BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo breaks cover

The newest 6 from Bavarian automaker is based on the latest G30 5 Series sedan and succeeds the now discontinued 5 Series Gran Turismo, albeit with a new name.

The very first member of the 2018 BMW 6 Series line-up has been revealed in the form of the 6 Series Gran Turismo (GT). It also marks the first ever 6 Series badged car to receive the GT treatment. Underneath the skin, the new 6 Series GT is basically the 5 Series sedan with a bulbous rear end.

For those unaware, Gran Turismo is BMW’s line up with a unique design which looks like a mix between a traditional sedan and a cross over, with a fastback styled lift gate. Granted, there is no particularly known body style under which Gran Turismos can be comfortably classified, but what is certain is that the 6 Series GT’s predecessor, the 5 Series GT, found enough homes through its life cycle for it to have a successor.

On the inside of the latest BMW 6 Series GT, lie all the latest technology and gadgetry which BMW is known for. This includes BMW's latest iDrive infotainment system along with a 10.25-inch screen, a 16 speaker, Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system, a high definition head-up display and BMW's gesture control.

The 6 Series GT rides on a slightly longer wheelbase than the 5 Series, giving it better legroom and boot space. Other than that, the cabin of the 6 Series GT appears to be almost identical to that of the latest G30 5 Series.

The key fob of the car will be in line with the latest BMWs – a smart key with an integrated display. A retractable rear spoiler has been added on the outside for that extra dash of style. The now well known M-Sport package will be offered as an add-on.

Powertrain options on the new 6 Series GT will include a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol in the 630i, a 3.0-litre inline-six petrol for the 640i, and a 3.0-litre inline-six diesel, the 630d. All engines come hooked to the ZF sourced 8-speed automatic gearbox. xDrive AWD system will also be offered on the six cylinder models in selected regions. According to BMW, the 640i will do 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, which is 0.3 slower than a comparable 5-series, likely due to the GT’s additional bulk.

The BMW 6 Series GT is expected to arrive in the US in the fall of 2017, with the India launch slated for sometime in 2018.