BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Review
BMW has today released its first-of-a-kind BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo to the Australian motoring media with an enjoyable drive program through the picturesque vineyards of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is certain to turn heads, and strikes an imposing yet elegant form creating an interesting and sculptured blend of 5 Series sedan with X6 SUV in what BMW refer to as a ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’.
“Stylish and elegant in design, this unique four- or five-seater is emphasised by the coupe-like roofline, long bonnet, generous wheelbase and two-piece tailgate,” says the BMW 5 Series GT press release.
“The extra-large and light flooded interior offers luxurious comfort, a slightly elevated seating position for comfortable and convenient access as well as superior all-round visibility and truly impressive variability.”
Following the success of the larger BMW X6, which has sold nearly 900 units since its mid-2008 release, the BMW 5 Series GT will open yet another untapped niche market with those seeking the versatility of an SUV and the practicality – and drivability – of a large sedan, while at the same time wanting to stand out from the crowd.
“Buyers are likely to be part of the upper clasee who value work-life balance and who don’t follow trends,” says the BMW 5 Series GT press release.
“They make their own decisions and design and quality is important to them, as is space and versatility. Their interests are likely to be in culture, sports events, gourmet and design.”
Positioned between the BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series in terms of price, the new BMW 5 Series GT will be offered in three model variants with a starting price of $143,400*, fairing comparably to the 5 Series sedan on which it is based.
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo pricing:
- BMW 530d Gran Turismo – $143,400*
- BMW 535i Gran Turismo – $151,400*
- BMW 550i Gran Turismo – $192,900*
Offering a blend of petrol and diesel engines, the 5 Series GT is also the first BMW in Australia to offer the brand’s new TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine, as featured in the Gran Turismo’s 535i variant (as driven today – pictured).
The engine, whilst based on the previous generation 3.0-litre in-line unit, does away with the twin-turbocharger system, instead offering a twin-scroll, single turbocharger to provide 225kW of power at 5,800rpm and an impressively constant 400Nm of torque between 1,200 and 5,000rpm.
The new TwinPower six-cylinder engine also offers impressive acceleration propelling the 535i Gran Turismo from rest to 100km/h in a mere 6.3 seconds. Overtaking too is strong, almost effortless, and when pointing through winding country back roads the drive to the rear wheels is fluid, flexible and purposeful, thanks in part to BMW’s fully variable Valvetronic valve lift control, high precision injection and to its intuitive, decisive eight-speed automatic transmission.
In keeping with BMW’s EfficientDynamics motif for greener, leaner motoring, the 5 Series Gran Turismo range offers outstanding fuel economy figures further aided by environmental technologies that include Automatic Air Vent Control and Low Rolling Resistance Tyres (on the 530d Gran Turismo only), plus Brake Energy Regeneration and the afore mentioned eight-speed automatic transmission (all models), as well as High Precision Injection (on both petrol-powered variants).
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo engine specifications:
- BMW 530d Gran Turismo: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel (180kW/540Nm) | 6.9 seconds | 6.5L/100km | 173g/km
- BMW 535i Gran Turismo: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol (225kW/400Nm) | 6.3 seconds | 8.9L/100km | 209g/km
- BMW 550i Gran Turismo: 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo-petrol (300kW/600Nm) | 5.5 seconds | 11.2L/100km | 263g/km
All variants have an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. An ‘M’ version is not offered, yet.
Riding on a double-wishbone (front) and multi-link (rear) suspension arrangement, the 5 Series GT also features standard Dynamic Driving Control – which enables the driver to select between three modes (Normal, Sport and Sport Plus) – and optional all-wheel steering (Integral Active Steering) at $3,600. The regular front-wheel steering is a rack and pinion hydraulic assisted system that, as you’d expect from BMW, is well-weighted in feel and feedback, and precisely accurate.
Additionally, BMW’s Adaptive Drive system is offered as also offered as an option. The system combines Dynamic Damper Control with Dynamic Drive (an anti-roll system) to allow the driver to fully personalise the suspension system for greater individuality and expression of driving style. The system is optional across all variants for an extra $7,000.
Inside the luxuriously appointed cabin, the 5 Series Gran Turismo offers suitably high levels of standard equipment, a comfortable and relaxed level of accommodation, as well as a generous and flexible cargo capacity of up to 1,700-litres.
The feature list includes such amenities as cruise control, Dynamic Drive Control, a panoramic glass sunroof (optional), four-zone climate control, electronically retractable sun shades, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, automatic tailgate operation, Comfort access, head-up display, rear view camera, satellite navigation, lumbar support, DVD changer, six-CD tuner, electronically adjustable front seats with two memory settings and lumbar support, electric tilt/slide sunroof, high-beam assist, as well as Bluetooth and USB audio interfaces.
