BMW 6 Series GT

BMW 6 Series – Overview

The current generation G32 BMW 6 Series is quintessentially the odd-ball of the automotive world. It has taken over the role of the F07 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, a bodystyle that seems to answer a question nobody asked- something in between a sedan, hatchback, estate and crossover.

The beautiful and stylish previous-generation F13 BMW 6 Series Coupe and Gran Coupe meanwhile have been morphed to represent the G15 BMW 8 Series. Malaysia currently only offers one variant of the 6 Series, and the G32 6 Series only comes in the unusual Gran Turismo bodystyle.

Priced at RM418,131.09 is the locally-assembled BMW 630i Gran Turismo (GT) M Sport. There are obviously no competitors within this segment, as the 6 Series (and its 5 GT predecessor) is a niche, but at this price range, it would probably be other SUVs. The Audi A7 and A5 Sportback models are lower in height and much more stylish, while the Porsche Panamera is more than twice the price of the BMW 6 Series.

BMW 6 Series – Exterior

The BMW 6 Series is a lot of car and equipment for the RM418,131.09 price tag, to be honest. Dimensionally, the 6 Series slots in between the 5 Series and the 7 Series, while offering more headroom and luggage space than both. In fact, the 3,070 mm wheelbase is also on the BMW 7 Series short-wheelbase model.

The 6 Series Gran Turismo or GT comes with frameless windows with a coupe roofline, decisions that were made to categorise the vehicle as sporty. At the back, the tailgate and rear windscreen are one-piece, making it a hatchback.

But, thanks to that large opening, owners have a large 610-litre boot, swallowing three or even up to four golf bags with ease. A retractable active rear spoiler is also placed on the tailgate that also features handsfree opening and closing function.

In terms of features, the BMW 630i GT M Sport is decked with the M Sport package with sportier-looking front and rear bumpers, gloss black window surrounds and 648 M Bicolour 20-inch wheels with run-flat tyres.

As you approach the BMW 630i GT M Sport in the dark, the Welcome light carpet illuminates the path to the fours doors, certainly impressing the rear occupants. They will also be amazed by the BMW Display Key that has basic information of the vehicle displayed on the large keyfob.

BMW 6 Series – Interior

In the BMW 630i GT M Sport, specific M items such as the steering wheel with large paddle shifters, foot pedals and front door sill finishers welcome the driver.

In the meter hood is the earlier-generation 12.3-inch multi-information display with round gauges, which is easier to read than the newer themes.

The BMW Navigation system Professional with 10.25-inch touch-sensitive display carefully angled towards the driver as well as optimally in the field of view, yet not obstructing the forward view out. The large controls and display for the automatic 4-zone air-conditioning also follow suit, angled towards the driver.

Overall, the interior is well built with plenty of high-quality materials and wrapped with leather plus double-stitching. The fineline wood trim blends very well with the metallic inserts on the door panel, where a large stamped ‘GT’ logo can be found.

Ambient lighting in six choices of colours glows discreetly from the doors, dashboard and footwell.   

BMW 6 Series – Features

Rear occupants are quite well treated in the BMW 630i GT M Sport. There is four-zone automatic air-conditioning, meaning the left and right passengers in the rear seat can configure the air-conditioning to their preference.

Even with frameless windows and an unfixed rear windshield, BMW has provided electric-operated sunshades for the rear glass pieces. Looking up, there is a vast panoramic glass roof that spans more than a metre in length.

Safety

There are six airbags in the BMW 6 Series. Included in the BMW 630i GT M Sport’s Driving Assistance suite is the adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, front collision warning with brake intervention, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert and collision prevention.

A rear-view camera is all that is fitted. A facelift is coming soon at the time of writing so perhaps, more kit and equipment will be included during the new model improvement timing.

Infotainment

The BMW 630i GT M Sport comes with the BMW Navigation System Professional and 10.25-inch touch-sensitive display.

The iDrive controller can still be used, as well as gesture control. In the BMW 630i GT M Sport, occupants can enjoy their favourite tunes played over the Harman/Kardon surround sound system with 600 watts of audio power and a total of 16 speakers. Smartphone connectivity is only limited to Apple CarPlay and a wireless charger conveniently located at the lower console.

BMW 6 Series – Powertrain

Engine

The turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the BMW 630i GT M Sport generates 258 hp at 5,000 to 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 1,550 to 4,400 rpm. Moving to the venerable 2.0-litre engine allows the BMW 630i M Sport to be priced at RM418,131.09, as the excise duties are a lot lower than a 3.0-litre engine, which the predecessor 535i GT had.

Transmission

The transmission is an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with shift paddles. Gear ratios are well spaced, allowing for quick acceleration and kicking down to the best lower gear instantaneously.

Chassis

The G32 BMW 630i GT M Sport is fitted with adaptive air suspension on both front and rear axles, making ride comfort incredibly comfortable. The driver can also increase the ground clearance by 20 mm with a push of a button, useful when clearing steep ramps or roads with rough patches.

Lowering of the suspension (10 mm) meanwhile allows for easier entry for the elderly or younger children. The BMW 630i GT M Sport will also automatically lower the ride height once the speed exceeds 120 km/h or when Sport mode is engaged.

The BMW 630i GT M Sport sold in Malaysia does not come with the rear-wheel steering system.

Drivetrain

The G32 BMW 630i GT M Sport is a rear-wheel drive premium sedan. There is no option for an all-wheel drive model.

BMW 6 Series – Driving Performance

The BMW 630i GT M Sport with 258 PS and 400 Nm of torque can complete the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h.

Straight-line performance deserves credit, even though it is just a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 1.8 ton vehicle picks up speed smoothly without any hesitation as well as turbo-lag. Braking performance is also assured thanks to the M Sport braking calipers with 4-pistons.  

BMW 6 Series – Ride Comfort

Compared to the smaller BMW 5 Series, the 630i GT M Sport comes with adaptive air suspension which further adds to the comfort levels.

The frameless windows effectively seal out the wind noise, with road noise well controlled too given the large and wide 20-inch tyres and wheels.

BMW 6 Series – Fuel Economy

The fuel consumption of the 258 hp 630i GT M Sport is rated at 6.6 litres per 100 km (15.1 km/L).

BMW 6 Series – Conclusion

Objectively, the BMW 630i GT M Sport offers quite a lot of car at its RM418,131.09 price tag. It certainly looks different and in many ways, that brings out the individuality of a person and character.

The 2.0-litre engine might sound underwhelming, but it has plenty of grunt, pushing the 1.8-ton car without any hesitation. Same with the dynamism of the BMW 630i GT M Sport, where the adaptive air suspension keeps the car as flat as possible while offering great comfort in town.

Just to highlight the incredible value perspective of this locally-assembled BMW 630i GT M Sport, it is a few hundred Ringgit cheaper than the fully-imported G22 BMW 430i M Sport coupe, but fitted with more kit such as air suspension, panoramic glass roof, 4-zone air-conditioning and adaptive cruise control.