BMW 640d xDrive – another 4WD BMW NOT coming to the UK

The BMW 640d xDrive - NOT coming to the UK

BMW has added the BMW 640d xDrive to the 6 Series range – in coupe and convertible – with a 313bhp diesel and 4WD. But it won’t hit the UK.

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.

(42 photos – click any thumbnail for full gallery)

By Cars UK