Currently reading: 2017 BMW 6 Series GT: 5 Series GT replacement spotted

Expected late 2017, the 6 Series GT will use the same platform and engines as the 5 Series

The BMW 6 Series GT will arrive late next year as a replacement for the BMW 5 Series GT.

Spotted undergoing durability testing in prototype form, the model is set to mix a new name with more individual styling in a move aimed at distancing it from the 5 Series saloon and Touring.

BMW 6 Series GT revealed at Frankfurt 

Sources at BMW’s headquarters in Munich suggest it will adopt the name 6 Series GT and indirectly replace the slow-selling 6 Series Gran Coupe when it goes on sale in 2018. The move suggests it will also adopt higher positioning and pricing.

The BMW 6 Series GT has been officially revealed

Although heavy camouflage covers much of the car, a similar front end to that of the 5 Series is visible, while rear-end styling revisions are also apparent. The tail-lights, while mounted higher, also look to have a near identical design to those on the 5 Series.

Bmw 6series gt 630d allrad 005

As with the 5 Series saloon, the 6 Series GT will be based on a new platform, dubbed OKL, which also underpins the new 7 Series. The OKL architecture allowed BMW to shed 100kg from the kerb weight of the 5 Series saloon. If the same weight saving can be applied to the 6 Series GT, the new car should weigh significantly less than the 1990kg of the current 5 Series GT in entry-level 520d form.

Engine options will mirror those of the 5 Series range and at launch will include variants of BMW’s four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Joining the range later on will be 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol and diesel models, while a plug-in hybrid version, which will mate a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, will appear further down the line.

The current 5 Series GT remains a niche choice for buyers in the UK, with BMW selling just 865 units here in 2015, compared to 4947 5 Series Touring models and 15,616 5 Series saloons. Prices for the current GT start at £38,045, but a push upmarket could see a starting price of more than £40,000 for the 6 Series GT.

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Darren Moss and Sam Sheehan

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moorejam 14 November 2016

Questionable styling, lovely to drive & live with

I have a 530d GT and I will agree that the styling at the back is awkward, but the car is absolutely fantastic to live with and own. The kid think they are in a limo and the you can happily cruise to the south of France, as we did this summer, and feel relaxed and stress free (even with the kids in the back).

The great thing about the divisive styling is that it kicks the resales values to the kerb, which is great for a second hand bargain.

I will look at the new model in three years time when it will be around £20K. Bargain!

Never judge a book by its cover.

moorejam 14 November 2016

Questionable styling, lovely to drive & live with

I have a 530d GT and I will agree that the styling at the back is awkward, but the car is absolutely fantastic to live with and own. The kid think they are in a limo and the you can happily cruise to the south of France, as we did this summer, and feel relaxed and stress free (even with the kids in the back).

The great thing about the divisive styling is that it kicks the resales values to the kerb, which is great for a second hand bargain.

I will look at the new model in three years time when it will be around £20K. Bargain!

Never judge a book by its cover.

Citytiger 11 November 2016

Ah the bloated

Insignia by BMW..