In order to match the Mercedes E-class long-wheelbase, especially in rear-seat comfort, BMW launched its new 6-series GT. Here’s what you need to know about the new BMW model that was launched at the 2018 Auto Expo.

It’s a 5-series GT successor
The 6-series is essentially a replacement for the ungainly-looking 5-series GT, meant to provide 7-series levels of space and comfort at a price closer to the 5-series. The shape of the new model is more fluid, particularly at the rear. While the front looks similar to the 5-series, the estate-like roofline gels well with the boot. The 6 GT shares its lightweight Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform with the new 5-series and is about 150kg lighter than the 5-series GT.

It’s about the rear seats
BMWs usually boast the best driving experience in their class, however, the 6-series GT’s forte is meant to be comfort, which is why adaptive air suspension with self-levelling is standard, along with a Comfort Plus drive-mode for a plusher ride. Rear-seat comfort hasn’t taken a back seat with seats that can be relined by about 9 degrees. The bench is nearly as wide as the 7-series, while the position is a bit higher than the 5-series, which should be comfortable during long distance drives.

At 5.091mm, it is longer than the E-class, but its wheelbase is about 9mm less than the Merc’s at 3,070mm. At 1,902mm and 1,538mm, the 6 GT’s width and height are 42mm and 44mm more than its rival, which could translate to more shoulder room and headroom. Boot capacity stands at a cavernous 610 litres, which is expandable to 1,800 litres with the rear seats folded.

Petrol only, for now
BMW offers the 6-series GT with just a petrol engine in the 630i. The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder,
in-line, turbo-petrol unit produces 258hp and 400Nm of peak torque, and is mated to an eight-speed automatic, sending power to the rear wheels. The German brand is expected to bring a 190hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine and a 265hp, 3.0-litre, six-cylinder diesel motor at a later date.

It’s got kit
In terms of equipment, the 6 GT shares the touch-and-gesture-operated sixth-generation iDrive infotainment system and a head-up display with the 5-series. LED headlamps, a digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, four-zone auto climate control, LED mood lighting and a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with a 10-channel amplifier with an output of 1,400 watts and 16 partially illuminated speakers are also standard. The G 6T's kidney grille also features active air flaps to improve aerodynamics and engine cooling.

It’s priced well
Priced at Rs 58.9 lakh (ex-showroom, India), the 6-series GT is only offered in a lower-spec Sport Line trim. This makes it about Rs 6.9 lakh more than the equivalent 5-series (520i Sport Line). A high level of local assembly (a claimed 50 percent) has enabled BMW to price it just Rs 2.43 lakh more than the petrol Mercedes E 200, which costs Rs 56.47 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Deliveries will begin in March 2018.