Since it switched from a lithe and sexy coupe to a bulbous, slightly wagonized Gran Turismo, the new 6 Series has drawn a bit of criticism. It used to be a stunning machine and now it’s a utilitarian tweener, sitting between the 5 Series and 7 Series. However, when viewed on its own, the new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo is actually a good car. The question is, is the 6 Series GT worth the extra money over the brilliant 5 Series Touring? Autocar finds out.
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In this test, Autocar drives the new BMW 640i xDrive M Sport Gran Turismo, probably the most interesting version of the new 6er GT. It packs the best engine you can get in it, all-wheel drive and an M Sport package. So it’s the most exciting variant. And it’s puts down some surprising performance.
From 0-60 mph, the 6 Series GT gets there in 5.3 seconds, which is pretty damn quick. That’s about as fast as a Volkswagen GTI and, while that may sound like an insult, that’s actually pretty impressive considering how big, practical and heavy the 6 Series Gran Turismo actually is. It shares its wheelbase with the 7 Series, so the 6er GT is a very long car. It’s also a heavy one, especially the 640i xDrive GT, as it comes with its biggest engine and all-wheel drive.
It’s also a practical machine, as it packs 610 liters of trunks space, which is better than the 5 Series Touring (seats up). So while the 5 Series Touring is a traditionally practical wagon, without putting the seats down it can’t match its newer, funnier looking sibling. But, thanks to its lower center of gravity, shorter wheelbase and lighter weight, the 5 Series Touring is the sharper car of the two.
It’s not that the 6 Series Gran Turismo is a bad handling car, as it has good steering, a capable chassis and tons of grip, but it’s too heavy and its air suspension is too soft for it to properly handle. Rapid changes of direction can upset the car and it’s most certainly more of a straight line cruiser than a canyon carver.
However, it costs more. In fact, it’s over 10,000 Euros more than the 5 Series Touring. So with better cargo space, more luxury and still good performance, is the 6 Series Gran Turismo worth the extra money over the 5 Series Touring? Honestly, it seems like no. The 6 Series GT only has more cargo space with the seats up, its worse looking, it’s not as nice to drive and it’s more expensive. However, if you need something that’s fast, practical, incredibly luxurious and you absolutely do not want a wagon, it’s hard to beat the 6 Series Gran Turismo. Just make sure to get the 640i xDrive GT.
[Source: Autocar]
It’s moot here in the States since you can’t get 5 wagon here. I’ve always thought of the 5 and now 6 GT as more or less a 7 series hatchback. The 5 GT was homely to the max, but I don’t think the 6 GT looks bad at all. If it was in my price range I’d totally consider one given that I can’t buy a 5 wagon.
Saw this at the dealer the other day…and it looked GREAT! Compared to the 5GT which had odd looks and bulging sides, the lines and angles of the 6GT go pretty well. Sure, im also pissed it does not continue the shark nose of the 6er, but hey, the car is pretty good.
Still love this concept. I consider myself one of the very few people this car is aimed at. Obviously, our numbers are enough for BMW to still be making it.
I just wish people can recognize the fact that not all of us are the same. A little understanding could do this car wonders.
I don’t understand people complaining about too much options on the market. Shouldn’t that be what we want as customers ? An ideal world where everyone can have a car that suits them ? If it takes away the manufacturer’s focus from its core model then okay it’s an issue, but if not, what’s the problem ?
They’re making more sales, growing, and they’re making people happy. I don’t see the issue honestly. You don’t like it, don’t buy it. It’s that simple. I don’t like the 6GT but i’m not gonna knock BMW for making it, they’re not losing money on it. If they were then sure
Spot on!
I’m puzzled with the statement that the 5-Touring is better looking than the 6-GT – the 6-GT is also on a 7-Series Chassis so surely it’s more refined and comfortable, thus it is the better car and (besides its uniqueness) justifies the higher price.
So if i purchase the one with only REAR air suspension will be better handling than the one with FUll air suspension? Thank you Because i really like the model, but what really hesitate me is that the review from every site says that the handling is not so BMW”s