Photo: BMW
Love it or hate it, 6er no longer stands for sexy coupes or convertibles. BMW changed the recipe to a five-seat fastback in 2017, the direct successor to the 5 Series Gran Turismo introduced in 2009 as the F07.
Taller than both the sedan and wagon versions of the 5er, the 2021 BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo doubles down on fuel efficiency with 48-volt mild hybridization across the board. Two gasoline and three diesels – all turbo – are offered with output ratings from 190 to 340 PS (187 to 335 HP).
The starter-generator unit and additional battery “allow an extremely high level of braking recuperation and storage,” and this energy is utilized in two ways. First of all, the ISG supplies the 12-volt electrical system. Secondly, the system is designed to give an extra dose of power while easing the engine’s workload. 8 kW is the maximum amount of boost, translating to only 11 HP.
Standard rear-axle air suspension is supposed to make the ride a little comfier. More demanding customers can opt for the two-axle option that sweetens the deal with electronically controlled dampers. On a related yet slightly different note, Integral Active Steering helps the G32 maneuverability by turning the rear wheels as required as speeds under 3 km/h (2 mph).
Newities for 2021 further include the BMW Operating System 7 as part of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional. Cloud-based BMW Maps and an AI-powered personal assistant are also worthy of note, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that don’t cost a thing. Not that long ago, the Bavarian automaker used to charge $80 per year or $300 for a lifetime subscription.
The redesigned rear with reduced lines complements seven new paint shades and new 19- and 20-inch wheel options. Lower still, all variants of the G32 now feature trapezoidal exhaust tailpipe finishers. Opting for the M Sport Package translates to a new diffuser element compared to the pre-LCI.
Even though it’s supremely practical and more than adequate as a family car, the 6 Series Gran Turismo may be discontinued in a few years’ time. Lest we forget, BMW discontinued the G32 in the United States in 2019 for the 2020 model year because of poor sales. Over in the Old Continent, European customers bought 5,362 examples in 2019 compared to 10,703 in 2018.
The starter-generator unit and additional battery “allow an extremely high level of braking recuperation and storage,” and this energy is utilized in two ways. First of all, the ISG supplies the 12-volt electrical system. Secondly, the system is designed to give an extra dose of power while easing the engine’s workload. 8 kW is the maximum amount of boost, translating to only 11 HP.
Standard rear-axle air suspension is supposed to make the ride a little comfier. More demanding customers can opt for the two-axle option that sweetens the deal with electronically controlled dampers. On a related yet slightly different note, Integral Active Steering helps the G32 maneuverability by turning the rear wheels as required as speeds under 3 km/h (2 mph).
Newities for 2021 further include the BMW Operating System 7 as part of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional. Cloud-based BMW Maps and an AI-powered personal assistant are also worthy of note, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that don’t cost a thing. Not that long ago, the Bavarian automaker used to charge $80 per year or $300 for a lifetime subscription.
The redesigned rear with reduced lines complements seven new paint shades and new 19- and 20-inch wheel options. Lower still, all variants of the G32 now feature trapezoidal exhaust tailpipe finishers. Opting for the M Sport Package translates to a new diffuser element compared to the pre-LCI.
Even though it’s supremely practical and more than adequate as a family car, the 6 Series Gran Turismo may be discontinued in a few years’ time. Lest we forget, BMW discontinued the G32 in the United States in 2019 for the 2020 model year because of poor sales. Over in the Old Continent, European customers bought 5,362 examples in 2019 compared to 10,703 in 2018.
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