A choice of three engines are available on the 6-Series Coupe comprising two petrol engines (650i and 640i) and one diesel engine (640d).

The most popular engine will be the 640d diesel (98% of sales are expected to be the 640d). It is certainly one of the sportiest diesel engines in production – the 313bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine is capable of shifting the 6-Series from zero to 62mph in 5.5 seconds and it can propel the car to a electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

This engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox with steering-mounted F1-style racing paddles enabling fast shifts throughout the rev range. There is plenty of power available in every one of the eight gears.

Nipping out past slower traffic and getting in again is a cinch although the petrol-powered 6-Series’ are a little quicker on the benchmark sprint. They will, however, be a rare sight because they are only expected to make up 2% of the sales on the Coupe range.

The 320bhp 3.0-litre 640i will get from zero to 62mph in 5.4 seconds and has an electronically limited speed of 155mph, while the 407bhp 4.4-litre V8 650i will complete the benchmark sprint in 4.5 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

2015 updates

Following a mild-facelift in 2015, the engine line-up in the 6-Series is more economical than ever thanks to aerodynamic improvements along with the introduction of the firms latest EfficientDynamics technologies. CO2 emissions have also been reduced to as low as 139g/km on the 640d SE Coupe which will please company car drivers.

Although the 6-Series has been made to feel more comfortable it still handles really well through the corners. Some rivals including the Jaguar XK feels a little bit more engaging, however. It has precise steering and the rack has a quick turn-in meaning less driver input is needed. BMW has now included its Dynamic Drive system as standard, and this allows the driver to adjust the settings of the car from Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ mode.

By alternating the controls this allows the responsiveness from the gearbox, steering and throttle to be changed to suit your driving style. Optional Integral Active Steering system is available on this 6-Series and this system combines Active Steering for the front axle with a steering rear axle. This allows the steering angle and power assistance to be controlled at both the front and the rear with the help of electric motors.

At speeds of up to 37mph the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front reducing the car’s turning circle by 0.5metres. Above this speed the wheels turn the same way for a more composed high speed ride. When pushing the 6-Series there’s little body roll through the corners and there’s plenty of grip. It’s agile too and deals well with sudden changes of direction even though it’s sizeable beast.