The BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo was the automotive equivalent of Quasimodo but the company is hoping for greater success with a new name and design.
Currently on display in Frankfurt, the 6-Series Gran Turismo follows the same formula as its predecessor but the design team has carefully ironed out many of the original model’s faults. The changes are subtle but they work together to give the car more cohesive and stylish appearance.
Besides the styling tweaks, the car comes equipped with an elegant interior that can be outfitted with a heads-up display, rear comfort seats, and a 10.25-inch iDrive infotainment system with voice and gesture control technology. The model is also slightly more practical than the 5-Series Touring as it holds up to 1,800 liters (63.5 cubic feet) of luggage which is 100 liters (3.5 cubic feet) more than its wagon counterpart.
In Europe, the model will be offered with a variety of petrol engines including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 258 PS (190 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. Buyers looking for something more powerful can opt for a 3.0-liter six-cylinder developing 340 PS (250 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque.
On the diesel side, the entry-level 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine produces 265 PS (195 kW) and 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) of torque. There will also be a newly announced variant developing 320 PS (235 kW) and 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) of torque.
The only model confirmed for the United States is the 640i xDrive Gran Turismo which has a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine developing 335 hp (250 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system which enables the hatchback to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds.
U.S. sales will start this fall and pricing begins at $69,700 (excluding a $995 destination and handling fee).
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