Test Drive BMW 640i: Missed Opportunity

BMW is massively expanding its plug-in hybrid program for the 5 Series: The 530e is available as a sedan and touring model, and the more powerful 545e is also available — but only as a sedan and featuring a fine inline-six-cylinder gasoline engine under the hood. The 640i also carries this engine, but the plug-in is denied to the 6 Series — it never achieved the required sales figures. Which is a pity, because with its frameless windows and endlessly variable space, the fastback sedan is quite an individual alternative to the 5 Series establishment.

Our test vehicle comes fully equipped with open-pore wood, comfort seats, and active steering, and drives accordingly with subtlety and refinement. Although it has the same engine under its hood as the M440xi, about 40 horsepower is missing here. Nevertheless, 245 kW, or 333 hp, is still generous. Unfortunately, this also applies to fuel consumption: While the 545e can easily be driven down to six to seven liters per 100 kilometers, the 640i remains in double digits for a long time. If you drive diligently in Eco mode, you can bring it down to 9.x l/100 km, but if you want to utilize and hear the potential and sound of the inline-six under the hood, you’ll quickly be back in the double digits.

The active steering makes the Sixer run through curves and roundabouts as if on rails and otherwise the chassis hits the exact note between firm and comfortable, so there's nothing to criticize. Otherwise: space, great craftsmanship, smart connectivity with impressive infotainment, everything is excellent. Prices start at just under 53,000 euros net for the 620d.

What does that mean?

The Sixer follows the Five in terms of its facelift but remains without plug-ins. That's why we recommend the 620d for the frugal and the 630d for the connoisseur, and we regret that the Sixer was doomed to be a wallflower from the start – which it likely will remain until the end of its lifecycle. It is understandable that it doesn't get the plug-in due to its numbers, but as a 645e, it certainly would have done well for its sales.