Nothing beats a station wagon for combining driving dynamics with the utility demanded by a family than new BMW 6 Series GT.
While its 6 Series name is new for 2018, this GT essentially is a redesign of the old 5 Series Gran Turismo. It is based on the new 5 Series platform, comes only in 640i xDrive specification, and costs $9,700 more than an equivalent 540i xDrive sedan. What you get in exchange for the extra money is a taller driving position, a huge back seat, and a roomy cargo area.
And one thing I learned: comfort and carrying cargo are key 6 Series GT characteristics
Compared to a 5 Series sedan, the 6 Series GT offers higher seating positions in a roomier interior. Up front, you sit nice and high with a commanding view out. The standard 16-way power adjustable sport seats are comfortable and supportive, and a driver easily finds a perfect position behind the steering wheel.
Jump in back and you are in for a treat. The BMW 6 Series GT provides tall chairs with outstanding thigh support and amazing legroom.
Three adults can easily ride in comfort in this car, and power adjustable rear seats are optional.
A panoramic glass roof is standard, bathing the interior and occupants in natural light when the cover is retracted.
Open the Gran Turismo’s huge power-operated hatch to access a generous 31-cubic-foot trunk. With the 40/20/40-split rear seat folded down, the 6 Series GT supplies 65 cubic feet of cargo space.
The BMW 6 Series GT is loaded with technology. Every version of the car is equipped with the latest version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, now with a 10.25-inch freestanding touchscreen display.
Additional standard features include BMW Connected services with a smartphone app and a Wi-Fi hotspot, BMW TeleServices, and BMW Assist eCall with SOS emergency calling and automatic crash notification. The 6 Series GT also includes a navigation system, wireless device charging, and a digital 12.3-inch instrumentation display.
Options include a wireless Apple CarPlay connection, a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system, and a rear seat entertainment system. Additionally, a new head-up display supplies a 75-percent greater viewing area.
Standard driver assistance and collision avoidance technologies include a forward collision warning system with daytime pedestrian detection and low-speed automatic emergency braking, active blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and a lane departure warning system.
But once you are inside and press the start button, that is when you get to truly experience what this car is all about. With its turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, making 335 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 332 pound-feet of torque between 1,380 rpm and 5,200 rpm, acceleration to 60 mph takes just 5.1 seconds.
Automatic engine start/stop technology aims to improved fuel economy, as does the Eco Pro driving mode’s coasting function. The EPA says this car gets 23 mpg in combined driving.
So if you tend to favor comfort, practicality and utility in your choice of a driving machine, the future of the 6-series can be yours for $79,695 to start, and about $82,000 for a well-rounded 640i XDrive Gran Turismo.
Grant Miller is the publisher of Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or via email at Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.
