BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo has plenty of space inside for people and gear, but its size detracts from its driving dynamics.
In between the sedan and the crossover, there’s the Gran Turismo. No, not GT as in the Ferrari meaning of GT. Gran Turismo, the name of a model variant that BMW likes to use for its tweener model that fills in the space between a regular four-door and a CUV. BMW offers the unusual body style on its 3 Series. The 5 Series was once available as a GT, but has been replaced by the 6 Series GT. What Car?‘s Rebecca Jackson recently got a chance to test out the newest BMW Gran Turismo. Like the 6 GT’s design, its performance was a mixed bag.
Based on the 7 Series platform, the new 6 Series GT is longer than the old 5 GT and is blessed with a lower roofline, which makes it appear sleeker than its predecessor. Jackson finds it to be less attractive than an Audi A7, but much better-looking than other roomy people-movers on the market.
Although it possesses quality materials (which include the metallic-look plastic trim), the 6 Series GT lacks certain standard and available features. Apple CarPlay is an added-cost extra. Android Auto? Not even an option. Those issues aside, the GT excels at carrying people and items. There are plenty of cupholders and storage areas for phones and other accessories. The back seat offers enough legroom, lateral space, and headroom for three adults. The rear cargo hold is spacious, but it’s also shallow, making the 5 Series wagon the better choice for carrying large loads.
On the road, the 6 Series GT is a comfortable way to knock off hundreds of miles, thanks to its standard air suspension. The smooth, quiet, and torque-rich diesel engine option (not available in the U.S.) makes every trip a little quicker. The trade-off is that the 6 Series GT’s comfort comes at the expense of driving dynamics. Jackson finds the 6 Series GT to be heavy in corners and thinks that it lacks grip and steering feel.
Based on Jackson’s review, it sounds as if the BMW 6 Series GT is not the most engaging car to drive. However, it does come across as a great car to be driven in.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
