Redesigned 2018 6 Series Debuts With Four Doors and a Liftback

As BMW prepares for the release of its new range-topping coupe, the 8 Series, it’s slowly changing up the 6 Series lineup. This began with the February elimination of the coupe (the real one, not the sedan with an identity crisis known as the Gran Coupe). And now, BMW is expanding the four-door 6 Series offerings with a new-for-2018 model.

This new 6er will carry the Gran Turismo suffix we’re all familiar with in the 3 Series. Like the 3 Series Gran Turismo, the 6 Series GT will gain the Quasimodo-like rear end that features a liftback in the place of the traditional rear glass and trunk. It’s this nontraditional rear end that gives the 6 Series GT its up to 65 cubic feet of cargo room with its 40:20:40 rear seat folded.

BMW 6er Gran Tourismo, 640i xDrive, Mineralweiß, M Sportpaket (Credit: © BMW)

While the shape is what grabs your eyes, the looks are also completely redone. That’s right, BMW has finally brought the 6 Series up to the times with its new corporate front fascia, which includes the bolder kidney grille and widened headlights that meet said grille. Also new is the 120.9 -inch wheelbase, which is a full 4 inches longer than the 2017 6 Series Gran Coupe.

In addition to its new look, BMW also brought the latest in lightweight manufacturing to the 6er. The new GT boasts an increased use of aluminum and high-strength steel in the body and chassis. Specifically, the 6 Series GT’s doors, trunk, and tailgate are made from aluminum to help keep the curb weight low without negatively impacting safety or rigidity.

With all these changes also comes a new powertrain. The debut version of the 6 Series GT will be the 640i xDrive, meaning it will include a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. The engine will crank out 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, making it more powerful than the 640i xDrive Gran Coupe by 20 horses and 2 pound-feet. This power heads through an eight-speed Steptronic transmission before heading out to all four wheels. This powertrain results in a 5.1-second sprint to 60 mph – 0.1 seconds quicker than the 640i xDrive Gran Coupe.

BMW 6er Gran Tourismo, 640i xDrive (Credit: © BMW)

There is no official on-sale date yet for the 2018 BMW 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, but the automaker did announce it’ll start from $69,700 plus a $995 destination charge.

Stay tuned for updates.