Auto Expo 2018: BMW 6 Series GT, new M5 launched in India

The 630i GT Sport Line is priced at Rs 58.90 lakh, while the new M5 commands Rs 1.43 crore, both prices ex-showroom.  

BMW has launched two niche cars at the ongoing Auto Expo 2018 – the first is the 6 Series GT and the second is the explosive M5 super-saloon.

Starting with the 6 Series GT, it is an indirect replacement for the now discontinued 5 Series GT and also a new direction for the 6 Series brand in general, which earlier consisted of only coupes. Underneath the skin, the new 6 Series GT is basically the 5 Series saloon with a bulbous rear end. For those unaware, Gran Turismo (GT) is BMW’s lineup with a unique design that looks like a mix between a traditional saloon and a cross over, with a fastback styled lift gate.

Presently, the 6 GT will be only available in the 630i petrol avatar, which draws its power from a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol motor pumping 248bhp of power and 350Nm of torque and comes mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. A diesel option will be launched later in 2018.

Next up is the M5, the bonkers avatar of the 5 Series. Now in its sixth-generation, the new model is the first M5 to feature BMW’s xDrive 4WD system as standard. However, BMW assures that the front wheels will only get power when the rear ones struggle for traction. Furthermore, the behaviour of the 4WD system can be altered by different driving modes, of which the ‘M Dynamic’ mode can make the car pure rear-wheel drive.

Under the bonnet, the new BMW M5 sports a heavily revised version of its predecessor’s powertrain. So, a longitudinally mounted 4.4-litre, V8 petrol motor – twin-turbocharged to generate 592 horses and 750Nm of rotating force – propels this new M super-saloon. The 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox of the previous model has been ditched in favour of a ZF-sourced 8-speed torque converter.

Both the 6 Series GT and M5 are available for purchase immediately.

BMW showcases a variety of machinery at the ongoing 2018 Auto Expo ranging from the eco friendly i3 to the mighty new M5.

Here is a glimpse at what you need to see at the BMW stall. @bmwindia @BMWi ?@AEMotorShow ? #bmw #bmwm5 #bmwindia #bmwi3 #bmwi8 #AutoExpo2018 #AutoExpo18 pic.twitter.com/n5OEXcDN5B

— autoX (@autoXmag) February 8, 2018