Not got a handle on BMW’s range? Still confused at how a 2 Series can be both a tyre-shredding M Car and a seven-seat MPV? Well this isn’t going to help. It’s the new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, and it’s big hatchback.

It replaces the old 5 Series Gran Turismo – which created its own niche back in 2009 – and while its ethos is broadly the same, BMW has altered its name. It lines it up quite nicely with the also-a-big-hatchback X6, but until the 8 Series replaces the 6 Series coupe, it may cause some confusion.

Anyway, the car itself. BMW calls it a ‘large GT’, and in essence it’s a posher version of the 5 Series (with frameless doors!) that also manages to be more practical. It’s arguably better looking than the old 5 GT it replaces, being longer and lower. Special effort has been put into sharpening the rear styling, which used to be quite, um, boxy.

There are three full-size seats in the back, and these can electronically recline if you tick the right options box. The seats can all individually split, swelling the base luggage room of 610 litres (up 110 litres on the 5 GT) to 1,800 litres when they’re all folded. As well as being up 100 litres on the 5 GT, that’s the kind of room you get in a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate. And that has an enormous boot.

The 6 GT comes with three engines – 630i and 640i petrols, with a respective 255bhp and 335bhp, and a 261bhp 630d diesel – and a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive. Your best 0-100kph time is 5.3secs (the 640i) and your best fuel economy 4.9-litres/100km (the 640d with RWD). Prices start at £46,810 for the 630i.

While 18in wheels come as standard, BMW offers 19s, 20s and 21s as options, and we sense the scale of the 6 GT will call for some larger rims. You can spec an M Sport exterior and interior makeover (many will) and there’s also the option of a 1,400-watt, 16-speaker ‘Bowers and Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System’.

All manner of gizmos are optional, in fact. Optional active cruise control and lane departure warnings both function up to 130mph – handy on the autobahn – while there’s a new, improved head-up display available, too.

You’ve also the option of various suspension systems, but we suspect the plush air suspension might be your best bet. It allows a 30mm variance in ride height depending on how rugged or sporty you’re feeling.

So. Like it? Or do you wish BMW stuck to doing traditional saloons and estates? The fact the 5 GT formula remains in its range suggests it’s a success…

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