BMW 6 Series GT 2017 first drive

This car replaces the 5 Series GT, a large five-door hatchback that – to Western eyes, at least - was one of BMW’s less happy models. This new Gran Turismo has joined BMW a new model grouping as a 6 Series and has been redesigned, taking into account customers’ views of the 5 GT's good points and what 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 and has grown 8cm in length, most of this devoted to a boot that was one of the previous car’s less good points. Its roofline is 2cm lower and the rear deck lid sits 6cm 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 6cm higher than in a 5 Series saloon and is a feature liked by buyers, along with the ample cabin space and driving 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, with Griebel implying that the task of making it corner like a 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 systems that are a mix of the latest 7 and 5 Series hardware. This can include four air springs rather than the standard rear self-levellers, active roll control and four-wheel steering. A lift-reducing active boot spoiler contributes to high-speed stability, while further aerodynamic refinements include active radiator grille flaps, a front air curtain and turbulence-calming air breathers for the front wheels. The result is a drag coefficient that tumbles to an impressive 0.25 from 0.29.

The UK engine line-up is pretty simple, consisting of a 255bhp 630i petrol, a 335bhp xDrive all-wheel-drive 640i and a 261bhp 630d, all fitted with an eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. 

This was a big car before and is an even bigger car now, but because its interior is more finely crafted, it feels cosier and more inviting. The 6 Series GT is intended as a machine in which four can travel all day in considerable luxury and, on ambience and seat comfort alone, it scores highly, especially if a panoramic roof is fitted.

Well over 300 bhp means more than enough go, while 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, with their mildly rorty outpourings quite a contrast to BMW’s silken turbine sixes from the past. The smooth-shifting eight-speeder means you’re only going to find this out if you stretch the GT’s dynamic muscles, though. Aboard the well-girded test car, which came with a so-called Executive Drive pack that includes four air springs, active anti-roll, adaptive dampers and active steering, the 6 GT proves considerably more agile, and willing, than the 5 GT. It can feel big when braking and turning into a tight bend, but the suspension contains its mass well.