It has been said that BMW is getting ready to install their 3.0-liter twin-turbo diesel into its 6-series coupe later this year. The force-fed oil-burner is the same one BMW uses in the 5-series sedan and the very same 535d that AB Green’s Mike Magda got to drive (if briefly) during the LA Auto Show last year.
That 535d sibling hustles to 60 mph from a standing start in just 6.5 seconds, thanks in large part to its 413 lb-ft of torque. That’s even more torque than is found in the range-topping M6 (a measly 383). Although horsepower is considerably lower at 272 vs. the 500 found in the M6, we expect the fuel mileage benefits to appeal to many with gas prices holding high. The 535d gets a combined 35.3 mpg on the British standard rating.
The 6-Series is BMW’s luxury coupe and convertible line of vehicles. The luxury coupe is a traditional line of vehicles for BMW since the 6-Series debuted in the late 1970s, running through the 1989 model year, with the 635 CSi becoming one of the most recognized BMW models. The 6-Series returned for 2004 with both coupe and convertible versions.
Before you invest $77,000 (or $84,000 for this convertible), you may want to ask why. The 645Ci is a driver’s car that you will enjoy in the city and on the highway but will totally love if you ever get it on a racing track. It has looks that are luxurious. While the humpish “whale tail” could be rethought, overall, the exterior lines are pleasing to the eye. Inside is a different story.