Entry and egress are also noticeably relaxed thanks to clever ergonomics and a slightly elevated seating position. BMW refer to this as the “semi-command position”.
As well as being suitably equipped where equipment is concerned, the car’s touring focus is also strong with an obvious and keen emphasis placed on cabin’s ambiance, styling and practicality.
Rear seating is especially comfortable with generous proportions (especially so with the availability of an optional, dedicated four-seat cabin – not pictured), whilst the tilt angle of the rear seat backrest and fore/aft movement of the seat cushion is also possible.
In another first for the brand, the 5 Series Gran Turismo offers a cargo area that is accessible via a two-piece, split-hinged tailgate system that may be opened individually or as one. The large section of the tailgate also features BMW’s electronic Soft Close Automatic. The twin-opening also means that despite the car being essentially a hatch, with only the lower section open the cabin remains free of drafts, noise or other elements.
With the rear seats in their standard position the luggage compartment offers 440-litres. Slide the seats forward on their rails (100mm of travel offered), and this area increases to 590-litres. The 60:40 split fold rear seats can also be folded flat to increase luggage capacity to no less than 1,700-litres (pictures to follow).
Safety, as you’d expect from the German marque, is high on the priority list with the 5 Series GT being no exception to the BMW norm. A long list of active and passive safety equipment, coupled with the latest in electronic driver aids, includes as standard front, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags; ABS braking with CBC, EBA and EBD; ESC with Traction Control; Trailer Stability Control; and Dynamic Drive Control.
Optional safety equipment includes Adaptive Drive with VDC (Variable Damper Control) and Dynamic Drive ($7,000) and Surround View camera system ($1,300). Active Cruise Control is also available for $4,700 and incorporates collision warning, brake activation and Stop & Go functionality.
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo will be available for retail sale nationally from March 27th, 2010. Volume numbers are strictly limited.
CarAdvice will bring you a complete review and road test of the new BMW 5 Series GT over the coming weeks – stay tuned!
Specifications:
BMW 530d Gran Turismo:
- Engine: 2,993cc DOHC six-cylinder (24 valve)
- Power: 180kW @ 4,000rpm
- Torque: 540Nm @ 1,750 – 3,000rpm
- Induction: Direct Injection, Common Rail & Turbocharged
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Driven Wheels: Rear
- Brakes: Discs with ABS, CBC, EBA & EBD
- Brake Diametre (mm): 348 x 36 (F) / 345 x 24 (R)
- Top Speed: 250km/h (Electronically Limited)
- 0-100km/h: 6.9 seconds
- CO2 Emissions: 173g/km
- Fuel Consumption: 6.5L/100km (Combined)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 70L
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- ANCAP Rating: TBC
- Airbags: Front, Side, Curtain & Driver’s Knee
- Safety: ESC with Traction Control
- Spare Wheel: N/A (Run-flat Tyres)
- Suspension: Dual Wishbone (F) / Multi-link (R)
- Cargo Capacity: 440/590/1,700L
- Tow Capacity: 2,100kg (Braked)
- Turning Circle: 12.2m
- Warranty: Three-Year / 100,000 kilometre
- Weight: 1,960kg (Tare)
- Wheels: Alloy 18 x 8.0-inch
BMW 535i Gran Turismo:
- Engine: 2,979cc DOHC six-cylinder (24 valve)
- Power: 225kW @ 5,800rpm
- Torque: 400Nm @ 1,200 – 5,000rpm
- Induction: Direct Injection & Turbocharged
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Driven Wheels: Rear
- Brakes: Discs with ABS, CBC, EBA & EBD
- Brake Diametre (mm): 348 x 36 (F) / 345 x 24 (R)
- Top Speed: 250km/h (Electronically Limited)
- 0-100km/h: 6.3 seconds
- CO2 Emissions: 209g/km
- Fuel Consumption: 8.9L/100km (Combined)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 70L
- Fuel Type: 91-98 RON Unleaded Petrol
- ANCAP Rating: TBC
- Airbags: Front, Side, Curtain & Driver’s Knee
- Safety: ESC with Traction Control
- Spare Wheel: N/A (Run-flat Tyres)
- Suspension: Dual Wishbone (F) / Multi-link (R)
- Cargo Capacity: 440/590/1,700L
- Tow Capacity: 2,100kg (Braked)
- Turning Circle: 12.2m
- Warranty: Three-Year / 100,000 kilometre
- Weight: 1,940kg (Tare)
- Wheels: Alloy 19 x 8.5-inch (F) / 19 x 9.5-inch (R)
BMW 550i Gran Turismo:
- Engine: 4,395cc DOHC eight-cylinder (32 valve)
- Power: 300kW @ 5,500 – 6,400rpm
