Summarize

This car replaces the old Five GT that rode on the old Five platform, but it’s now called Six and is based on the new Seven platform, which in many ways shares its innards with the latest Five. But BMW said its even-numbered models are coupes and two-doors but this one is a five-door and it’s still called Six?

So excuse us, if we’re confused, but are there now too many BMWs for available numbers? Whatever the issues, we still enjoyed the new BMW 630 GT M Sport – a step in the right direction in many ways.

The old Five GT was a bit of a hotel shuttle. Happily, both its bulbous styling and a boxy nature were softened along with a far more aggressive stance in the move to Six. Pity the taillights drew phallic comment from more than one observer, but the car that’s become a bit of a Seven series hatchback is a good step ahead.

I spent a fair amount of time both at the helm and riding in the back – 6 GT is both a great car to drive and splendid to ride in the back of. It’s still a driver’s car at the wheel – quick, deft and surprisingly frugal too, just right for when you want to drive yourself.

Our tester bristled with TVs and all form of kit made riding in the amole back a pleasure too, although I missed the power rear seats and some of the finer spec I so enjoyed in flagship Sevens of late. At almost half a million rand off a like-sized Seven, I suppose you should expect a little less though. 

QUICK TEST: BMW 630d GT M Sport

Engine:    195kW 650Nm 2993cc turbo diesel I6

Drive: 8-speed automatic RWD

TESTED: 

0-100km/h: 5.82 sec   

0-160km/h: 14.62 sec

400m: 14.0 sec @ 158km/h

80-120km/h: 4.06 sec   

120-160km/h 6.58 sec   

CLAIMED:       

VMax: 250km/h 

Fuel: 5.6 l/100km

CO2: 157 g/km

Warranty/Service 2y unltd/5y 100K

LIST PRICE: R1 190 000

RATED:        80%