Home Automobiles Steve Says Checkout BMW’s All-New 6 Series GT Is A Quasi-Car Hatchback...

Steve Says Checkout BMW’s All-New 6 Series GT Is A Quasi-Car Hatchback Crossover

BMW’s alphanumeric naming system puts an even number before 2-door and coupe-styled models and odd numerals preceding vehicles with 4-doors or a more traditional sedan-like design.

Coming this fall is the all-new 6 Series Gran Turismo; a quasi-car, hatchback, crossover based upon the recently introduced 5-series.  It earns its even number from the fact that its roofline reaches its highest point at the top of the B-pillar, flowing like a coupe’s into the rear.

You might recall the previously available 5 Series GT which had a similar makeup but BMW says this 6 Series Gran Turismo is really a new entry because it is substantially larger and programmed for a new audience.  BMW says it is geared towards discerning customers who place great importance on individuality.  The design is intended to evoke a sporting elegance with a generously sized, flexible use interior.

The hands-free tailgate opens to a luggage compartment with a lower load sill and includes remote release buttons for folding the 40: 20: 40 split rear seat, expanding storage space to 65 cubic feet, residing between the carrying capability of the X4 and X5.  The rigid two-section luggage cover can be stored away in a compartment underneath the trunk floor.

Offered exclusively as a 640i xDrive model, the powertrain consists of a 335 horsepower twin-scroll turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.  Acceleration is lively taking only 5.1 seconds to reach 60mph.  Concerning the drive, a double-wishbone setup at the front and a 5-link self-leveling air suspension at the rear strive for a smooth balance between dynamic sharpness and comfort.  For an extra dose of sportiness, the Dynamic Handling Package with its front and rear air suspension includes Active Roll Stabilization and Integral Active Steering; the former counteracting body roll during dynamic cornering and the latter providing controlled steering of the rear wheels to provide extra agility.

This package also includes an additional 2 modes for the Driving Dynamics Control; COMFORT + and ADAPTIVE.  In the ADAPTIVE setting, navigation data is used to proactively adjust the car’s responses when approaching intersections or curves.  A bevy of cutting edge electronics, safety features and conveniences are optionally available much like in the new 5 Series.

Pricing begins at $70,695

[vc_message message_box_style=”3d” message_box_color=”blue”]By TestDriveNow Auto Critic Steve Hammes for SouthFloridaReporter.com, June 17, 2017

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