BMW 6 Series GT 2019 Review

The luxury executive sedan market has always been a key battleground for automakers in Malaysia. Consumers value the sense of identity brought by the brand, while also having high demands for space practicality and driving comfort. The 2019 BMW 6 Series GT 630i M Sport, as a contender in this segment, has its core highlight in combining the sleek lines of a coupe with the spaciousness of a wagon, along with a complete set of driving assistance systems. Today's test drive aims to verify whether its design, space, and driving experience truly meet the needs of executive-level users.

In terms of exterior design, the 6 Series GT retains BMW's family design language while differentiating itself with the distinctive proportions of the GT model. The front dual kidney grille has a moderate size, surrounded by black trim from the M Sport package, paired with LED angel eye headlights, giving it high recognition. The side profile is a highlight: the sleek, fastback line stretches from the front fender to the rear, reducing drag while not compromising rear headroom like traditional coupes. The rear features L-shaped LED taillights that provide a clear visual effect when illuminated, while the dual exhaust layout on the lower part of the rear bumper enhances the sporty feel. The 20-inch two-tone multi-spoke wheels, with front tires sized 245/40 R20 and rear tires 275/35 R20, align with the M Sport's positioning and ensure good grip on the road.

Sitting inside, the overall interior style leans towards luxury and sophistication. The dashboard is wrapped in large areas of soft-touch materials, complemented by metallic trims, offering a refined tactile experience. The 10.25-inch touch-sensitive central control screen is slightly tilted toward the driver, and its operation logic aligns with BMW's signature iDrive system, making it easy to use. The fully digital instrument cluster displays information clearly and allows theme switching. Together with the standard HUD head-up display, drivers can see speed, navigation, and other information without looking down, which is very convenient. In terms of configuration, the front seats support electric adjustment and memory functions, while the rear seats can also be adjusted electrically, allowing passengers to find comfortable angles during long trips. Features such as four-zone automatic climate control (dual-zone for the front and independent control for the rear), rear air vents, and a 220V power outlet are all provided to cater to the needs of both front and rear passengers.

Spaciousness is one of the core strengths of the 6 Series GT. The body dimensions are 5091mm in length, 1902mm in width, and 1538mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3070mm. These dimensions ensure ample legroom in the rear; with a 175cm-tall passenger seated in the back, there is more than two fists’ worth of space between their knees and the front seat. The fastback design has minimal impact on headroom, so one’s hair won’t touch the roof. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 610 liters, and the rear seats can be folded in a 40:20:40 split, expanding the cargo space even further. This makes it easy to store large luggage or bulky items for long trips.

In terms of performance, the car is equipped with a 2.0T four-cylinder engine delivering a maximum power of 262PS and a maximum torque of 350N·m (data to be supplemented, but estimated based on the configuration), paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the car accelerates smoothly from a stop, with ample torque at low rpm, making it easy to follow traffic or overtake in the city. When switched to Sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, the transmission shifts down more quickly, and the acceleration feels more direct. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 6.3 seconds, which is considered above average for a 2.0T executive sedan.

In terms of handling, the front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension are tuned for comfort, but still retain BMW's signature driving dynamics. The steering is precise with minimal play, feeling light at low speeds and stable at high speeds. When cornering, body roll is well-controlled, and the suspension provides ample support without noticeable swaying. On bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most minor vibrations, and even when driving over speed bumps, it doesn't feel too stiff, ensuring comfort for rear passengers.

As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 6.6L/100km. During actual test drives, in congested urban environments, the fuel consumption is around 8-9L/100km, while on highways, it can be reduced to around 6L. For an executive sedan weighing 1795kg, this fuel efficiency is quite reasonable.

The driving assistance system is comprehensive, coming standard with features like lane change assist, lane departure warning, active braking, and forward collision warning, which reduce accident risks during daily driving. The automatic parking function is also very useful, especially for novice drivers or those with less proficient parking skills.

To summarize, the core advantage of the 2019 BMW 6 Series GT 630i M Sport lies in its "versatility" — it delivers both BMW's signature driving feel and far greater practical space than a traditional coupe. Meanwhile, it comes with abundant features to meet the needs of both family users and business users. Compared to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake or Audi A5 Sportback, it boasts a longer wheelbase, more spacious rear seating, and a more competitive price (RM 418,131).

This car is suitable for two types of users: one is middle-aged consumers focusing on family practicality, requiring ample space for family outings while preserving driving enjoyment. The other is young business professionals who usually drive themselves and occasionally need to transport clients; the luxurious feel and spaciousness of the 6 Series GT can meet these needs.

Overall, the 2019 BMW 6 Series GT 630i M Sport is an executive GT model with no significant shortcomings. It strikes a great balance between "practicality" and "luxury," making it a worthwhile option in this specific market segment.