2018 BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo

Pros: Smooth, powerful engine; generous passenger and cargo room; comfortable ride

Cons: Steering and handling are not as crisp most BMW sedans; comparable BMW sedans and SUVs have lower starting prices

CG Says: BMW’s midsize 4-door hatchback sedan is redesigned for 2018, and it gains a new model nomenclature in the process. The car formerly known as the 5-Series Gran Turismo is now the 6-Series Gran Turismo, an adjustment that better syncs up with the rest of BMW’s model-line naming structure. The 6-Series Gran Turismo is based on the redesigned-for-2017 BMW 5-Series sedan platform; it’s 3.8 inches longer overall than the previous-gen Gran Turismo, and its overall length is about midway between the 5-Series and 7-Series sedans. A 335-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission is the sole powertrain. All-wheel drive is standard. Available safety features include autonomous braking, blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Other available features include park assist, remote-control parking, adaptive LED headlights, power-adjustable rear seats, and panoramic sunroof. The Gran Turismo straddles the normal passenger-car and SUV genres by adding a raised ride height, a slightly taller body build, and a novel hatchback configuration to a sedan platform. Whether you see that mash-up as the best of both worlds or an odd compromise depends on your perspective. If you crave the handling prowess and relatively low driving position of a midsize luxury sedan, but you need a bit more passenger and cargo versatility than the standard 4-door sedan offers—and you’re willing to pay a significant price premium—then a 2018 BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo should be a good fit for you.