2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo: Ugly Unleashed

BMW’s latest designs have been, for the most part, unanimously well received. Although the first of the Bangle era, the 7-series, faced some teething issues with its flame surfaced styling language, the similar treatment of the 5, 3, X3, X5, Z and newest 1 series have all been considered well put together.

And then came the X6.

And now comes the 5-series Gran Turismo. Hopefully not replacing the classy 5-series wagon, the new GT sees an X6-esque rear grafted onto a revised, more 7-series inspired front end, and the overwhelming result is, in a word, hideous. Unlikely to reach the North American market where five-door upscale hatchbacks are so poorly received, the 5-series GT will offer a full lineup of engine and drivetrain options, which is thankful, since at least a 550i Gran Turismo will assuredly be capable of receding from view that much faster.