in a range-topping coupe in the last generation 6 Series, and takes that a step further in the new 6 Series by adding 4Wd to create the BMW 640d xDrive, which will be available as both a coupe and convertible. But not in the UK.
Just like the very appealing M550d xDrive, RHD markets are going to be excluded from 4WD goodness as BMW’s platforms can’t easily be made 4WD in RHD configuration. So if you had visions of going to play in the snow with the top down in a 4WD 6 Series in the UK, forget it.
The 3.0 litre twin-turbo diesel in the 640d xDrive produces 313bhp and 414lb/ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed auto ‘box, enough to get the oil-burning 6 Series to 62mph in 5.2 seconds, yet still capable of averaging 48.7mpg with emissions of 153g/km.
It seems likely it will take until the next generation 5 and 6 Series before BMW add 4WD to the mix for RHD markets, which as the 5 and 6 have only recently arrives means probably another four years, which is a shame. 4WD, a nice smooth 6-pot diesel with decent performance and potential for frugal running is an appealing combination in a 5 or 6 Series.
The BMW 640d xDrive goes on sale in Europe after the Geneva Motor Show in March.
BMW 640d xDrive Photo Gallery
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(42 photos – click any thumbnail for full gallery)




Anoop maini says
I would buy an xdrive 640d tomorrow. Frugal , convertible, fast and great handling especially in adverse weather conditions. Perfect for the UK. Agree with Gordon – stupid move.
gordon says
I really a 4WD 6 Series fancied that as a replacement for my Audi A7 Quattro.
I’ve had the 2WD 6 Series and wouldnt touch it again with a barge pole. It cant handle rain let alone snow. Stupid move BMW.