The new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo is set to take over from the 5 Series Gran Turismo. BMW says the latest model gets this changed designation to reflect a major step forward over its predecessor.

The new car will make its World Premiere at the IAA show in Frankfurt with a market launch on 11 November 2017. Initially it will be offered with a choice of three engines while the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system will be available in two of the three variants in the model line-up.

The large BMW GT, a vehicle concept blending the luxury of a comfortable saloon with coupé looks, was first launched in 2009. BMW says the new 6 Series Gran Turismo takes these characteristics to another level and enhances the driving dynamics further.

Standard BMW Icon Adaptive LED headlights for dipped and main beam are joined by the daytime driving lights to display the look familiar from other BMW models. The A-pillars are much more heavily raked than its predecessor while the flowing roofline and sweeping side window are designed to give that true coupé look. The BMW 6 Gran Turismo is no longer broken up by an extra guide strip through the large window in the rear door and, at the rear, horizontal lines, sharp edges and tapering surfaces are intended to magnify the car’s width to emphasise its sporting nature.

BMW says the new 6 Series Gran Turismo clearly takes its cues from the 5 Series GT, but its design offers a more athletic, sportier stance. Vehicle height has been reduced by 21mm, while the rear end has been lowered by 64mm. The vehicle length has been increased by 87mm while the width remains the same. All these changes, while retaining the coupé/saloon characteristics of the predecessor are meant to contribute to a more low-slung silhouette without compromising on interior space or practicality. The rear has three full-size seats and customers can opt for electrically-adjustable chairs where the backrest angle can be altered at the push of a button.

With its increased length the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo also offers more boot space, both with the rear seats in place or folded down. Rear-seat backrests are 40:20:40 split-folding by means of a remote release system in the boot and, behind them, the boot area can accommodate a total of 610 litres (up 110 litres on the 5 Series GT) and 1,800 litres when the backrests are folded down (up 100 litres). The vehicle also features a one-piece electrically operated tailgate, while the boot sill has been lowered by more than five centimetres and is now flush with the floor for improved loading capability. The two-piece luggage compartment cover has a rigid structure and can be stowed away in a compartment underneath the boot floor.

The engine line-up features TwinPower Turbo technology and all variants offer the eight-speed Steptronic transmission with paddles as standard. There are two diesel models using the same engine – the BMW 630d Gran Turismo and the new BMW 630d xDrive Gran Turismo both use a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line diesel engine producing 261 bhp and peak torque of 457 lb ft. The 630d version accelerates from zero to 62mph in 6.1 seconds while the xDrive version is slightly faster, reaching 62mph in 6.0 seconds. The combined fuel consumption and emissions figures are 57.6mpg and 129g/km for the BMW 630d Gran Turismo and 49.5mpg and 150g/km for the BMW 630d xDrive Gran Turismo.

Aerodynamic measures have helped to bring the Cd drag coefficient from 0.29 on the outgoing model to 0.25 on the new 6 Series Gran Turismo. BMW has combined lightweight engineering and increased use of aluminium and high-strength steel grades for both body and chassis components to achieve an average weight reduction of 115kg compared with the 5 Series GT. This has contributed to a reduction of over 15 per cent in fuel consumption and emissions (BMW 630d Gran Turismo).

BMW says the lighter chassis and improved suspension technology on the BMW 6 Series GT have combined to improve handling and comfort. Self-levelling air suspension comes as standard at the rear axle, but for extra comfort customers can opt for Adaptive suspension, which features front and rear air suspension plus Dynamic Damper Control.

Inside, a raised seating position optimises the driver’s all-round view and with electric front seats and driver’s memory function the perfect seating position can always be saved with ease.  The high-resolution touch screen has a 10.25-inch diagonal screen, while its tile-style menu layout with animated graphics in live mode allow for intuitive operation. The new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo also features optional gesture control, which allows certain functions to be operated with simple movements of the hand or fingers. Customers can also opt for the new-generation BMW Head-Up Display.

Standard equipment includes automatic climate control with an option to scale up to a four-zone system. Standard metallic paint is available in ten finishes whilst two non-metallic paint finishes are also available and, while 18-inch light-alloy wheels are standard, other wheels in sizes up to 20 inches can be ordered. The Original BMW Accessories range also includes 21-inch alloys. From launch, customers can choose from two trims: SE and M Sport. M Sport offers specific 19-inch light alloy wheels, leather upholstery with exclusive stitching and piping in contrasting colours, plus illuminated door sill strips. A Bowers and Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System can be ordered as option – this includes a fully active 10-channel 1,400-watt amplifier with dynamic sound equalising and 16 partially illuminated speakers – whilst a panoramic glass roof is standard on M Sport models and optionally available on the SE models. Reversing assist camera is standard across both trim levels.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo makes use of a standard stereo camera as well as optional radar and ultrasonic sensors to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings to improve safety and security. The Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation comes as standard, while the list of options includes the new improved version of Active Cruise Control, which is operational at speeds between zero and130mph. Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning systems are also options as are Side Collision Warning and Evasion Aid. The BMW Night Vision system is another option that gives a real-time video image in the Control Display that highlights any pedestrians, larger animals or other objects radiating heat.

The 6 Series Gran Turismo is also available with the BMW Display Key where drivers can keep in contact with their vehicle around the clock. As well as information about fuel level and service intervals, the colour display tells the driver if the doors, windows and panoramic sunroof are closed.