BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo launched in Malaysia – locally-assembled CKD 630i GT for RM450k est

The BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo has been officially launched in Malaysia. First revealed in June 2017, the all new G32 may be wearing a “6” badge, but it’s essentially the successor to the 5 Series GT that was in production from 2009 to 2017.

The goal for this niche model is to marry long-distance comfort of a luxury sedan with the aesthetic appeal of a coupe. BMW says that the 6 GT boasts stretched proportions, significantly more dynamic lines and a muscular surface treatment, when compared to the 5 GT, which of course wasn’t the most elegant shape in town. No need to put both side-by-side to tell that the new car is sleeker, that’s for sure.

The 6 Series Gran Turismo is a big car at 5,091 mm long, 1,902 mm wide and 1,538 mm tall. That makes it 155 mm longer, 34 mm wider and 59 mm taller than the G30 5 Series, which the 6 GT shares Cluster Architecture (CLAR) bones together with the G11 7 Series. Compared to the 5 Series, the wheelbase you see here is a significant 99 mm longer at 3,070 mm. However, the 6 GT sits 21 mm lower than the old 5 GT, which contributes to its sleeker shape.

The front end is largely similar to the G30, but the 6 GT has a more expressive headlight design with “eyebrows” that arch up towards the corners for a more assertive gaze. Along the sides, the Air Breather vents have been integrated neatly into the flanks, while the much more heavily-raked A-pillars provides a sleeker glasshouse that flows into the lower rear deck, which by the way is 64 mm lower than before.

At the back, the 6 GT sports three-dimensional tail lights and an integrated rear spoiler that rises at speeds over 110 km/h. The latter combines with the Air Curtains, Air Breather vents and lower roofline for an improved drag coefficient of 0.25 Cd, from 0.29. It’s lighter too, by around 150 kg.

“The 6 Series Gran Turismo is geared towards discerning customers who place great importance on individuality. It is an eye-catching statement, packaged into a flowing, sculptural design language which gives the car a modern and sporty feel. The raised seating position ensures an imperious brand of driving pleasure, and the luxurious levels of space provide everything you need for a relaxing journey,” explains senior VP of design Adrian van Hooydonk.

Munich says that headroom has been increased over the 5 GT despite the lower roofline, achieved by optimising the seat system. The single-section tailgate is opened and closed electrically, with a Comfort Access function that allows for foot operation. Boot volume is up by a massive 100 litres to 610 litres, and this can be expanded to 1,800 litres by folding down the rear seats electrically. The loading sill has also been lowered by five cm to the level of the boot floor.

Up front, the Gran Turismo carries over the Five’s dashboard, and equipment include iDrive with a Touch Controller and 10.25-inch touchscreen, Navigation system Professional, enhanced voice control and gesture control, head-up display and M Sport steering wheel. For trim, we get a Sensatec leather dashboard and Fine Wood ‘Fineline’ Ridge with Pearl Gloss Chrome pieces.

Passengers get to enjoy a two-part panoramic glass roof, which has a length of slightly over a metre and a width of 90 cm. Topping things off is a 600W 16-speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound System and four-zone auto air con.

As for safety driver assistance systems, the 6 GT makes use of its stereo camera, radar and ultrasonic sensors to provide Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Crossing Traffic Warning, and Speed Limit Info. There’s also Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function.

Exterior kit highlights include Adaptive LED headlights (with high beam assist) and 20-inch M light-alloys in double-spoke 648 M style. They’re two-tone and are wrapped with mixed run-flat tyres – 245/40 front and 275/35 rear.

Last but certainly not least, we’re getting the 6 Series Gran Turismo in 630i M Sport form. That means a 2.0 litre TwinPower Turbo engine with 258 hp/400 Nm is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission (with steering paddles), good for 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. Claimed combined fuel consumption is 6.6 litres per 100 km, or 15.2 km/l.

The 630i GT rides on adaptive suspension with Dynamic Damper Control and air suspension for both axles. The electronically controlled dampers provide good ride comfort and wheel-specific control that counterbalances uneven loads.

Air suspension also allows the vehicle’s ride height to be adjusted manually, meaning that ground clearance can be increased by 20 mm at the touch of a button, for bad roads or steep ramps, for example. It can also be lowered by 10 mm either manually or automatically when Sport mode is engaged, or when the car’s speed exceeds 120 km/h to reduce drag.

The 630i GT M Sport is CKD locally assembled and is available in Alpine White, Bluestone, Carbon Black and Sophisto Grey. Inside, Leather Dakota Black is standard, but Leather Dakota Cognac is an option for those opting for Carbon Black and Sophisto Grey exteriors. The BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo is priced at an estimated RM450,000 (OTR excluding insurance) and comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme, and a two-year tyre warranty.

For full specs and figures, and to compare the 6 GT with other models, head to CarBase.my.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.