- Torque: 600Nm @ 1,750 – 4,500rpm
- Induction: Direct Injection and Twin-Turbocharged
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Driven Wheels: Rear
- Brakes: Discs with ABS, CBC, EBA & EBD
- Brake Diametre (mm): 374 x 36 (F) / 370 x 24 (R)
- Top Speed: 250km/h (Electronically Limited)
- 0-100km/h: 5.5 seconds
- CO2 Emissions: 263g/km
- Fuel Consumption: 11.2L/100km (Combined)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 70L
- Fuel Type: 91-98 RON Unleaded Petrol
- ANCAP Rating: TBC
- Airbags: Front, Side, Curtain & Driver’s Knee
- Safety: ESC with Traction Control
- Spare Wheel: N/A (Run-flat Tyres)
- Suspension: Dual Wishbone (F) / Multi-link (R)
- Cargo Capacity: 440/590/1,700L
- Tow Capacity: 2,100kg (Tare)
- Turning Circle: 12.2m
- Warranty: Three-Year / 100,000 kilometre
- Weight: 2,060kg (Tare)
- Wheels: Alloy 20 x 8.5-inch (F) / 20 x 10.0-inch (R)
Dimensions:
- Length: 4,998mm
- Width: 1901mm
- Height: 1,559mm
- Wheelbase: 3,070mm
- Track (F): 1,611mm (530d & 535i) / 1,621mm (550i)
- Track (R): 1,654mm (530d & 535i) / 1,636mm (550i)
*Pricing is a guide as recommended to us by the manufacturer and does not included dealer delivery, on-road and statutory charges.
Thats one mean looking machine! Don’t know if its needed (just like the X6) but it does look good.
Nice photography. 5GT looks good in black, although most cars do. I’d easily take this over an X6 or the ultra conservative 5-Series Sedan.
Not sold on this one. Considering an X6 is a “crossover” vehicle which straddles the middle fence between sedan and SUV, do we really need a crossover between a sedan and a crossover?
However, critics of the X6 have egg on their faces as it has outstripped expectations. This might well strike a chord too.
Actually, the X6 is a “crossover” of a coupe and suv or sav in BMW terms.
Correction duly noted.
My point still stands.
The 3l turbo is the engine I want the most atm. Sounds impressive!
Nice enough, but if this is the answer, what was the question?
Niche for niche sake.
I assume this product is in the same design category as the Merc banana, passat cc and the audi a5 sedan. hatchy/sedan/coupe type sedan with some extra curves.
Quirky with all the gadgets people enjoy etc.
If i was in the market I would still prefer the 535 turbo sedan.
As for the performance figures they look great, I would expect some more grunt to outperform the g6e turbo 0-100 times, but this is a BMW and makes up for that with great fuel consumption
I find it hard to belive that there was 900 people with more money than brains out there who bought the X6. While this arguably looks better, it is still another pointless niche filler from those who make the ultimate niche machine.
why? whats wrong with it? i’d rather have this over the bland looking 5 series
I like all the pics there, don’t get me wrong, but how about some simple head-on, rear, and side shots too. Especially when we’re talking new models…
Isn’t everyone getting sick of that same BMW centre-console? It’s the same as a 5 year-old BMW 5 series from the inside.
I’ve been saying this for a long time, but people just put up with it Because if a German compnay does something it has to be good and correct. I really wouldn’t surprised to find that the next gen 5 Series has a variation on this interior.
I own an E60 M5 – and the interior is nothing like this.
A 2 tons car that can goes up to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds? F**king impressive.
I have to agree with you here, it’s purely because of luxury tax that the government introduced years ago. I’ve compared the price with the same model in the USA, the car over there with every packages they could possibly think off, with V8 model, cost $100,000 less and the V8 model here.
I think its sweet too. The American Automotive press hates this thing, They say it snot a real BMW, its fugly, etc.. all kinds of malarchy and diatribe, and Im glad to see some press anywhere giving ths thing Kudos.
Thanks Car Advice for the good press, becuase this ride needs it, and badly.
They wish BMW sold cars only, and they call this the ruining of BMW. They call anything thats not a 3 series now=”BMW Heavy.”
Its a very controversial product here, thereshaters and lovers.
The car looks awesome, and as i have driven 1,3,5 and 7 series bmw’s, they dont make a bad vehicle. BUT. I dont see the people buying this using it for its “ruggedness”. The most action it will get is the steep terrain provided by the driveways in private estates.