For The diesel engine gives effortlessly strong and smooth performance, and keeps running costs sensible.
Against Doesn't quite have the same satisfying growl as the petrols, although it sounds pretty good in its own right.
With its mix of stonking performance and reasonable running costs, the diesel is our pick of the range. We'd stick with SE trim, though.
You have two trims to choose from. We recommend SE, because it comes with all the luxury toys you need. MSport trim adds plenty to the price, but only cosmetic revisions to the car. On both, standard kit also includes Drive Dynamic Control, which lets you choose between four driving modes ranging from Comfort to Sport+, and tailors the steering, gearbox and throttle accordingly.
You can also add options to personalise your car. Adaptive Drive adjusts the suspension according to your selected mode, and Integral Active Steering turns all four wheels for sharper responses. Both are pricey, though.
You choose between three engines. The petrols include a 3.0-litre turbo known as the 640i, and a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 badged 650i, both driven through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Both are hugely quick, but so is the 640d, which has a 3.0-litre turbodiesel. It also has lower running costs and a superior touring range, and that’s why it’s our favourite.
I do not understand the negativity around this car, it is superb. I owned the previous model which I have to say I loved, but thi sis much better. I…