What's the news?
BMW has taken the covers off its new 6 Series Gran Turismo, which, a little confusingly, supersedes the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo in the Bavarian car maker's line-up. The name change coincides with an increase in space, performance, technology and equipment and is clearly intended to underline the luxury bent of the new model.
Exterior
In comparison to the 5 Series GT, the new 6 Series Gran Turismo is 87mm longer (at 5,091mm) and 21mm lower (at 1,538mm) and the same width as before. It features four frameless doors and an automatically deploying rear spoiler. That forms part of a suite of aerodynamic measures that include the Air Curtains and Air Breathers up front, plus an active air flap in the wide kidney grilles, all conspiring to reduce drag through the air. BMW says the drag coefficient (Cd) is as low as 0.25 now, as opposed to a previous best of 0.29. Further aiding efficiency is a massive reduction in weight, by as much as 150kg, thanks mostly to more widespread use of aluminium and thinner high-strength steels in the body and chassis. BMW calls its measures 'EfficientLightweight'. Catchy.
Although we don't have full details of the Irish model range as yet, it looks like there will be Sport, Luxury and M Sport trim lines depending on engine, with 17-inch alloy wheels at a minimum and up to 21 inches in diameter available. The white car pictured here is an M Sport model and if you browse through the gallery you'll find a brown Luxury version too.
Interior
BMW claims that, in spite of the roof height reduction, the 6 Series GT has more headroom than its predecessor due to interior repackaging. The increase in length also means loads of legroom. Up front, the 6 Series Gran Turismo, unsurprisingly, follows on from the current 5 Series and 7 Series in terms of fit, finish and technology. So for starters there's a 10.25-inch touchscreen mounted high in the middle of the dashboard with a customisable tile layout that can be controlled by voice, gesture and the usual iDrive controller and leather upholstery is standard. The driver's seat has been raised up from the position of the 5 Series GT's to enhance visibility, too.
All of BMW's latest Connected technology is available here, including Bluetooth, inductive smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay and Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices. Topping the range of audio options is the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, which has a fully active 10-channel amplifier with an output of 1,400 watts, plus dynamic sound equalising and 16 partially illuminated speakers. The company's newest driver assistance systems are also introduced on the 6 GT including the further developed Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Steering and lane control assistant, Lane Departure Warning system, Lane Change Warning and Side Collision Warning, evasion aid, Crossing traffic warning system, Priority warning and Wrongway warning system, plus hazard warning through link-up with other BMW vehicles.
There's been even more focus on the rear compartment, where BMW claims there are three full-size seats and that it's possible to secure three child seats in place (though only the outer two chairs have ISOFIX). Electric adjustment is optional in the rear as well. As standard, the seat backs split and fold 40:20:40 increasing boot space from 610 litres (up 110 litres on the 5 GT, incidentally) to as much as 1,800 litres. Rear seat entertainment screens will be optional, of course and all cars are embellished with an embossed 'GT' detail in the back.
Mechanicals
At launch, two petrol models and one diesel will be offered, all fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. The entry-level petrol version is the 630i Gran Turismo, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine that makes 258hp and 400Nm of torque, emits as low as 142g/km and can cover 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds. The petrol-fuelled 640i Gran Turismo has a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six under the bonnet, producing 340hp and 450Nm of torque. It does 0-100km/h in as low as 5.3 seconds and emits 159g/km at best. It can be had in rear-wheel-drive format or with xDrive four-wheel drive. As can the sole turbodiesel variant, the 630d Gran Turismo. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine puts out 265hp and 620Nm of torque for 0-100km/h in as low as 6.0 seconds, while emissions start at 129g/km. All cars are limited to a 250km/h maximum.
In terms of chassis, there's a double wishbone front suspension set-up and five-link rear design at its core, plus self-levelling air suspension on the rear axle (just like the BMW 5 Series Touring) as standard. There are plenty of options to enhance things further, including Integral Active Steering (rear-wheel steering in BMW-speak), plus Adaptive suspension with Dynamic Damper Control and air suspension for both axles. This allows the driver to adjust the ride height at the touch of a button. On top of all that, buyers can tick the box marked 'Executive Drive' for active roll stabilisation.
Anything else?
The BMW 6 Series GT makes its public debut in September at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, we test drive it shortly afterwards and it's expected to hit the Irish market in time for the '181' plate change in January 2018, priced between the 5 Series Touring estate and the 7 Series saloon.
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