BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo Review (2018-2020)

What is the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo?

If you’re looking for a large and practical executive car, you’re probably shortlisting options such as the BMW 5 Series Touring and Audi A6 Avant, or perhaps, larger SUVs such as the Land Rover Discovery or Volvo XC90.

On your travels, however, you might encounter the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo. It was launched in 2017 as the successor to the similarly niche 5 Series Gran Turismo and, like its predecessor, it blended tried-and-tested BMW underpinnings with a bigger coupe-like body and a practical hatchback layout.

It looked better than the 5 Series GT but, even so, the net result was a somewhat ungainly executive hatch that wasn’t as elegant as the Mercedes-Benz CLS or as sharp as the Audi A7. There were improvements elsewhere, though, so BMW’s efforts weren’t completely wasted. The 6 Series GT was more spacious than its predecessor, more practical, more advanced and more efficient.

How practical is it?

While BMW’s grand tourer might not be the most visually appealing option, it’s unquestionably accommodating inside, with lots of room for occupants in both the front and rear seats. There’s lots of adjustment for the driver’s seat, which means it’s easy to get comfortable, and It’s all finished to BMW’s usual upmarket standards, too, and feels every inch the premium product.

It’s hard to argue with the practicality offered by the 6 Series GT, with its boot offering 610 litres of storage space with the rear seats up and a substantial 1800 litres with them folded down. If you often find yourself needing lots of space in a premium wrapper, this alone might justify the purchase of a 6 Series. The powered tailgate also makes the boot easy to access and there’s no large lip to lift objects over, so it’s not hard to load. And although the rear seats don’t fold completely flat, there’s no awkward step up from the boot floor to the rear of the seats, which makes it easier to carry longer items.

What's it like to drive?

All versions came with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and, initially, buyers could pick from the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder 630i, the 3.0-litre, six-cylinder 640i xDrive and a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder diesel in 630d or 630d xDrive specification (xDrive means it's got four-wheel drive).

However, while the engine line up is excellent, and the car is more compelling and capable than its predecessor, many will find that it doesn’t deliver on the handling front. It’s a big, heavy and uncommunicative car, which blunts any fun, and many competitors are better to drive, including alternatives such as the Jaguar XJ and BMW’s own 5 Series and 7 Series.

That, coupled with its divisive styling, makes it tricky to recommend the 6 Series Gran Turismo. It’s been discontinued now, though, and a used example that’s depreciated a bit might make sense for those who need comfort and pace blended with impressive space.

Technology, equipment & infotainment

Only two trim levels were offered, making the decision-making process easy: customers could pick from an SE model or the M Sport. Fittingly, even the base-model SE came with a kit list as long as your arm, with standard features including dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, adaptive LED headlights, satnav, front- and rear parking sensors, automatic lights, heated front seats and a powered tailgate.

The M Sport option, as the name suggested, benefitted from upgraded brakes, sports suspension, sports front seats and a plethora of M Sport body and interior trim parts. It also came with a panoramic glass sunroof, for a more airy and open cabin feel. A range of option packs were available as well, allowing customers to tailor the 6 Series GT to suit their intended motoring style.

BMW 6 Series GT running costs

The BMW 6 Series GT was an expensive car when new but running costs aren’t outrageous, in part because the engine line-up consists of comparatively straightforward and efficient four- and six-cylinder options.

The 630d SE, as a case in point, is claimed to average an impressive 55.3mpg in models with 18-inch wheels, and according to owners, it’ll often return close to 50mpg in real-world conditions. Even the flagship 640i xDrive M Sport is claimed to average 34.4mpg, and nigh on 30mpg is possible with a light foot out on the road, which isn’t bad for a big and heavy petrol hatchback.

The all-wheel-drive models are less efficient in the real world, though, so that option is best avoided unless you intend to regularly tackle snow-covered roads or challenging routes. Even with AWD, though, you’ll still need a set of appropriate winter or all-season tyres to help you stop and steer effectively.

First-year VED rates can smart due to the high emissions of many models, however. Annual VED costs might also sting as the BMW commands a hefty five-year VED premium of £325 due to its list price being north of £40,000 in all cases. Once that five-year window has passed, though, the tax cost will drop to a more manageable £150 flat rate.

BMW does offer Service Inclusive plans, which will keep the car serviced for up to three years or 36,000 miles. Quotes can be provided online, by entering the details of the vehicle you’re interested in, so you can get a precise handle on what to expect. We ran a quote for a 630d GT, for example, and got back a figure of £1,080 for two services 18,000 miles and two years apart. Don’t forget the cost of consumables such as tyres, though, as they could bump up a bill significantly.

BMW 6 Series GT reliability

If you bought a new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo then it would have come with a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, which isn’t shabby, considering many competitors offer just three-year, 60,000-mile warranties.

Three years’ worth of roadside assistance was also included with every new 6 Series GT and warranty extensions were available up to 100,000 miles. It’s worth opting for a renewed or extended warranty, or finding a car with lots of original warranty left, because BMW doesn’t have the best reputation for reliability in the UK. The 6 Series GT is a big and complex car, after all, so it’s worth making sure that you’ve got some protection against costly failures if you can.

You have to go for a Toyota, Hyundai or Kia if you want a longer warranty, extensions aside, and that’s a move that’s unlikely to appeal to someone shopping for a premium saloon, hatch or estate. That said, Kia’s smartly styled Stinger offers a decent amount of storage space, plenty of punch and kit, and it comes with a seven-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.

Pleasingly, and in the BMW’s favour, there have only been a handful of recalls for the 6 Series. These can be looked at using the government’s 'Check Vehicle Recalls' service, which will allow you to see if a used 6 Series GT needs any updates.