BMW 640i Gran Turismo
Oddball grand tourer gets a change of identity and a raft of dynamic tweaks
Versatile driving machine
The outgoing 5 Series GT is not one of BMW’S most elegant cars. The bulky executive class hatchback fields an odd mix of positives – room, comfort and a raised seating position – bundled with less than thrilling dynamics. This new Gran Turismo is now a 6 Series rather than a 5, its redesign taking into account customers’ views of its good points, and what the car’s project boss, Claus-otto Griebel, tactfully calls its “less good points” – more of which shortly.
The 6 GT rides on the same wheelbase as the latest 7 Series, has grown 87mm in length (most of this devoted to a boot that is one of the outgoing car’s less good points), has a 21mm-lower roof line and a rear deck lid that sits 64mm lower. That realigned tailgate is intended to tackle another ‘less good’ feature, which was the appearance of the 5 GT’S generously dimensioned back end. You still wouldn’t call it slender, but it looks less like a wall of steel when you’re following it. BMW has also ditched the complicated boot-cum-tailgate arrangement, and ingeniously built the electric hatchback struts into the tailgate itself, usefully widening the load bay’s mouth.
Despite the lowered roofline, the raised seating position of the 5 GT remains. It’s 60mm higher than for a 5 Series saloon. This was a feature liked by buyers, along with the ample cabin space and comfort. Rear head room is unaffected despite the sleeker roof. Besides the styling, improving the handling was another priority for the new generation of this slightly curious machine. Griebel implied that the task of making it corner like a more traditional BMW was considered a satisfying challenge by the chassis department.
Their mission was eased by an average weight reduction of 150kg across the range, and suspension that’s a mix of the latest 7 and 5 Series hardware. This can include four air springs (rather than the standard
The 6 Series GT is considerably more agile, and willing, than its predecessor
rear self-levellers), active roll control and four-wheel steering.
A lift-reducing active boot spoiler aids high-speed stability and further aerodynamic refinements include active radiator grille flaps, a front air curtain and turbulence-calming front wheel arch air breathers, all contributing to an impressive 0.25 drag coefficient. Pushing the 6 Series GT through the air is the simple engine choice of 255bhp 630i petrol, 335bhp xdrive all-wheel-drive 640i or 261bhp 630d, all eight-speed paddle-shift auto equipped.
This was a big car before and it’s even bigger now, but the lower roofline and finely crafted furnishings make it feel cosier and more inviting. The 6 Series GT is intended as a machine in which four people can travel all day in considerable luxury, and on ambience and seat comfort alone it scores highly, especially with a panoramic roof. The 640i’s power means there’s more than enough go and all-wheel drive ensures that it’s confidently transmitted to the road. You’ll need to rev this engine to hear the six cylinders that you’ve paid for, the engine’s mildly rorty outpourings quite a contrast to BMW’S silken turbine sixes from the past. The smooth-shifting eight-speeder means that you’re only going to find this out if you stretch the 6 Series GT’S dynamic muscles, though.
The 6 Series GT is considerably more agile, and willing, than its predecessor. It can feel big when braking and turning into a tight bend, but the suspension contains its mass well. More relevant for most is the ride, which is excellent when Comfort driving mode is engaged and decently supple in Sport. Also impressive is the GT’S quietness at speed, BMW having gone to some lengths to achieve this through aerodynamics and sound deadening.
This is a car that offers quite a specific set of advantages, as its predecessor did. It’s exceptionally roomy and versatile and qualifies as a genuine GT in that it’s capable of consuming big mileages with potent serenity. True, it’s hardly as elegant as a grand touring Aston Martin but it’s easier on the eye than the 5 Series GT. It’s also very well finished, very comfortable, secure and, with its slightly higher seating position, provides some of the imperious feeling enjoyed aboard SUVS. The difference, this time, is that it drives more like a BMW should.