The news that the BMW 6 Series range as we’ve all grown to love it will be retired after the current Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe models have run their lifespans shocked a lot of people. A lot of us already knew that the 8 Series was in the making and that the revival of this iconic nameplate would probably lead to a sort of cannibalization between the two. Even so, the thought that the 6er will be dropped was kept in check with our never-ending optimism. And then the confirmation came and we learned that the 6 Series range won’t be completely retired but that it will simply…transform.
When the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo was unveiled, it was already too late, we knew that there’s no going back and that this is the only model that will keep using the number ‘6’ on the boot moving forward. It was a bittersweet moment, to be honest, one that made me wonder just how good the new GT will be, considering my previous experience with its predecessor, the 5 Series GT. A true trailblazer in my view, a car that I thoroughly enjoyed, basking in its comfort and ample room but which fell short when it came to what matters most to the vast majority: the looks department.
It’s true, the 5 Series GT was no looker. It was peculiar, weird and boxy, especially in its original guise. The facelift that came afterwards managed to change some shapes, especially at the back, making the boxy rear end look a bit rounder, a bit less blunt but even then, you couldn’t say it was a good-looking car. The advantages were obvious though, if you could just ignore the exterior looks of the 5er.
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BMW wanted to offer a more practical alternative to those looking for the ultimate luxury and comfort…
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Inside the car you’d find room for even the largest and tallest people out there, rivaling the 7 Series in terms of leg room and then rattling its crown as the roomiest Bimmer out there by having more headroom thrown in for good measure. Get the 5er GT with a panoramic roof and the sense of space was even more overwhelming. But there were obvious drawbacks, the most obvious one being the weight of the gran tourer.
Back when I tested the 5 Series Gran Turismo I remember saying to myself and my readers that it was the perfect surrogate if you really didn’t want to buy an SUV. It offered all the space and comfort inside while allowing you to ride closer to the ground and therefore more compliant when pushing the car to its limits. On the other hand, if you put the 5er on a scale and then an SUV right afterwards, you might notice that the needle would rest in roughly the same position. It was a heavy beast.
Therefore, those two were the main culprits that made the 5 Series GT a peculiar offering in the 5 Series range: the looks and weight. Could the 6 Series Gran Turismo overcome those handicaps? From the get go, the 6er lines up at the starting grid with a huge handicap in the collective mind of the audience it’s appealing to. You see, the 6 Series range as a whole might’ve been a bit heavy overall, but those cars were still regarded as high-precision tools, fast and enjoyable, not to mention drop dead gorgeous. Nobody can deny those claims and that means the 6 Series badge comes with a certain prejudice that will simply block some people from seeing what the Gran Turismo is supposed to be all about.
Some will get in and try and reproduce the driving dynamics of the old and now retired F13 6 Series Coupe and that simply won’t happen. It will then leave them angry and disappointed, without even trying to understand the car that’s sitting in front of them.
The Gran Turismo is a different kind of 6 Series. It’s a new breed if you will, a car that aims at offering the ultimate comfort and luxury for those looking to save some money compared to a 7 Series. The two have almost identical exterior dimensions. In terms of length, the standard 7 Series – not the long wheelbase model – is just 7mm longer while the two are exactly the same in width. However, the higher roofline of the GT makes it over 70mm taller and all of that translates into extra headroom compared to the limousine.
By now, you should get the picture: BMW wanted to offer a more practical alternative to those looking for the ultimate luxury and comfort inside a Bavarian machine but the size of the Gran Turismo isn’t the only thing that confirms my theory.
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The car is also quick off the line and keeps you secure at all times, rising the confidence levels even higher.
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Unlike the old 5 Series, the new model now also comes with all the latest tech the 7 Series brought out in the first place as well as the being built on top of the same CLAR architecture. This is actually important as it means the 6 Series GT now managed to drop considerable weight compared to its predecessor, thanks to intelligent use of lightweight materials. yet don’t believe that the 6 GT is now a light car on its feet but it did drop 150 kg (331 lbs) off its hips which is noticeable in all types of scenarios. It also comes with the latest adaptive drive suspension and integral active steering which, combined, make a big difference in how the car handles.
