So, the first ever BMW 6-series Gran Turismo, the one that GC Mah drove in Portugal last year, is now in Malaysia as the 630i GT . As with Mercedes-Benz, I have now lost count on how many models BMW Malaysia have in their stable.
Under the hood is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit delivers a maximum output of 258 hp with 400 Nm. The TwinPower Turbo engine is teamed up with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Top speed arrives at 250 km/h, after 0 to 100 km/h is done in 6.3 seconds.
| Name | BMW 630i GT |
| Engine | 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo |
| Transmission | 8-speed Steptronic |
| Max Power | 258 hp |
| Max Torque | 400 Nm |
| 0 – 100km/h; Top Speed | 6.3 seconds ; 250km/h |
| Price (Estimated) | RM450,000 |
Keep all that heft firmly on the ground is an Adaptive air suspension with Dynamic Damper Control. The electronically-controlled dampers increase ride comfort and enhance the vehicle’s handling, along with wheel-specific control that counterbalances uneven loads.
Ground clearance can be increased by 20 millimetres at the touch of a button to negotiate dirt tracks or steep ramps. The vehicle can also be lowered by 10 millimetres – either manually or automatically when SPORT mode is engaged via the Driving Experience Control switch, or when the car exceeds 120 km/h, in order to reduce drag.
The design of the body (which will no doubt be an endless subject of debate) is such that it allows a wipe opening of the boot, along with maximum view through the rear window.
The single-section tailgate of the BMW 6 Series GT is opened and closed electrically, with a Comfort Access function that even enables hands-free operation through foot movement.
Luggage compartment has increased by 100 litres to 610 litres compared to its predecessor, which can be expanded to 1,800 litres by folding down the seats.
At the front, the 630i GT gets Adaptive LED headlights extending all the way to the large BMW kidney grille, much like how the 530i and 530e looks; with frameless windows, an elongated window outline that stretches deep into the rear end before ending with the trademark Hofmeister kink.
Beneath the arches of the 630i’s broad shoulders are 20-inch M light-alloy double-spoke 648 M wheels in Bicolour – even colours are not discriminated these days. At the back is an automatically extending rear spoiler (deployed when the vehicle reaches 110 km/h) to reduce drag.
Inside, the 630i GT shows generosity with space and excellent visibility, partly from raised seating positions. At the back, headroom has been increased in spite of a lower roof line – achieved by optimising the seat system.
In the driver seat, “operational tools” like the Touch Controller on the centre console for the Drive system, the 10.2-inch infotainment display and M Sport Steering wheel have all been ergonomically-positioned for a driver-focused cockpit.
The ensemble is furnished with a leather dash, gloss chrome and fine wood trims. The actual “wow factors” though, is the panoramic roof spanning over one metre long, to flood the interior with light and a sweet Harman Kardon Surround Sound System.
Among the driver assistance systems in the 630i GT are Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Crossing Traffic Warning, and Speed Limit Info.
The all-new BMW 6-series GT comes in Alpine White, Bluestone, Carbon Black and Sophisto Grey matched with the interior colour offering of Leather Dakota Black.
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