The new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo sets a new level of comfort and elegance wrapped in a sporting coupé design but now with superior driving dynamics and efficiency. This new model, which takes over from the 5 Series Gran Turismo, gets a new designation to reflect the major step forward over its predecessor.

Set to make its World Premiere at the IAA show in Frankfurt the 6 Series Gran Turismo will make its market launch on 11 November 2017. Initially it will be offered with a choice of three engines while the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system will be available in two of the three variants in the model line-up.

The large GT, a vehicle concept blending the luxury of a comfortable saloon with coupé looks, was first launched in 2009. Called the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, the model was a game changer delivering comfort and elegance, but practicality too. The new 6 Series Gran Turismo takes these characteristics so enjoyed by 5 Series GT customers to another level and enhances the driving dynamics further.

Sleeker, sportier, with improved practicality

The new 6 Series Gran Turismo clearly takes its cues from the 5 Series GT, but its design offers a more athletic, sportier stance. Vehicle height has been reduced by 21mm, while the rear end has been lowered by 64mm. The vehicle length has been increased by 87mm while the width remains the same. All these changes, while retaining the coupé/saloon characteristics of the predecessor, have contributed to a more low-slung silhouette without compromising on interior space or practicality. Indeed, the 6 Series Gran Turismo better serves its passengers with more headroom as well as offering ample legroom. The rear has three full-size seats and customers can opt for electrically-adjustable chairs where the backrest angle can be altered at the push of a button.

From the BMW kidney grille to the sculpted LED units at the rear, the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo has an eye-catching profile with standard BMW Icon Adaptive LED headlights display the focused look familiar from other BMW models. The elongated BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo cuts an impressive silhouette: the A-pillars are much more heavily raked than its predecessor while the flowing roofline and sweeping side window design gives that true coupé look.

With its increased length the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo also offers more boot space, both with the rear seats in place or folded down. Rear-seat backrests are 40:20:40 split-folding by means of a remote release system in the boot and, behind them, the boot area can accommodate a total of 610 litres (up 110 litres on the 5 Series GT) and 1,800 litres when the backrests are folded down (up 100 litres). The vehicle also features a one-piece electrically operated tailgate, while the boot sill has been lowered by more than five centimetres and is now flush with the floor for improved loading capability.

Power and efficiency

The lighter chassis and improved suspension technology on the BMW 6 Series GT have combined to improve handling and comfort. Self-levelling air suspension comes as standard at the rear axle, but for extra comfort customers can opt for Adaptive suspension, which features front and rear air suspension plus Dynamic Damper Control. Customers can also take up the Executive Drive option, offered in combination with the Integral Active Steering system that incorporates active roll stabilisation to deliver supreme cornering capability. The two-axle air suspension allows the vehicle’s ride-height to be adjusted manually, meaning that, at the touch of a button, ground clearance can be increased by 20mm when negotiating dirt tracks or steep ramps. The vehicle can also be lowered by 10mm by pushing a button but it will so do automatically when SPORT mode is engaged via the Drive Performance Control switch or if the car exceeds 120km/h. All optional suspension systems are now available with BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

Up front is a freestanding touchscreen for navigation, communication and infotainment functions. The high-resolution display has a 10.25-inch diagonal screen, while its tile-style menu layout with animated graphics in live mode allow for intuitive operation. The centre console again features the iDrive Touch Controller dial for BMW navigation and infotainment systems while standard-fit enhanced voice control that now responds to freely formulated instructions, enables total handsfree capability. The new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo also features optional gesture control, which allows certain functions to be operated with simple movements of the hand or fingers. Customers can also opt for the new-generation BMW Head-Up Display. This system, where the projection area has been increased by 70 per cent, reflects driving-related information on to the windscreen that will be directly in the driver’s field of vision

