Under the hood of the 630i GT is the same turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol motor that powers BMW’s own 330i and 530i. In the 630i however, this silent and smooth powertrain has been tweaked from 252bhp/350Nm to a higher 258bhp/400Nm. And we have to admit that the extra 50Nm of torque makes this 6’ GT even peppier when compared to the 530i.
You instantly notice the eager manner in which the 630i gets off the mark and picks up pace. Now although it packs enough performance to keep the driver entertained, the 6 GT’s power delivery isn’t aggressive, which fits in with the intended nature of the GT. But, you somehow forget all that when you hold down both the brake and accelerator pedal in Sport mode, and glare into the instrumentation that reads out ‘Launch Control Activated’!
There’s absolutely no drama when the 6 GT launches off the line (hardly any wheel-spin) while the eight-speed transmission shunts torque down to the rear wheels. The 100kmph mark comes up in 6.69 seconds, and even overtaking is a breeze since the 40-100kmph and 20-80kmph runs in kick-down take just 5.15 and 4.15 seconds. What’s also nice about this motor is that it lets out a strong throaty roar at the higher spectrum at about 6300 revs. Plus, the transmission also sportily downshifts to the red-line.
Having said this, there are pre-set driving modes to suit variable driver requirements in terms of damping, engine and gearbox response, and steering feedback. These include Sport, Comfort, Comfort+, Eco Pro and Adaptive. We noticed that ‘Eco Pro’ offers the best fuel efficiency since its responses are mild. Comfort mode is more responsive than Eco Pro as it holds lower gears longer before upshifting.
In ‘Sport’, however, the transmission holds lower gears for instant thrust which makes it ideal if all you’re looking at is maximum performance. Plus, it is also customisable where the engine, transmission, damping and steering characteristics can be toggled between Sport and Comfort. Adaptive mode, on the other hand, learns from your driving style and automatically sets the parameters.
With the 630i riding on air springs, it’s a given that the ride quality was going to be plush. That said, in Sport mode the suspension gets firmer and the sharp bumps can be felt within the cabin at slow speeds. But Eco Pro and Comfort modes just flatten out most road imperfections at slower speeds with hardly anything transmitted into the cabin. Pick up the pace and all modes help in superior damping. But there’s no running away from the characteristic air-suspension up-and-down motion at higher speeds which is more pronounced in Eco Pro and Comfort modes.
Steering the BMW 630i seems effortless despite its size thanks to the accurate feedback. While it feels considerably light in Eco-Pro and Comfort mode, ‘Sport’ appears to be heavier along with quicker responses too. We admit that the confidence inspired through its steering, coupled to the rigid frame lends the 630i good stability especially at highway speeds. Of course, there is some roll around tight corners since it is a huge car, but it never really gets unnerving.