It's been less than a week since BMW->ke178 launched the limited-edition 5 Series Grace Line model in Japan,->ke138 and the Bavarian automaker has announced yet another special-edition car exclusive to the same country. This time around it is based on the 6 Series->ke320 and goes by the name 640i Coupe M Performance Edition.

As its lengthy, official name suggests, it's a mid-range 640i model powered by a 3.0-liter, inline-six engine rated at 315 horsepower. What sets it apart from the version you can buy at any U.S. dealership is the M Sport package that adds an array of special features inside and out.

Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz->ke187 are famous for launching several limited-edition models in Japan over the course of a model year. In essence, these cars are basically regular models equipped with all sorts of packages you can buy just about anywhere else in the world, but the trick here is that they cost less than they would with all those features added as separate options.

The fact that most of them are limited to less than 100 units likely attracts customers looking for something a bit more exclusive. All told, it's a good marketing scheme BMW should be using more often in Europe and the U.S., as many enthusiasts would love to have access to a highly optioned, limited-run model. Until that happens, let's have a closer look at the 640i M Performance Edition.

Continue reading for the full story.

2015 BMW 640i M Performance Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 BMW 640i M Performance Edition
  • Engine/Motor: inline-6
  • Horsepower: 315
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

On the outside, the M Sport Edition looks dramatically different than the stock 640i. That's because the bundle adds a sportier front bumper with a three-piece apron intake and black surrounds for the fog lamps, full LED headlamps, and, more importantly, a black twin-kidney grille. Around back, the coupe received an M-style bumper and dark-chrome tail pipes. Other enhancements include sportier side skirts, carbon-fiber mirrors caps, blacked-out window trim (Shadowline option), and custom, 20-inch "Liquid Black" wheels.

All told, this is by far the most menacing looking 6 Series that's not an M6.->ke208 At the same time, the white paint job and the black detailing (there's no chrome on this car besides the wheels and exhaust pipes, which sport a darker hue anyway) gives the M Performance Edition the elegance not many 6 Series Coupe's can brag about.

Interior

The interior is equally special for a 640i, as it features a sporty three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters and a pair of sports seats for the driver and front passenger. Nearly all surfaces are wrapped in Dakota leather, while the dashboard comes with carbon-fiber inserts and Gray Poplar wood trim. The cabin is rounded off by M Performance pedals and custom door-sill plates. The coupe->ke141 is also equipped with the Plus Package with soft-close doors, Comfort Access, and a sunroof.

Drivetrain

Motivating this limited-edition 6 Series is the same 3.0-liter, inline-six engine found in the standard 640i. The turbocharged mill is good for 316 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, which are enough to push the coupe from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and up to a top speed of 135 mph. The engine mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Sure, it's nowhere near as powerful as the M6, which comes with a 4.4-liter V-8 rated at 560 horses and 501 pound-feet, and a 0-to-60 mph sprint of 4.2 seconds, but it's a fine compromise, given this special-edition coupe is significantly less expensive.

Prices

The 640i M Performance Edition is priced at JPY10,979,000 or about $88,310 at the current exchange rates. The regular 640i fetches from JPY9,720,000 or about $78,625. Only 10 examples of the Performance Edition coupe will be built, making it one of the most exclusive Bimmers launched in 2015. For reference, a 640i equipped with the M Sport Edition package and optional 20-inch wheels costs $86,650 in the United States.

Competition

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

Much like anywhere else in the world, the E-Class Coupe remains the best alternative to the 6 Series Coupe in Japan as well. Of the two trim levels available in the country, the E400 is best suited to take on the 640i, as its biturbo, 3.0-liter V-6 cranks out 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It takes only 5.2 second to hit 60 mph, which makes it two tenths of a second quicker than the 640i.

Although Mercedes->ke187 doesn't sell a special-edition model of the E400, the coupe can be equipped with various options and packages. In this case, customers may prefer the Sport Package, which adds AMG-like->ke8 body styling, AMG wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a sports steering wheel, brushed aluminum pedals, and sportier seats. The E400 retails from JPY9,380,000, which converts to around $75,900. This leaves room for the Sport Package and about $9K worth of options when compared to the 640i M Performance Edition.

Find out more about the U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe in our detailed review here.

Conclusion

If you're on the market for a hot-looking 6 Series that's as aggressive as the M6 on the outside, but significantly more affordable, the 640i M Performance Edition is a good proposal. However, you'd have to settle for the less-powerful inline-six engine and you're pretty much stuck with what you get as far as customization goes. On the other hand, this package will bring you one of only 10 units made. The problem is you'd have to move to Japan to get your hands on one of these. Alternatively, there's a big chance you can customize a 640i in a similar fashion at a BMW dealership here in the U.S., but it will cost you close to $100,000. For that amount, you may want to consider a V-8-powered 650i model.