Specifications and pricing have been announced for the perplexing 2018 BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo.
In the Bavarian brand’s quest to fill every possible premium segment niche the 6 Series GT will take the place of low volume 5 Series variants.
We are not sure why there is now a 6 instead of a 5 in the naming structure. With pricing starting at $123,500 (plus on-roads) keeps the car firmly in 5 Series territory. Although it’s a significant $13,000 more than the 530i sedan and $8000 more than the wagon.
BMW’s Gran Turismo models try to be a jack of all trades option. It attempts to blend the higher seating position of an SUV, the legroom of a wagon and the practicality of a hatchback. The drawback is the higher centre of gravity which prevents the GT from delivering the driving dynamics of the sedan equivalents.
In an effort to combat the handling issues adaptive 2-axle air suspension with dynamic damper control is fitted across the range. In Sport mode the GT lowers itself by 10mm. In addition, the vehicle can be manually raised 20mm for slow-speed manoeuvres (up to 35km/h).
In terms of improvements, the new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo is up to 105kg lighter than the predecessor model. This has been achieved through an improved mix of materials including high-strength steel and extensive use of aluminium.
The design is also more aerodynamic, a drag co-efficient of 0.28 has been achieved with the addition of an Active Kidney Grille and air breathers that create an air curtain around the wheel wells.
Powering the 630i GT is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. It can produce 190kW and 400Nm. Fuel economy is tested at 7.0L/100km on the combined cycle.
Moving to the 640i xDrive GT an inline 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine will sit under the bonnet. This unit can generate 250kW of power and 450Nm of torque. The combined consumption figure comes in at 8.5L/100km.
Both models will be equipped with the familiar and brilliant ZF eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.
The 640i GT is the first non-M performance BMW passenger vehicle in Australia to feature the xDrive all-wheel drive system. The standard setting sees torque split 40:60 front:rear. When necessary the xDrive system can send 100 per cent of the available torque to the front or rear axle.
Rear-wheel steering, BMW call this Integral Active Steering, will be standard on the 640i xDrive and optional on 630i. Integral Active Steering steers the rear wheels in opposition to the front axle at speeds up to 60km/h, which allows for greater manoeuvrability. Once 60km/h is reached the rear wheels angle in the same phase as the fronts, improving stability.
BMW 630i GT is equipment highlights:
M Sport Package (Luxury Line available as a no-cost option)
19-inch BMW M double spoke light-alloy wheels
Adaptive LED Headlights
Automatic tailgate
Active rear spoiler
Panorama Glass Sunroof
Active kidney grille
Chrome Line exterior finishers
M Aerodynamics Package
M Sport Brakes
Adaptive 2-Axle Air Suspension with dynamic damper control
Ambient lighting
Comfort Access
Professional Navigation with iDrive6 and 10.25-inch touchscreen
12.3-inch multi-function display with black panel technology
Head-Up Display
Speed limit info
High Beam Assist
Driving Assistant Plus
Parking Assistant Plus
Eight-speed sports automatic transmission with gearshift paddles
ConnectedDrive Freedom
Wireless charging
DAB Digital radio
16-speaker harman/kardon surround sound system
Two-zone climate control air conditioning
Sensatec instrument panel
BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite
Leather Dakota upholstery
Heated front seats with lumbar support
The BMW 640i GT xDrive additional equipment:
xDrive all-wheel drive system.
20-inch BMW M double-spoke light-alloy wheels
Integral Active Steering
Metallic paintwork
Nappa leather upholstery
Front comfort seats
Active front seat ventilation
Four-zone climate control air conditioning
Ambient Air
Rear seats with electric backrest adjustment
Electric roller sunblinds to rear side windows
2018 BMW 6 Series GT pricing (excludes on-road costs):
BMW 630i GT - $123,500
BMW 640i xDrive GT - $148,900
Option packages:
Innovations Package ($1,600 including GST and LCT)
Includes the BMW Display Key, Remote Control Parking functionality and Gesture Control.
Comfort Package (630i only, $3,000 including GST and LCT)
Includes seat heating to the rear as well as the front, four-zone automatic air conditioning, electric roller sunblinds to the rear side windows and electric rear seat backrest adjustment.
Indulgence Package (640i xDrive only, $8,000 including GST and LCT)
Includes the Professional Rear Seat Entertainment Package, including two tilt-able, high-resolution 10-inch rear screens and a Blu-Ray drive, massage function and soft-close doors.
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