2018 BMW 630i GT new car review
- Excellent performance from small engine.
- Loaded with safety equipment.
- An alternative from the norm.
- Still looks unusual.
- Interior lacks flair.
- Resale could be tricky because it's appeal to small market.
There has always been those who buck the trend, don’t conform and push the boundaries. The BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo is definitely one of those things.
Part-sedan, part-wagon, part-SUV and not a Grand Tourer in the traditional sense, the 6-Series Gran Turismo doesn’t really fit into any established segment. It blends elements of all those various vehicle types to create a spacious, practical luxury car for those who don’t mind standing out.
In simple terms the new 6-Series GT is actually based on the same underpinnings as the latest generation 5-Series. Although it is based on new underpinnings the dimensions of car remain largely unchanged (it has the same wheelbase and width) but the body has been lengthened by 87mm and the roofline lowered by 20mm to create a more stylish silhouette compared to the sometimes awkward 5-Series GT.
As the name implies it sits as part of the revised 6-Series line-up that consists solely of the Gran Turismo as the Coupe, Convertible and four-door Gran Coupe will soon be moved up to create the all-new 8-Series range.
What do you get?
There are two 6-Series Gran Turismo to choose from - the $123,500 (plus on-road costs) 630i GT we’re testing here and the 640i xDrive priced from $148,900.
Standard equipment for the 630i includes 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, power liftback, keyless entry and ignition, panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, ambient lighting, head-up display, dual-zone air-conditioning, wireless smartphone charging pad, Bluetooth, DAB+ digital radio and a 16-speaker harman/kardon sound system.
Buyers can also choose between the standard M Sport styling package or option the Luxury Line for no extra cost, which brings different exterior and interior trim as well as different alloy wheel design.
The 630i comes with a comprehensive safety package that includes full airbag protection for the occupants, surround view parking system, front and rear parking sensors and automated parking. It also comes with BMW’s latest active safety technology, forward collision warning, active cruise control with stop and go function, lane keeping assist and rear-cross traffic alert - the combination of those elements allow for semi-autonomous driving functionality for up to 30-seconds at a time.
The 6-Series GT range is covered by BMW’s Condition Based Servicing program that uses “sensors and advanced algorithms” to calculate how much the car has been driven and therefore how much maintenance is required. Buyers can opted to pay for servicing in advance by purchasing a BMW Service Inclusive package, either Basic or Plus. The Basic package costs $1695 and covers fluid checks, air filter and spark plug replacements and labour.
What’s inside?
BMW is nothing if not consistent when it comes to interiors. There’s a familiar look and feel to the 630i GT when you climb aboard.
The current trend of a 12.3-inch digital dashboard, which incorporates a traditional twin binnacle frame, high-mounted infotainment screen and iDrive controller in the centre console are all in evidence in the 630i.
But while the design is preticable there’s a suitably luxurious presentation and finish to the cabin that you expect from a German car cost more than $100k.
However, it’s not so much the styling as the space that’s the GT’s main selling point. The back seat accomodation is roomy (at least for the two outboard passengers), with good kneeroom but headroom is still compromised slightly by the tapered roofline.
In addition to improving the looks the restyled body has also increased luggage capacity by 110-litres to a total of 610L. Combined with the liftback tailgate the 630i GT is a genuine alternative for wagon or SUV buyers if space is important to you.
Under the bonnet
The 630i GT is powered by the German brand’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. It may be a small engine for such a big car but it produces 190kW of power and 400Nm of torque so it offers good performance for its size.
Paired to the well sorted eight-speed automatic transmission the engine does a good job of providing the 630i with the kind of effortless motivation you expect from a luxury car. There’s plenty of torque from low down in the rev range so it’s initial punch off the mark is strong and if you need a sudden burst of speed there’s adequate power high up in rev range.
BMW claims the 630i uses just 7.0-litres per 100km, which is an impressively low figure for such a large vehicle.
On the road
BMW Australia has been generous on the equipment for the 630i GT so it comes standard with adaptive air suspension that helps endow it with a generally comfortable ride.
Driver’s can switch between Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro settings. Comfort is obviously a more complaint tune but switching to Sport can lower the car by 10mm. And if need the car can be raised 20mm at speeds below 35km/h for extra maneuverability.
But regardless of the setting, in typical BMW fashion, the ride can get choppy across repeated smaller bumps, in part due to the big alloy wheels, but also because the car is tuned for Europe’s smoother roads. However, on good quality roads the 630i feels smooth and refined with good bump control and compliance.
Measuring more than five-metres in the length it’s not a small car so it doesn’t have dynamic handling to match the 5-Series. But because it sits lower it turns corner with more poise and finesse than an SUV, while still offering plenty of space.
Braking performance is strong, despite being so big, thanks to the standard M Sport brakes that provide strong bite.
Verdict
Le me be blunt; this is an unusual car, a luxury sedan/hatch. It will appeal to a very small group of buyers who want space but refuse to contemplate a wagon or SUV.
It’s a luxurious and practical offering but despite the new styling it’s still a strange looking car. But it faces so much competition from the plethora of luxury SUVs and selected wagons that offer more choice and better value.
2018 BMW 630i Gran Turismo pricing and specifications
Price: From $123,500 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 190kW
Torque: 400Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Fuel use: 7.0L/100km
The Competitors
Mercedes-Benz E220d All-Terrain
Price: From $109,900 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 143kW at 3800rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1600-2800rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 5.7L/100km
Our score: 7/10
BMW 530i Touring
Price: From $109,900 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 185kW at 5200-6500rpm
Torque: 350Nm at 1450-4800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Fuel use: 5.8L/100km
Our score: 7/10
Audi Q7 3.0 TDI 160kW
Price: From $106,900 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel
Power: 200kW at 3250-4250rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 1500-3000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, AWD
Fuel use: 5.9L/100km
Our score: 7/10
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