However, a big part in that is played by the engine choice as well. In the US, the entry-level model is the 640i GT. It comes with the familiar B58 3-liter straight six engine we’ve all grown to love, making 340 HP and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. It’s a rapid machine that will reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.4 or 5.3 seconds, the latter for the xDrive all-wheel drive models. All cars come with an 8 s-speed automatic gearbox as there’s no manual on offer. Then there’s also the 630i model but, unlike what the name would suggest, it’s powered by a powerful and yet small 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine.
The remaining models in the range are diesels and, therefore, not available in the US. You get to choose between a 630d with or without xDrive and a 640d xDrive model which can’t be had without all-wheel drive. Both cars use 3-liter straight six diesel engines making either 265 HP on the former or 320 HP on the latter. But that’s just half the story. On a car this heavy, torque is what matters the most and both of them have it by the plentiful. There’s only 60 Nm between them, with the 630d having less of it, of course, the 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) kicking in at 2,000 RPM.
It was this model that we had for testing purposes for a longer period of time and, to be fair, it felt like the best buy of the range. There’s plenty of power from down low, the car will do 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6 seconds flat and it handles great, never leaving the impression you’d need more grunt under the hood. Furthermore, the magic BMW applied to the chassis works wonders in favor of the new Gran Turismo in the range.
With the Executive Drive option ticked, our tester came with active anti-roll bars which did they job brilliantly and managed to keep body roll in check most of the time. Take the car up to 9/10 though and yes, there is some dive to be noticed if you enter a corner with too much speed but considering that the behemoth I was driving tipped the scale at just shy of 2 tons, the way it kept its composure was admirable. Some of the credit also goes to the active steering which makes this tall and ungainly car feel like it’s on rails and that simply left me dazzled. How could such a big beast keep its composure like that?
It was, without a doubt, a combination of factors. From the air suspension on both axles to the active anti-roll bars, everything works together perfectly, like finely tuned orchestra, offering a great show to the person sitting behind the wheel and I’m not talking only about when pushing the car to its limits. The ride feels composed at all times and the steering is direct and confidence inspiring but lacks the feedback everyone is talking about these days. The car is also quick off the line and keeps you secure at all times, rising the confidence levels even higher.
But you might want to take things down a notch every once in a while, especially when you pause for a moment and look around while sitting inside. As I already mentioned, there’s ample room both in the front and in the back but there’s also luxury on par with the 7 Series. The dash looks almost identical and you get access to all the optional features you can possibly want, from Gesture Control to the latest lane-keeping assistant and the Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Our tester also came with massaging seats up front as well as Individual Black Piano trims and Nappa Mokka leather upholstery. In a word, the car was expensive.
The price tag added up to over 100,000 Euros and we were still looking at a dash covered in Sensatec and missing some options that could’ve taken things even further up the scale. And that’s expensive, no matter how you look at it, turning the 6 Series GT into a niche model, if I ever saw one. But then again, there are things working for it, even at this stratospheric price range.
Compared to a similarly equipped 7 Series, the 6er comes in a bit cheaper even though it is also more practical and offers more room. In terms of practicality one has to mention the cavernous boot that offers 610 liters of storage space which is more than the 515 liters of the 7 Series or the 570 liters of the 5 Series Touring. Furthermore, fold the seats and things go up to a ludicrous 1800 liters, 100 more than the Touring 5er, making the GT one of the most practical BMWs you can get these days, including the SUV range. As a matter of fact, the X5 only offers 70 liters more with the rear seats folded and that’s something you might want to keep in mind.
Another thing you might want to remember when driving or parking the 6 Series GT is the high-rising tailgate. With the boot open, the rear end of the car looks like a hippo with its mouth open, allowing you to stow away all your stuff thanks to the flat floor and the secret storage bins underneath it. On the end of the tailgate you’ll also find an active wing that raises at speeds over 100 km/h (62 mph) for more stability on the road.
It’s not like you’d need the help though as the car is keeping its composure at speeds well over the usual 65 mph limit. Flat out, the 630d GT breaks that limit in a couple of seconds and has enough pull even at those speeds to make sure you can overtake without breaking a sweat. But while the performance was impressive, the fuel consumption figures were mind-blowing.
