BMW’s new 6 Series Gran Turismo will make its debut at Frankfurt’s International Motor Show (IAA) this September followed by a market launch in November.

The model blends the long-distance comfort of a luxury sedan with coupe style. The impressive functionality offered by this body format and the high standards of driving comfort and spaciousness that provide the ideal setting for a relaxing journey are among the features that defined the character of the new car’s predecessor. 

These strengths have now been further honed in the new model, whose evolution from the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is evident in its sporting elegance, highly advanced features, innovative control and assistance systems, dynamism and efficiency. There will initially be a choice of three engines and the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system will also be available for two models from launch.


LIGHTER, SPORTIER

A combination of lightweight engineering and increased use of aluminium and high-strength steel for body and chassis components has shaved around 150 kg off the weight of the new car compared to the outgoing model. 

Together with the improvement in the car’s aerodynamics, the increase in power and efficiency of the new engines, this endows the car with sportier performance at the same time as optimising fuel economy. Depending on the engine variant, the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is completed up to 0.7 seconds quicker (BMW 630i Gran Turismo) than in the equivalent predecessor model, while fuel consumption and emissions figures in the NEDC test cycle are as much as 15 per cent lower (BMW 640i Gran Turismo, BMW 630d Gran Turismo). 

Handling dynamics and driving comfort both reap the benefits of improvements made to chassis technology. Self-levelling air suspension comes as standard at the rear axle, while ride comfort especially can be further enhanced by opting for the Adaptive suspension. The Executive Drive option, which is offered in combination with the Integral Active Steering system and also includes active roll stabilisation, gives the vehicle a sportier edge. The two-axle air suspension allows the vehicle’s ride height to be adjusted manually, meaning that ground clearance can be increased by 20 mm at the touch of a button to negotiate dirt tracks or steep ramps, for example. The vehicle can also be lowered by 10 mm – either manually or automatically. All optional suspension systems are now available in conjunction with BMW xDrive.


DESIGN

An exterior length of 5,091 mm (an increase of 87 mm on its predecessor), an unchanged width of 1,902 mm and a reduction in height of 21 mm (to 1,538 mm) give the new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo dynamically stretched proportions.

The front end has a distinctive, powerful appearance, with the lenses of the standard LED headlights extending all the way to the large kidney grille. BMW’s signature sporting elegance comes to the fore when the car is viewed in profile, thanks to familiar features such as the long bonnet, set-back positioning of the cabin, a wheelbase of 3,070 mm, doors with frameless windows, and an elongated window outline stretching deep into the rear end. 

The low-slung silhouette also has a beneficial effect on the car’s aerodynamic properties, combining with active air flap control and other measures including Air Curtains, Air Breathers and an automatically extending rear spoiler to lower the drag coefficient (Cd) from the predecessor’s figure of 0.29 to as little as 0.25.


DRIVING PLEASURE, COMFORT AND FUNCTIONALITY

The interior has been designed to provide a driver-focused cockpit and an extremely spacious passenger compartment. The raised seating position optimises the driver’s view and helps to create an imperious sense of driving pleasure. The rear compartment comprises three full-size seats offering maximised legroom. 

Exhaustive optimisation of the cabin’s packaging sees the new model’s far flatter roofline still translating into extra headroom, while the restyled rear seat unit and improved soundproofing make it even more comfortable to travel in. The electrically adjustable comfort seats optionally available for the rear allow the backrest angle to be altered at the push of a button.

The car features a one-piece tailgate that opens and closes electrically as standard. The boot capacity of 610 litres is 110 litres larger than its predecessor. 


NEW GENERATION OF ENGINES

The line-up of engines available for the car feature TwinPower Turbo technology and team up with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit in the new BMW 630i Gran Turismo delivers a maximum output of 190 kW/258 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). It propels the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.3 seconds and posts combined fuel consumption of 6.6–6.2 litres per 100 kilometres (42.8–45.6 mpg imp)* and CO2 emissions of 152–142 grams per kilometre*.

The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line petrol engine enables the new BMW 640i Gran Turismo to accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) from rest in 5.4 seconds, while the new BMW 640i xDrive Gran Turismo is a tick faster at 5.3 seconds. 

The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line diesel engine producing 195 kW/265 hp and peak torque of 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) can likewise be combined with all-wheel drive as an option. The new BMW 630d Gran Turismo and the new BMW 630d xDrive Gran Turismo race from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.1 seconds and 6.0 seconds respectively. 


VERSATILE CONTROL SYSTEM

The BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo is equipped with a display and control system offering unrivalled versatility for operating vehicle, navigation, communication and infotainment functions. At the heart of it all is the iDrive system, complete with the Touch Controller on the centre console and the Control Display, now in the form of a freestanding touchscreen. The car also offers the convenience of both enhanced voice control and BMW gesture control. And customers can specify the new-generation BMW Head-Up Display, too, whose projection area is 70 per cent larger than before.


ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS 

The driver assistance systems make use of the standard stereo camera as well as optional radar and ultrasonic sensors to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. The Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation comes as standard, while the list of options includes the new, improved version of Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function operational at speeds between 0 and 210 km/h (130 mph). 

The Steering and lane control assistant (active in the same speed range) represents another step along the road to automated driving. It uses road markings and vehicles driving ahead for orientation and helps the driver to keep the vehicle in the detected lane. The Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning systems, Side Collision Warning and the evasion aid likewise enhance convenience and safety by coming to the driver’s assistance with corrective steering inputs. The Crossing traffic warning, Priority warning, Crossroads warning and Wrong-way warning systems similarly do their bit to avoid potentially hazardous situations. And the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo can also be ordered with the Remote Control Parking feature.


BMW CONNECTED

BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo owners can also enjoy the benefits of BMW Connected, intelligent connectivity enabling this digital personal mobility assistant to help drivers reach their destination easily and with minimal stress. To this end, calendar entries from a smartphone can be used for route planning, for instance, the ideal departure time can be calculated on the basis of real-time traffic data and the navigation destination can be transferred to the owner’s car. Once inside, drivers are able to manage calendar, e-mail and contact data via the Microsoft Exchange function. 

Real Time Traffic Information indicates the presence of tailbacks and slow-moving traffic, On-Street Parking Information helps to find available parking spots at the side of the road, and the Remote 3D View function allows drivers to view live images of their car and its immediate vicinity on their smartphone.