Model tested: BMW 635d
Price: £53,910
Date tested: August 2008
Road tester: Adrian Higgins

Overall rating: 79%
BMW has added frugality to performance with its 635d – a diesel version of the car which returns more than 40mpg. We tested the 635d to find out whether it lived up to the billing.

1. Looks
A 2007 facelift has kept this long-bonneted looker's appeal intact. The most visible changes are a revised boot lid with integral spoiler and alterations to the light clusters; these have been implemented at the front too. It's subtle but turns heads.
9/10

2. Looks inside
The front seats are roomy and comfortable with the iDrive system between the front seat passengers. Critics claim this system is hard-to-use but once mastered it's simple and helps reduce distractions.
8/10

3. Practicality
It's more fun in the front but the rear seats are easy to get to and offer a reasonable amount of room. The boot is a decent size with low and wide access to make loading and unloading easy.
8/10

4. Ride and Handling
It's a big car which offers the kind of drive that makes you want to take it out just for the drive as it's fast and agile. Cabin comfort also means long drives shouldn't take too much of a toll, although the ride is firm.
8/10

5. Performance
The 635d uses a six-cylinder 3.0-litre diesel engine with 286bhp to power the car from 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds. It also delivers 427lb/ft of torque – 95 per cent of which is available at just 1,500rpm. A six-speed gearbox is usual, in manual or automatic flavours.
9/10

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6. Running Costs
The 635d Coupe will return over 40mpg and – thanks to emissions of 183g/km (190g/km for the convertible) – falls outside the highest tax bracket. It can be theoretically be driven a 629 miles between fill-ups.
7/10

7. Reliability
Figures are as yet unavailable for the 6-Series' reliability. But this is a very well-put together, well-finished car which suggests problems will be few and far between.
7/10

8. Safety
ESP is supplemented by brake drying, brake pre-tensioning, soft-stop, hill-start assistant and brake fade compensation. Anti-Whiplash head restraints are standard, with driver, side and passenger airbags.
8/10

9. Equipment
The 635d comes with 17" alloy wheels and leather upholstery as standard, plus lane departure warning system and heated, electric front seats.
7/10

10. X-Factor
Great to drive, fairly practical, and a good long-distance runner, keeps heads turning as you drive past. A good case for best-looking BMW on the market now.
8/10