Packed with all the built-in prestige of the BMW 6 Series, the 640 promises silken performance and supreme comfort, in an expressive coupe (or convertible) body. It's a natural choice for buyers who relish the full luxury sedan experience, but don’t really need—or want—four doors. Essentially a full-size model, the 6 Series is a large, relatively heavy car. Yet, enthusiastic engine response and fulfilling steering/handling make it seem like a smaller model. For even greater energy, BMW also offers the coupe and convertible with V8 power, as the 650.
What's New for 2017
Following a mild freshening last year, wireless charging and a wi-fi hotspot are now standard, along with the latest iDrive control (5.0). Smartphone integration is no longer offered, as its functions are part of the new wireless charging. The M Sport Edition remains available.
Choosing Your BMW 640
Available as a coupe or convertible, the 640 carries a turbocharged 3-liter six-cylinder engine that develops 315 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 330 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission fitted with Launch Control. You also get a sport-tuned suspension, as well as selectable driving modes that tailor the 640's performance to your motoring preferences.
BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is available on both body styles, as an alternative to rear-drive. Fuel economy is estimated at 20 mpg in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway with rear-drive. With xDrive, the highway estimate dips to 29 mpg.
Priced at $77,600, the 640 comes lavishly equipped from the start, including such features as hard drive-based navigation, a 9-speaker audio system, front and rear parking sensors, and power-folding heated mirrors. The leather upholstery used in the convertible is sun-reflective, and its top may be lowered in 20 seconds.
The available Executive Package elevates the luxury level of the 640 with automatic soft-closing doors, ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon surround-sound audio, multi-contour seats, and head-up display. For an even sportier feel, you can select the M Sport Package, which provides more aggressive styling inside and out, plus specific 19- or 20-inch wheels.
The Driver Assistance Plus Package adds a valuable collection of advanced safety technology, including lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, frontal collision warning, city collision mitigation, pedestrian detection, side- and top-view cameras, and speed-limit information. The Cold Weather Package includes a heated steering wheel and a ski bag. A Black Accent Package offers a choice of interior trim materials.
To simplify equipment choices, BMW also offers the M Sport Edition package, which includes the contents of the Executive and M Sport packages.
Beyond the packages, you can add some sophisticated individual features, such as active roll stabilization, four-wheel steering, Night Vision with pedestrian detection, and a self-parking system.
Even in base form, the 640 is well-equipped and provides a gratifying drive experience, but extra-cost options may be hard to resist. Upgrading to the M Sport Edition, in particular, packages a number of desirable options at a discounted price ($4,800 for the coupe). We consider it the most cost-effective way to equip a 640 coupe or convertible.