The Stylish & sporty SUV alternative
Part sedan and part wagon, the BMW 640i Gran Turismo guarantees all smiles for drivers seeking something providing sharp handling, loads of storage space, and a touch of class. Introduced for 2018, this model carries the torch for the 5 Series GT that was discontinued last year promising more performance, efficiency and technology in new elegant packaging.
“The BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo offers a unique combination of luxurious interior comfort and flexible practicality, packaged within a truly elegant design. Coupled with the sporty, dynamic driving characteristics our customers enjoy, this car is an outstanding vehicle which further enhances the upper end of our BMW model line-up,” says Ian Robertson, BMW AG Board of Management member.
Compared to the outgoing car, the 640i GT is 87 millimetres longer than its predecessor and 21 millimetres shorter for better aerodynamics. In fact, the drag coefficient has been lowered from 0.29 Cd to 0.25 helped by a trick active spoiler mounted on the tailgate. Width remains the same. The fastback silhouette looks beautiful and allows a cargo capacity of 610 litres, 110 litres more than before, despite a steeper rearward roofline slope. Fold the automated split backrest and the capacity balloons to 1,800 litres.
Head on, the vehicle has all the earmarks of a modern BMW such as the stretched out standard LED headlight housings that blend into the oversize kidney grille. Elsewhere, there’s also the signature long hood, frameless windows, and 3-D taillights.
Venture inside and the cabin nearly outshines the exterior. Firstly, DARPAN’s loaner was equipped with a gorgeous brown leather upholstery. All occupants have generous amounts of leg and headroom, and the feeling of ease is enhanced further if the optional comfort seats are added. The front two chairs feature eight different massage programs and, unlike various other premium brands, work the upper back all the way down to the bottom of the thighs making long cruises much more bearable, especially for the person behind the wheel. Massage aside, driver ergonomics are excellent.
The steering wheel is nice and meaty, and the seating position is high giving an excellent view of the road. A head-up display is available, which I recommend going for because BMW does it the best.
A wide array of information, from speed to navigation directions, is beamed directly to the windshield for easy viewing without taking one’s eyes off the road, and now the projection area is 70 per cent larger. The interior even smells great thanks to an Ambient Air Package, comprised of electrically-activated fragrance pods plugged into a socket in the glove box. The scent intensity is adjustable according to user preference.
In Canada, the sole engine offering is a 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo inline six cylinder putting out 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, mated to a Steptronic eight-speed automatic transmission. The motor moves the car along wonderfully, however I would have liked to hear at least a little bit of exhaust growl during open throttle. Although we didn’t put the number to the test, the manufacturer states a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.3 seconds. As always, xDrive all-wheel drive ensures optimal traction on most road surfaces.
Safety equipment is abundant and include, but not limited to, collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, radar cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist and cross traffic warning. If purchased, remote control parking is possible via the smart BMW Display Key fob where the 640i GT can creep along forwards or backwards at the touch of a button.
HIGHLIGHTS
MSRP: $81,600
Motor: 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six
Horsepower: 335 @ 5,500 rpm
Torque (lb-ft): 332 @ 1,380 rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive
Fuel economy: 14.3 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)
