The old BMW 5-Series GT now becomes the 2018 BMW 640i xDrive Gran Turismo.

A few years back, BMW announced plans to provide more order to its model nomenclature, transforming the 3-Series Coupe, for example, into the new 4-Series. But one of the big changes for 2018 is likely to add more confusion to the line-up.

It’s confusing enough that the Bavarian maker has given us an assortment of four-door coupes, such as the 4-Series Gran Coupe. Now it is adding the new 6-Series Grand Turismo. It’s not quite SUV – er, Sport Activity Vehicle. Nor is it quite wagon or hatchback. It’s a tall sedan with a fastback roof which, to add to the confusion, used to be called the 5-Series GT.

Oh, and if this all isn’t enough to require a notepad to keep up with, you might recall that BMW is getting ready to do away with the conventional 6-Series coupe line-up as it prepares to launch the new flagship 8-Series as a more direct challenger to the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.

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“The all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo  is an eye-catching statement, packaged into a flowing, sculptural design language which gives the car a modern and sporty feel,” said BMW Group Design senior vice president Adrian van Hooydonk.

The BMW 640i GT is nothing if not quick, launching from 0 to 60 in just 5.1 seconds.

Some might argue that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, as the new BMW 640i xDrive GT is certainly not the classically sleek coupe BMW has been known for. Had the maker chosen to plant an “X” at the beginning of its model name, it certainly would have been appropriate, as it stands nearly as tall as the X6 coupe/SAV, here with a more fastback-style hatch.

The front end is meant to deliver a more muscular and rugged appearance than the classic 6-Series, with broader headlamps – full LEDs for the U.S. market – that stretch all the way to the kidney grille. That grille, incidentally, makes use of active aero technology, sealing off when cooling demands are light in order to reduce drag. There’s also an active aero rear spoiler which extends at speeds of 75 mph and up, retracting when the GT slows to 50.

The GT’s taller stance translates into a higher seating position and more legroom, as well, which van Hooydonk said, “ensures an imperious brand of driving pleasure, and the luxurious levels of space provide everything you need for a relaxing journey.”

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The 2018 BMW 640i xDrive GT offers higher seating and a roomier interior than a classic 6-er.

There’s plenty of toys for techies, including a high-res head-up display, a 10.25-inch monitor atop the center console, the latest iDrive system, a 16-speaker, 1,400 watt Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system and BMW’s gesture control technology.

But what could be the big selling point for the new 6-Series GT is its powertrain package. There’s just one option for U.S. buyers: a 335 horsepower, 3.0 liter, TwinPower turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission delivering power to all four wheels. It will launch the big fastback from 0 to 60 in just 5.1 seconds, according to BMW.

While the maker isn’t talking about an M version – yet – it did confirm there will be a less aggressive M Sport option to come.

Look for the 2018 BMW 640i xDrive Gran Turismo to start at $69,700 – plus delivery fees – when it arrives in U.S. showrooms this coming autumn.

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