Two trim levels with option packages for individual style Standard equipment on the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo includes automatic climate control with an option to scale up to a four-zone system. Standard metallic paint is available in ten finishes whilst two non-metallic paint finishes are also available and, while 18-inch light-alloy wheels are standard, other wheels in sizes up to 20 inches can be ordered. The Original BMW Accessories range also includes 21-inch alloys. From launch, customers can choose from two trims: SE and M Sport. M Sport offers specific 19-inch light alloy wheels, leather upholstery with exclusive stitching and piping in contrasting colours, plus illuminated door sill strips. A Bowers and Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System can be ordered as option - this includes a fully active 10-channel 1,400-watt amplifier with dynamic sound equalising and 16 partially illuminated speakers - whilst a panoramic glass roof is standard on M Sport models and optionally available on the SE models. Reversing assist camera is standard across both trim levels.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo makes use of a standard stereo camera as well as optional radar and ultrasonic sensors to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings to improve safety and security. The Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation comes as standard, while the list of options includes the new improved version of Active Cruise Control, which is operational at speeds between zero and 210km/h. Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning systems that operate between 70-210km/h are also options as are Side Collision Warning and Evasion Aid, which both come to the driver’s aid with corrective steering inputs. The options list also features a Surround View camera system that can display a 3D image of the vehicle and its immediate surroundings from multiple perspectives in the Control Display. The Crossing Traffic warning system, which monitors the surrounding area using radar sensors, is particularly useful when exiting from concealed junctions or driveways or when backing out of a parking space perpendicular to the road. The Crossroads and Wrong-Way warning systems avoid potentially hazardous situations at junctions where traffic on the other road has right of way and when joining motorways or entering a roundabout. The BMW Night Vision system is another option that gives a real-time video image in the Control Display that highlights any pedestrians, larger animals or other objects radiating heat. The vehicle can also be ordered with the Remote Control Parking feature to help drivers get into tight spaces.

Drive Performance Control: ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT as well as COMFORT+ and ADAPTIVE options

The Drive Performance Control switch adjusts the car’s settings according to the driving conditions. If ECO PRO mode is selected the coasting function decouples the powertrain whenever the driver lifts off the accelerator between 31-99mph. Intelligent networking also improves the efficiency-boosting effect of the Auto Start Stop function by preventing the engine being switched off at moments where it would be counterproductive for efficiency – for example when pausing briefly at T-junctions or roundabouts. As well as ECO PRO mode, the Drive Performance Control switch can activate the COMFORT and SPORT settings for sportier or more relaxed driving. Customers who choose the Adaptive and Executive Drive options add COMFORT+ and ADAPTIVE modes to the Drive Performance Control selection. These additional settings allow drivers to select a particularly comfort-based set-up in COMFORT+ or one that responds automatically to their driving style in the ADAPTIVE setting. In ADAPTIVE mode, navigation data from the standard Professional Navigation system is used to proactively adjust the car’s responses when approaching intersections or bends. This system adapts to the route so, for example, it can perform an early downshift when approaching an intersection in order to take full advantage of the engine braking effect.

BMW Connected: personal mobility assistant, new services

BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo owners can also enjoy the benefits of the BMW Connected system that helps drivers get to their destination even when they are not in their car. Calendar entries from a smartphone can be used for route planning where the ideal departure time can be calculated on the basis of real-time traffic data. The Remote 3D View function adds extra security by allowing drivers to view live images of their car and its immediate vicinity on their smartphone.

Once inside, drivers are able to manage calendar, e-mail and contact data via the Microsoft Exchange function. BMW is the first car maker to offer a secure server connection for exchanging and editing emails, calendar entries and contact details thanks to the car’s built-in Microsoft Exchange function. This means that addresses from appointment entries can be imported straight into the navigation system and telephone numbers and email addresses from an incoming email or appointment can be dialled with an easy one click transfer so that it can easily be navigated on the move. Any incoming email can be read aloud and a response dictated back using the Intelligent Voice Assistant

Real Time Traffic Information shows jams and slow-moving traffic and the On-Street Parking Information function helps drivers to find roadside parking spaces based on historical and current data. The BMW Professional Navigation system also uses car-to-car communication so drivers can get as much information about the road network ahead including warnings of traffic hazards caused by accidents, broken-down vehicles, fog, heavy rain or black ice.

The 6 Series Gran Turismo is also available with the BMW Display Key where drivers can keep in contact with their vehicle around the clock. As well as information about fuel level and service intervals, the colour display tells the driver if the doors, windows and panoramic sunroof are closed.

Ends

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2016, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.367 million cars and 145,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax was approximately € 9.67 billion on revenues amounting to € 94.16 billion. As of 31 December 2016, the BMW Group had a workforce of 124,729 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

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For further information please contact:

Laura Condron | Corporate Communications & Events Manager | 086 047 2953 | Laura.Condron@BMW.ie