NEWS ARTICLE
The New BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
BMW has launched the 5 Series Gran Turismo. The executive car is available as either a four-seat Executive specification car for a luxurious, spacious feel or in a five-seat SE configuration for a blend of sophistication and practicality.
But its truly innovative feature according to the German maker is a two-piece tailgate, which is a first in the premium segment. Now an owner has the option to choose between two ways of opening the rear of the vehicle depending on the objects needed to be stowed.
A more conventional saloon style boot opening provides access for smaller objects. This allows the cabin area to remain warm and without noise intrusion. The hatch-style opening combined with a flexible partition comes into play should the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo owner wish to make full use of its load-lugging capacity. The rear seats can be moved 100mm fore or aft to either increase boot space or provide greater legroom for rear seat passengers. With the rear seats moved forwards, the seat backs folded virtually flat and the parcel shelf removed and stowed beneath the luggage compartment floor, much bulkier items can then be transported.
Boot space can be enhanced from 440 litres up to 1,700 litres, only 50 litres behind the capacity of the BMW X5 and the second largest space compared to all current BMWs.
The familiar BMW kidney grilles and large air intakes hint at the car’s performance potential, while a roof line that curves downwards towards the rear and the frameless doors both give a coupé feel.
One of the key features of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is the height of the seats. Potential customers have expressed a desire for the luxury of a BMW 7 Series but also the feeling of security and all round visibility a car with a command driving position such as the BMW X5 offers.
Black Panel technology is a signature piece of design (first shown on the BMW 7 Series) that allows the displays of the centre console to double as a stylish trim. The electronic displays are visible through the Black Panel technology when needed, but are discreet enough to form a stylish black band across the interior. Control switches in galvanised metal are set into the centre console by way of contrast.
Three engines power the three models available at launch. The new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is offered as a 530d, a 535i and a 550i.
The biggest seller in the UK is predicted to be the BMW 530d GT. This 2,993cc six-cylinder car features third generation common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors. It produces 245hp at 4,000rpm, the 530d accelerates from zero to 62mph in 6.9 seconds before going on to a top speed of 149mph. The peak torque of 540Nm from just 1,750rpm provides smooth yet swift progress in any gear. Fuel economy is exceptional with a combined fuel consumption figure of 43.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 173g/km.
Joining the diesel-powered car is the BMW 535i GT. The 306hp BMW 535i GT also features High precision direct injection technology for added efficiency. The performance credentials of the car are underscored by a zero to 62mph time of 6.3 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Consumption and emissions figures are impressive with 31.7mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 209g/km.
Topping the range is the BMW 550i GT. Powered by an acclaimed 407hp 4,395cc V8 engine with twin-turbo technology, the 550i GT offers near supercar performance with a zero to 62mph time of 5.5 seconds and an electronically-limited 155mph top speed. The BMW 550i GT records a combined consumption figure of 25.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 263g/km.
All cars come as standard with BMW’s new eight-speed automatic gearbox announced earlier this month on the 760Li. The all-new transmission is six per cent per cent more fuel efficient than the previous six-speed automatic yet it is as compact and weighs the same.
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo comes with many of the EfficientDynamics technologies already shown on other BMWs. Brake Energy Regeneration, which recharges the vehicle’s battery during engine over-run is standard.
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo comes with a level of standard specification greater than previously offered on any 5 Series. Dakota leather upholstery, four-zone air-conditioning, panoramic sunroof and metallic paint are included. A USB audio interface, ambient lighting and heated front seats are also standard.
Features such as Reversing Assist Camera and Side View camera capability are available on the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo to add to the ownership experience. The Reversing Assist Camera works in conjunction with the Park Distance Control system to provide a 360 degree picture of the car when manoeuvring at slow speeds. The Side View camera option allows drivers to pull out of blind junctions with confidence. A host of additional optional equipment from Night Vision with pedestrian recognition and Head-up Display to Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go can be specified.
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo goes on sale in October, 2009. Confirmed prices will be announced at a later date, but the range is expected to start from approximately £40,000 for a BMW 530d SE GT.
Simon McBride