BMW has pulled the wraps off the new 6-Series Gran
Turismo. Set to replace the 5-Series GT, the 6-Series is a major improvement as
designers have managed to address the key styling criticisms leveled against
its predecessor. The team stretched the car to
measure 5,091 mm long and reduced its height by 21 mm.
The tailgate was also redesigned so it now sits 64 mm lower than on
the 5-Series GT.
The car has been
equipped with a larger grille that is flanked by standard LED headlights. Other
highlights include frameless windows, front fender vents, and wraparound
taillights with three-dimensional styling elements.
The interior largely carries over from the 5-Series
but the boot holds 610 liters of luggage. That can be
expanded to 1,800 liters when the rear seats are
electronically folded down via a button in the cargo compartment.
Besides the additional cargo capacity, the 6-Series
GT boasts a freestanding 10.25-inch iDrive display with voice and gesture
control. The car can also be equipped with a semi-autonomous driving system, a
heads-up display, and electrically-adjustable rear comfort seats.
When the car is launched in November, it will be
offered with three different engines, albeit not in all markets. The 630i Gran
Turismo comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 258 PS and
400 Nm of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic
transmission which allows the hatchback to run from 0-100 km/h in
6.3 seconds.
Buyers looking for something more powerful can opt
for the 640i Gran Turismo which has a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine developing
340 PS and 450 Nm of torque. This enables the car to
accelerate from 0-100 km/h in as little as 5.3 seconds when equipped
with the optional all-wheel drive system.
European diesel fans will be able to purchase the
630d Gran Turismo which comes with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine developing
265 PS and 620 Nm of torque. It completes the dash to 100
km/h in 6.0 seconds with all-wheel drive.
In the U.S., the all-new 2018 BMW 640i xDrive Gran
Turismo will be available at showrooms in the fall starting at US$ 69,700 plus US$ 995 destination and handling.