Around town our tester showed restrain without having to use the Eco Pro mode. The long and wide car is easy to manage even on Europe’s old, narrow roads and a lot of the credit goes to the integral steering. Choose the Comfort+ mode and you’ll be feeling like you’re riding on a cloud, the air suspension easily handling even potholes of the larger variety. As for the fuel consumption, it sat around 27 mpg (8.5 l/100 km) which is absolutely incredible in my book. Then I went outside the city limits and my mind was blown away once again, the onboard trip computer showing a fuel consumption of 42 mpg (5.6 l/100 km) at an average speed of 50 mph (80 km/h), leaving me certain that autonomies of over 1,000 km (620 miles) can be easily achieved.
In the end, this drastically misunderstood model left me wanting more. I have to admit that’s roughly the same way the old 5 Series GT left me when I tested it a few years back but this time around, the small flaws that made the 5er a less than perfect model have been ironed out. The 6 Series GT is lighter, looks and drives better while offering you cavernous space and a fuel consumption worthy of a compact car. And in a world where SUVs are usually bought with the classic ‘practicality’ argument trumping over reason, the 6 Series Gran Turismo can be a smarter choice altogether.
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2017 BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo
Exterior Appeal - 7
Interior Quality - 10
Steering Feedback - 8
Performance - 8
Handling - 8
BMWness/Ultimate Driving Machine - 7
Price Point - 6
7.7
In the end, this drastically misunderstood model left me wanting more. I have to admit that’s roughly the same way the old 5 Series GT left me when I tested it a few years back but this time around, the small flaws that made the 5er a less than perfect model have been ironed out. The 6 Series GT is lighter, looks and drives better while offering you cavernous space and a fuel consumption worthy of a compact car.
Pity to think that the 6 GT undoing will be its name. What was BMW thinking!? They hate this car so much that they set it up for failure right out the starting gates.
I love this car! It’s the car I would drive. But I’m angered by the name change that makes no sense and breaks all the BMW rules for no apparent reason. Big mistake BMW!
Great car tho!
“The news that the BMW 6 Series range as we’ve all grown to love it will be retired after the current Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe models have run their lifespans shocked a lot of people. A lot of us already knew that the 8 Series was in the making and that the revival of this iconic nameplate would probably lead to a sort of cannibalization between the two.”
The 6 Series hasn’t been retired. It will be now called 8 series. And the 5 GT will be now called 6GT. There is nothing about retiring a series or reviving another. It’s just a name change. Nothing new.
Did bmw retire the 3 series coupe and launch a 4 series coupe that had nothing to do with it? It’s just a name change. Nothing new. Not a new model. Just the name.
You’re not wrong emulajavi. But a lot rides on a name. You can’t/shouldn’t throw out something that has history and a following. In a cold hard industry, it wouldn’t be a problem. But us BMW lovers does so with passion.
That name change means they have the opportunity to charge a whole lot more money for essentially the same class of product. One thing I don’t like is dirty tricks, and this looks a dirty trick to me.
They did the same thing when they turned what used to be the 3 Series Coupe to “4 Series” and charged so much more money for it. They have track record.
Sacrilege
Mercedes B Class Is sacrilege.
VW SUV rebadged as Porsche is sacrilege.
Large, luxurious hatch. is not.
Works for 3 GT.
Works for this.
GT > SUV.
Crafty move, BMW, to replace the most beautiful and appealing of your cars with the ugliest, most ridiculous one.
Come on man, the 6 Series GT is by no means an ugly car. The front looks like a 5 Series, the interior is gorgeous, the side is pretty elegant (imo) and can’t hate on the back anymore either… Or can you?
It’s not ridiculous either as it has a clear and useful purpose: being super comfortable, luxurious and spacious. It does all of that beautifully. It’s almost as luxurious as a 7 Series, it’s just as big and has even more head room in the back (!!). It also has an incredibly large boot, so it’s indeed super practical.
I mean what would you rather have: a 6 GT or a minivan 2 AT/GT? Obviously the 2 GT is way uglier than a 6 GT. I wouldn’t have to think twice!
Point remains though that it should be called 5 GT and not 6 GT, because it really isn’t a 6 Series. It confuses people and it actually makes it worse, because as a 5 it’s okay, but a 6? The 6 Series have always been some of the most beautiful cars that BMW made, in every gen basically. They’re iconic… I don’t see a good reason to call it 6 Series…
It’s taste, isn’t it? I accept that yours and mine are different. If I wanted a two-box car (which I guess I don’t because of the road noise) it would be because I needed the cargo space, which the 6 and X6 don’t really offer. Then I would want the 5-series Touring. I selfishly resent that this car is not offered to customers in the U.S.
