BMW 630i 3.0 24V, $91,000 / BMW test drives

The flashy BMW 6-Series has finally received a more affordable version: under the hood of the coupe is now a 3-liter six-cylinder engine with 258 hp, borrowed from the junior models. With this unit, the hundred is conquered in less than seven seconds.

2007 BMW 630i Coupe
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso

The "Six" has been present in dealer showrooms for three years, but previously it was offered exclusively with engines producing more than 300 horsepower. Now the lineup has been joined by a coupe with an inline three-liter. The electronic limiter prevents the speedometer needle from going beyond 250 km/h, and acceleration to the first hundred takes 6.8 seconds — a second slower than the version with the 4.4-liter engine.

The test car had an automatic transmission, although the options list also includes a manual gearbox and the robotic SMG.

2007 BMW 6-Series Coupe
© Photo: BMW

As soon as the revs exceed three thousand, the voice of the engine is clearly audible in the cabin. Its timbre is nobly Bavarian and does not irritate the pilot's ear. But despite all the briskness on acceleration, there may not be enough torque reserve for confident overtaking.

But in city traffic, the BMW 630 feels like a fish in water. The jerky rhythm of movement with constant accelerations and braking before traffic lights is its element, where the Bavarian has few competitors.

The suspension is tuned stiffly, and this creates the illusion of a sports car. However, in reality, it is not so: there is some sluggishness in the handling, and the body noticeably rolls in corners.

2007 BMW 6-Series Coupe
© Photo: BMW

Technical specifications of BMW 630i

Dimensions: 4820/1855/1375 mm
Engine: petrol, 2996 cm3, 258 hp/6600 rpm
Transmission: automatic
Dynamics: 250 km/h; 6.8 s to 100 km/h
Competitors: Mercedes-Benz SLK 280.

Driving
In corners, the car rolls, and the front axle tends to drift outward from the trajectory.

Interior
Inside, there are formally four seats, but only those sitting in front will be comfortable. Light wood inserts look alien against the background of other trim materials.
PRICE
The price tag is primarily shaped by the brand's image.

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Sharp steering, striking appearance.
– Pseudo-stiff suspension, noisy engine.

2007 BMW 6-Series Coupe
© Photo: BMW

30 August 2006