2018 BMW 6 Series

BMW's 6 Series range gains a new body style for 2018 in the 640i Gran Turismo, a spiritual successor to the recently discontinued 5 Series Gran Turismo.

Like its predecessor, the new Gran Turismo is essentially a big sedan with a bigger trunk accessed through a massive hatchback. It joins the existing 6 Series range, which consists of coupe, convertible and four-door Gran Coupe models.

The modern iteration of BMW's 6 Series luxury coupe has certainly grown into its look. The first 6 Series in 14 years appeared in 2004 wearing controversial styling penned by designer Chris Bangle, but another 14 years and a generation later the poshest coupe in the BMW lineup is one of the brand's most attractive models.

That redesign happened in 2011 and was followed by a 2015 refresh, so this year brings a couple of minor additions to the 6 Series' list of available options, ones that further blur the line between standard 6 Series models and the high-performance M6: a set of 20-inch bi-colour M light-alloy wheels shod with fun-flat tires and a carbon fibre interior trim package, both items that were previously limited to that speediest of big BMW coupes.

Gran Coupe and Gran Turismo models share a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine making 320 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, along with a 640i xDrive designation. All other models, dubbed 650i xDrive in coupe, Gran Coupe and convertible versions, get a turbo V8 good for 445 hp and 479 lb-ft.

All three are standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

As the biggest two-door in the Bimmer range, the 6 Series has to compete for buyers against a range of Mercedes-Benz Coupes (E-Class, S-Class and SL-Class). You could also draw a parallel with the Porsche 911, which is closer to true sports car territory but has nonetheless matured in recent years to the point it's not inconceivable someone might cross-shop it against a luxury coupe like the 6 Series.

Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, LED foglights, electric parking brake, heated windshield washers, front and rear park assist, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors, intelligent keyless entry, heated steering wheel, dynamic cruise control, power tilt-and-telescopic steering, heated front seats, Dakota leather upholstery and leatherette-trimmed dash, nine-speaker stereo, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation and a 10.2-in iDrive display.

That's what's included for the 640i Gran Coupe's $90,900 price, but options provide plenty of opportunity to spend more, like $2,000 paint shades, a $5,900 full Merino leather interior, and M Sport package that costs $8,400 to $8,800 depending on body style, $4,500 premium seats and a $4,900 Bang & Olufsen stereo.