The 6er GT is the 5er Touring replacement for the U.S.
I think that’s well understood. What point are you making about it?
It’s definitely an upgrade. You got more space and it look alot sleeker than before. Give this car a chance. I know everyone is cofused because of his name.
It sure is, and I respect your opinion. It’s just that I think it deserves at least a chance, since it’s really not that bad and like Dailybimmer said for sure it’s an upgrade from the old one. :)
My sentiments too, Senne!
The 6GT is properly hideous. BMW has tried multiple times the throw those awkward proportions down the world’s throat for decades now. If you don’t believe me, ask the 1997 318ti. Don’t believe it? Ask the X6. Move onto 5GT, and now the 6. The 6 used to be the most beautiful car in the lineup (Bangle years dismissed); the shark-nosed assassin. And now to be replaced with this, is an outright insult.
By “tried” you almost believed yourself that the cars didn’t sell… Don’t let your personal opinion become a fact – BMW, nor any other brand, forces anyone to buy anything…
@gitcypher:disqus Your idea of the word hideous and mine are very different. I get personal taste, but, buddy, ‘hideous’ is so wrong for this car.
318ti direct descendant of 2000 Touring, cheapest BMW in ’97. “Properly hideous” 6GT looks (& rides) better than most of what’s on the road today. Loved 645i, new 8 should be even better.
You really do display signs of acute need for medical attention.
You really do display signs of acute need for attention.
Can’t help you.
You are spot on. They have killed a legend for this rubbish.
You are no legend, and since typing rubbish makes no difference perhaps you could kill yourself as a gesture of support. 6 GT would make a lovely hearse.
Didn’t Adrian van Hooydonk design the 6 during the “Bangle years”?
Okay, it’s better than the last 5GT but it’s still a porcine hatch.
Why oh why BMW? What is wrong with you? Why destroy the beloved 6 series like this?
This must be one hell of a stupid move by BMW.
I think, actually, not. They’ve replaced the previous 6 series with a new 8 series — Coupe, convertible and (I think) Gran Coupe 4-door. The 5 GT becomes the 6GT. With higher model numbers, they can presumably raise the list price on all these models, as they did when they renamed part of the 3 series the 4.
That car’s still ugly, though they improved its looks. That high roofline is too high and unnecessary. Exterior design needs to be tightened. Shoulders do not look muscular but they need to as that’ll enhance the stance of the car, making it look leaner and sleeker. The back looks enormous. I really want to like the car, especially as BMW did well with the interior but that exterior and the fact rumours say there won’t be a M performance or even M model means BMW is saying to Audi/Porsche (A7, S7, RS7, Panamera) and Mercedes-AMG (CLS, AMG GT 4 doors) to go unchallenged and have all of that segment for themselves
For those slamming the car on it’s looks, take a look at one next time you’re at your BMW center. I thought the same until I saw one in person. With the M Sport Package, it definitely looks more aggressive than the predecessor. It also has some of the best looking taillights I’ve seen on a BMW. Plus, the cost difference between a similarly equipped 740i is huge, about $22k difference!!
Whaaaaat?
https://www.bmwusa.com/byo.html#!/build/summary/diy0535x
https://www.bmwusa.com/byo.html#!/build/summary/diywyet5
Yep, but people still won’t buy the 640 GT because of the perceived “ugliness”
It is ugly…..not much more to say
Can someone explain why BMW doesn’t offer a single “electrified” version of this car?
Such a shame. At this point, I feel like BMW is mostly talk, no action about the future EV plans. And for all the people saying there is no interest for such a powertrain in this type of car, look at the latest sales figures of the new Panamera (plug-in hybrid vs petrol vs diesel) especially in Europe.
7 series platform with shaved roof + hatch = 6 series. Let’s move on to more important things like.. More power. Please! If BMW won’t release a new 5 Touring to North America then the 6er GT may have to make a trip to Dinan. Sounds silly I know – But what’s a super dad to do?
You Euros get all the good stuff. Would love to see an Alpina version. Looks still need work. Almost there…