BMW 630i Coupe 2006 Pictures
gallery (8 photos)
specifications
BMW 630i Coupe 2006
The entry level 630i has driven its way in to the spotlight with its sleek good looks and sensational array of equipment but how well will does it live up to this hype in day to day driving?
Upon first glance, its road presence is blindingly obvious and it certainly gets the nod of approval from a fair few enthusiasts as it effortlessly glides through narrow city streets, meandering parked cars and all the suited and booted traffic on their 20 minute dash to the sandwich bar on the corner. There’s a promise of sunshine through the clouds but a few splashes of rain have just sneaked through, the majority of them now on our windscreen. Those nifty rain sensing wipers are already engaged before I get a chance to lift a finger and the highly pressurised 245/45 R18 run flat tyres are gripping the tarmac with enthusiastic vigour. A few slippery patches and a bit of twitching is apparent reminding us of the fact that we’re not entirely invincible enclosed in its cabin.
As the traffic lights turn red someone drifts across in to our lane seemingly unaware. The 630i is quick to respond though, smoothly coming to a standstill in a matter of seconds. The neck snapping acceleration from rest to 62mph in 6.5 seconds also feels exceedingly quick for a car of this size. Of course we didn’t get to try out the electronically limited 155mph top speed but the power we did experience was thrilling enough. Its 3 litre powerplant is good for 258bhp which surges through the back wheels at 6,600rpm. It also boasts a flatter torque curve which peaks between 2,500rpm and 4,000rpm although the maximum torque is still 300Nm. Even at 1,500rpm there is 270Nm of torque waiting to spur you in to action.
The straight Six engine is the lightest of its kind and features VANOS and VALVETRONIC technologies which determine when and how much to open the valves by. Essentially it makes the job of the pistons more efficient, improves the airways and saves energy. With all its surging power longing to be unleashed, the Six really comes in to its own on the A-roads. This also gave us an opportunity to make best use of its sporty Six speed manual gearbox. Then when we were back idling in traffic at least we had the luxurious comfort of those firm leather seats. The cabin is also extremly roomy with enough mod cons to keep your curiosity ticking over.
There we go, now we’re moving again, up to 50mph and we`re wondering whether we’ll feel much difference when we activate the sports mode button. Sure enough the ride is noticeable tauter which gives the entry level Six series the kind of poise a tiger has when it’s stalking its prey. There’s no letting up on the chase, those springs are durably crafted from light weight aluminium and assisted by anti-roll bars which further enhance the car’s dynamic prowess. Of course the 630i Coupe also has a lighter front end due to its engine which weighs in at just 121kgs and makes it more agile to manoeuvre.
The car itself only weighs 1485kg and has an idyllic 50:50 weight distribution as well as a servotronic power assisted steering system. The latter varies the weight of the steering according to the speed you’re travelling at. For example when parking the steering is light and easier to manoeuvre but when on the motorway it has a heavier feel to allow you more control. The handling of the Six is also surprisingly compliant through corners, even though it’s a luxury model with 4 seats it gives you some pleasingly crisp feedback.
Exclusivity is another vantage point for the 630i coupe, not least because there isn’t too many others on the road but also due to the ambience of the cabin. The start/stop button now comes as standard on the entry level model as does the idrive controller. The simple reasoning behind idrive is to place the essential driving controls closer to the steering wheel and the infotainment and communication on the centre console; the latter being controlled by one multi-functioning knob.
The optional head-up display will save you looking down at the dash every two minutes as your speed and other useful info can be displayed on the windscreen. You’ll also be thankful for the radar operated cruise control which helps you maintain a safe distance from the car in front for you. Then there’s the headlights that are activated by themselves and can also see around corners. The Six series is very hot on safety and all the usual assistance features are in place as well as cornering brake control, dynamic brake control, automatic stability control and electronic brake force distribution. There’s also a selection of intelligent airbags, advanced head protection and crash sensor activation which releases the central locking, switches on the hazard warning lights, cuts off the fuel and switches on the interior lighting. If you opt for the convertible model you also get two pop-up roll over bars to cocoon you.
Unlike most conventional soft tops the 630i convertible offers ample luggage space and you don’t have to skimp on your creature comforts either. Both the coupe and the convertible have elegant, aerodynamic design contours. In fact the only visual difference between the entry level and the flagship Six is the de-chromed grille, round tailpipes and slightly smaller 17” alloys as standard.
Verdict
FOR: Road presence and exclusivity, great value for money and impressive agility
AGAINST: A car this good can give you the feeling your invincible but do go easy in the wet as it can get a little twitchy and needs to be handled with care
CONCLUSION: It may not have a throbbing V8 but its performance is more than adequate and it looks just as good as the 650i, it just doesn’t have the badge. It’s also cheaper than many of its competitors and comes with a brimming list of standard equipment
Spec
ENGINE: 3 litre straight six
Co2 (g/km)/tax: 216/
POWER: 258bhp
TORQUE (lb/ft): 300Nm between 2,500 and 4,000rpm
0-62mph (sec): 6.5 seconds
TOP SPEED: 155 electronically limited
MPG: -/-/31.4 (urban/extra-urban/combined)
TRANSMISSION: Six speed manual
WHEELS: 18″
TYRES: Run flat 245/45 R18
WEIGHT: 1485kg
PRICE: £47,050.00
RIVALS: Jaguar XK8, Maserati coupe GT
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