2010 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo: A five-seat GT
Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina – By creating some new niche models, BMW has really built up some momentum to say the least. First, there was the M version of the X5 and X6, and now the Bavarian manufacturer is launching a new variation of the 5 Series called the Gran Turismo, which will be unveiled for the first time worldwide at the Frankfurt Auto Show in the fall of 2009. It will be available for sale in Canada immediately after its official launch and will have a higher price than the 5 Series sedans.
Built on the platform used to make the 7 Series, the 5 Series GT offers a new, more modern take on the grand touring car insofar as the newcomer features 4 or 5 seats, depending on the configuration the buyer chooses. The concept car presented some time ago by BMW was called PAS for Progressive Activity Sedan, but in spite of its great fondness for acronyms, the Bavarian manufacturer has wisely chosen the name Gran Turismo for this new evolution that combines the style and comfort of a sedan with the higher driving position and versatility of an SUV, according to BMW, of course.
Unique style
Its style features all of the components typical of the brand’s sedans, such as a long hood, very short overhangs and a longer wheel base, but it also integrates a roof line that plunges toward the back and is reminiscent of the X6’s roof. The 5 Series GT is as long as a 7 Series with a regular wheel base and offers impressive interior space, particularly in the back where there’s almost as much space as in a 7 Series. The newcomer sets itself apart with its dual mode trunk that includes a conventional lid integrated into a rear hatch, which enables you to open only the trunk or the whole hatchback. The buyer has to choose the layout of the 5 Series GT with either a conventional three-seat rear bench or a two-seat (separated by a console) configuration. Regardless of the configuration you choose, the rear seats can be moved forward in order to increase the trunk capacity or moved back to increase passenger leg room. Moreover, the rear seatbacks can be reclined to help you kick back and relax. This unique way of setting up the back seats means that the loading capacity can range from 470 to 590 litres, depending on the position you choose. The seats can also be folded down completely to take advantage of the maximum cargo volume of 1,600 litres.
The V8 twin turbo engine
First, the 5 Series GT will come equipped with the 4.4-litre V8 twin turbo engine featuring 400 hp and 450 pounds-foot of torque, like the engine already found in the X6 and the 7 Series, but the new car has a new eight-speed gearbox. BMW claims that the car can go from 0-100 km/hr in 5.7 seconds, which is conceivable considering the 5 Series GT’s weight of 2,240 kg. The weight is distributed almost evenly, with 50.2 percent in the front and 49.8 percent at the back. After the arrival of this 550i GT, 6-cylinder and all-wheel drive versions will follow in 2010. As for the suspensions, the 5 Series GT tears a page out of the Series 7’s book with a double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension.
The 5 Series GT has a camera system that has not only a simple rear view camera but also includes two other cameras housed on the sides of the front end of the vehicle to help gauge the flow of traffic before getting on the road when exiting a garage or alley. What’s more, there are two other cameras located in the exterior rearview mirrors to facilitate parking, much like the Infiniti EX35. Furthermore, there’s Night Vision with detection of individual persons and Head-Up Display, a Lane Departure Warning and even a device to warn you if there’s a vehicle in you blind spot.
Basically, BMW will soon be offering a brand new model: It won’t replace the 5 Series wagon, but it will add to the product line.