This isn’t the first time we have seen an offering like this from BMW, we had the last-gen 5-seires GT prior to this. However, that car didn’t too well internationally and sales dwindled. The new car, the 6GT is the company’s rival to Mercedes’ long wheelbase E-class. BMW is sure this new model will sell well, largely because of competitive pricing.
We find out if the new 6GT makes sense for its price.
On the outside
If you look at BMW’s line-up, you will notice that the 6GT sits between the 5-series and 7-series. In terms of proportions, it is longer than the 5-series sedan but shorter than the E-class. The 6GT is also higher than the 5-series and has a huge amount of presence. But the biggest difference is that the 6GT’s design is much more appealing and not odd like the old 5GT’s. However, there will be some BMW fans who won’t like the liftback design. People who want a nicer-looking alternative will opt for the Audi. Overall, the 6GT has better lines and the manufacturer is proud of the sharper styling they have achieved with the new model. But, the car does look a bit large from some angles especially on the standard 18-inch wheels.
If you try spotting the differences between the sedan and this GT’s front, you notice the difference in the headlight the grille. The 6GT also has more aggressive lines which go all the way back to the C-pillars. A neat feature is the spoiler that goes up once you cross 120kph. It can be extended and retracted with just a push of a button. Another nice feature are the vents which sit behind the grille, the close themselves when not needed which improves aerodynamics.
Similar to the 5-series, the 6GT sits on the new platform which uses a large amount of aluminium. Interestingly, the 6GT has a claimed weight of 150kg lesser than the 5GT. At present, the car can only be had in India in the 630i form. This is petrol motor that used the well-known ZF eight-speed auto box. The suspension on the car works well, it has air springs and dynamic dampers.
On the inside
The dashboard on the new 6GT is very similar to the one on the 5-series. This is why there is not much to discuss. However, where 6GT really overpowers the 5-series is at the rear seat, there is a lot of room there. The large space along with the big windows makes for an airy cabin. When you open the rear doors you will be impressed by the frameless windows. The one thing the car is missing is the option to slide the front seat forward at the rear.
The rear seats on the 6GT are well cushioned but lack the feel one would get on an E-class. Don’t let that discourage from the fact that the car is still very spacious. The car also has headrest pillows and retractable sun shades. Standard luxury features include rear-seat entertainment and four-zone climate control.
Drivers will enjoy the seats and the view the car offers. But, the lack of seat lumbar adjustment and rear visibility are problems they will have to live with. Storage space in the cabin is pretty good but the lack of storage for luggage can be a problem. This problem arises owing to the spare wheel sitting in the boot.
How does it drive?
The 6GT 630i may sound like it gets a 3.0-litre straight-six motor but in reality it uses a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder motor. It is the same engine that can be found in the company’s other 30i models. However, the motor has been tuned to make more power in this car - It produces 258hp and 400Nm of torque.
But surely, to get the best out of the motor and gearbox you have to set it to Sport. After that you smash the pedal to the floor till you get a good pull. The car also has no flat spots and the power is delivered across the rev range. The car also doesn’t have any flat spots and the motor delivers a decent sound.
Should I buy one?
Since its debut, the LWB Mercedes-Benz E-class has been the default choice of anyone purchasing a luxury sedan. However, with the arrival of the new 6GT we can now expect more space and features. The 6GT is not necessarily the better option, but it has the advantage of being the stronger performer because of its engine and handling.
When compared to a regular 5-series, the 6GT gives you what typical buyers want. Even though it is more expensive at Rs 60.8 lakh (ex-showroom, India), it offers more overall. However, the car does lack the charm of the 5 series and its shape isn’t the best. Nonetheless, it strikes a fine balance between a car that can be driven and also be driven around in.
