BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo

BMW called the 6-Series dead, to be replaced by the revival of the 8-Series moniker, but by some fate, they brought back the 6-Series, only this time in the form of a five-door liftback with the odd name BMW should have known better. This is the new BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo and this is the start of confusing BMW customers into oblivion because...well, let's find out.

2018 BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo

In the start, BMW wanted odd numbered cars to be labeled Gran Coupe for their saloon derivatives while even numbered cars spawning five-door liftbacks to be labeled Gran Turismo. Now though, things have changed and the odd-numbered Bimmer donned the Gran Turismo moniker for no reason, showing signs that the world has gone out of control just like current affairs in the nutshell. The past 6-Series, based on the F10 BMW 5-Series, has a coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe saloon, but now that BMW stopped making the old 6-Series lineup, BMW had ran out of options amid the preparation of the return of the 8-Series and because they want to preserve the 6-Series name for no reason, they want to fill the void in the form of what is known to be a liftback version of the G30 5-Series.

2018 BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo interior

2018 BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo interior

Although not as ugly as the bulgy 5-Series Gran Turismo, it wasn't as pretty as the old 6-Series Gran Coupe, which in other words, it's above average to look at and despite being above average, it wasn't as redundant as today's Audi A5 Sportback by the looks of it and we can all live with that.

Step inside and you will be greeted by the usual BMW interior that looks the same as any other Bimmer you know but because this is based on the G30 5-Series, you have familiar features to toy around such as the Gesture Control feature. On the passenger side, despite being a liftback, it is surprisingly posh and when you opt for the one with the rear entertainment system, a lot more hospitable, like a 7-Series.

As for boot space, it's surprisingly more spacious than the old 5-Series GT by about 110 litres, meaning there's more golf bags and suitcases to fill in for some leisure stuff at the country club and that's a good mark for BMW there.

2018 BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo

The 6-Series GT offers three different engines at launch ranging from the 2.0L turbo to the 3.0L diesel, all mated with an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox. The most powerful version is the 640i with the 3.0L turbo petrol engine producing 340PS of power and 450Nm of torque. In xDrive spec, it does 0-100kph in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of an electronically limited 250kph. However, if you need more push on the go, there's the 640d with 680Nm of torque from its 3.0L diesel engine and with xDrive standard, you get a 0-100kph time of 5.3 seconds. Those demanding for efficiency should go for the 630d variant with 4.9 to 5.3L/100km of fuel efficiency based on some standards I don't know about.

What about dynamics? Well, it's pretty decent for a sports saloon and because it has some double-wishbone front suspension and five-link rear suspension reminiscent of some twenty-year old Honda Accord from a past, it feels somewhat agile and comfortable every time it handles like what a proper saloon should be. To get the most out of it, the 6-Series GT can be opted with the Adaptive suspension and Executive Drive, giving the ideal balance of comfort and sportiness on the road ahead, which is pretty much surprising for a 5-Series based liftback that stole the name from the coupe version of the 5-Series. Did I said it out loud, huh? And because it features a lightweight bodywork, the weight distribution is rather good indeed.

The dynamics aren't half bad but because it's tech-focused, the driving assists are going to upset your experience if you're a speedo boy because with stuff like Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Parking Assistant, Remote Control Parking, among many others, these tech can intoxicate your experience with the 6-Series GT, well save for the Remote Control Parking because this is very James Bond-ish.

The 6-Series GT starts at 62,300 Euros plus on-road costs and that's more expensive than the G30 5-Series it was based upon. So, what can I say? Although I can be upset about the confusing name, the design, and the pricing, I am impressed about the tech, the interior, and the dynamics that is very promising for a Bimmer and while this car has a love-or-hate attitude, its egoism is what sums this car up the most.

Photo: BMW AG