BMW took to the stage at the Frankfurt Motor Show to officially introduce its 5-Series Grand Turismo. As expected, the production 5-Series GT doesn’t stray far from the show car first shown at the Geneva Motor Show – and it gives us a glimpse of the next-generation 5-Series sedan and wagon.
Showing its love for new acronyms, BMW has dubbed the vehicle a “Progressive Activity Sedan.” We suppose “luxury hatchback” is simply too bland a label for the German automaker. The 5-Series GT will be the first of several variants for the model, which will also see traditional sedan and wagon options.
Combining the attributes of a wagon and crossover, the 5-Series GT offers loads of space for people and cargo. In its standard configuration, the GT offers the same rear-seat legroom as the 7-Series sedan and the same rear-seat headroom as the X5 while still maintaining 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space. If more cargo room is needed the rear seats can be moved forward four inches — leaving the same rear-seat legroom as the 5-Series sedan — creating 20.7 cubic feet of cargo room. For all-out hauling duties, the rear seats can be folded flat, revealing a cavernous 59.5 cubic feet of space.
Depending on the options and packages, the GT will be riding on 18- to 21-inch wheels. The GT will be offered with three engine choices — a twin-turbo six-cylinder generating 306 horsepower, BMW’s 407 horsepower 4.4L twin-turbo V8 and a turbo-diesel making 245 horsepower. Not surprisingly the V8 model will be the hot rod of the bunch, checking in with a 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.
All models will use an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels.
In order to ensure the 5-Series GT handles like a true BMW, the new SAV will come equipped with the automaker’s Dynamic Drive Control. Optional Adaptive Drive will further ensure the GT’s sporty nature.
Overall styling is similar to the X6, but the 5-Series GT has a decidedly sportier look, thanks to its lower profile.
Interior touches include an optional panoramic sunroof, fully adjustable rear seats and a dual-function trunk lid — the latter intended to open wide for larger object but keep the cabin isolated when a standard trunk opening will do. In many ways, the 5-Series GT is like a scaled-down X6.
In true premium car fashion, the 5-Series GT will be available with a number of features, including BMW’s ConnectedDrive, a unique feature that includes Cruise Control with Stop & Go, a High-Beam Assistant, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons, Side View, Top View, and a back-up camera.
Earlier reports said BMW’s next MPV would go head-to-head with Mercedes‘ R-class, but BMW instead decided to build a sedan-like crossover. This is probably a good decision for BMW as it better suits the automaker’s values and the R-class has been met with a lukewarm reception at best.
09/15, 8:16 AM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
straight up, I just don’t like this at all! It looks like it has a huge tumor on it’s ass!
09/15, 8:20 AM
posted by:
ChuckTown86
Why!? I think the wagon will look much better (hopefully they will still offer the wagon in the US). And since BMW will be producing this model, I would rather see a one hatch door and not that weird two peice set-up.
09/15, 8:23 AM
posted by:
ChuckTown86
*piece. “Spelling is hard”
09/15, 8:34 AM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
I don’t know, but I think it has something to do with the rear pillar or the integrated lip spoiler at the back.
09/15, 8:52 AM
posted by:
F50
Functional[With the adjusting rear seats, lots of headroom and good cargo space] but just downright UGLY!
09/15, 9:07 AM
posted by:
wakeNbake
Why would I buy this over the X6 even putting aside that they are both ugly?
09/15, 10:47 AM
posted by:
cocksterS
I’m still waiting for them to declare this car an April Fool’s joke…
09/15, 10:59 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
The joke’s on BMW if they really think anyone is stupid enough to buy one of these.
09/15, 11:58 AM
posted by:
Asher
Amazing how in just a few years BMW followed Merc straight down the same path of devaluing the overall brand to maximize profits. Sure they will make more money today and for the next 5 years but it catches up to all of them in time. Here’s how I saw the brands rank over the past few decades in terms of quality, desirability and design (dots..represent distance between them):
1980’s: 1. Merc…………………2. BMW…………………………………….3. Audi
1990’s: 1. BMW…2. Merc………………..3. Audi
2009: 1. Audi…………………..2. BMW…….3. Merc
09/15, 12:15 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Absolutely fugly and useless. What is so wrong with a 5-series wagon that would make someone opt for this design abortion instead?
09/15, 12:38 PM
posted by:
BlazeAbraham09
I miss Bangle. =/
09/15, 8:27 PM
posted by:
vvmasterdrfan
they already have the X6.. why is this needed?
09/16, 10:52 AM
posted by:
whoopeedoo
i dont get it,how can BMW the “ultimate driving machine” come up with so many consistantly awful designs and the likes of Audi and Mercedes just keep on coming forward with beautiful things…look at that A5 sportback..magnificent…look at the new Mercedes E class…beautiful!
I love BMW but they really need to get their design book in order,you cant just survive on superior driving dynamics in this marketplace.
09/16, 9:11 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
Bangle was good, no matter what public says.
This, in the other , simply brainless and not original, just a German Aztek, hope it doesn’t sell.
09/19, 1:35 AM
posted by:
9thsphinx
outright hideous. What is this?!?!
09/26, 8:31 PM
posted by:
The Stig
@Rafa LL,
It doesn’t matter if Bangle was good or not good. Nearly the same sales figures would have been posted with any other designer. Bangle’s two talents are making people do a double take or say WTF and talking for hours without actually saying anything, as is the case with most designers.
But I concur this is a waste of resources.
10/06, 12:53 PM
posted by:
sieben
Asher: you have said all there is to say on this topic, simply and eloquently. Vorsprung durch Technik!
BMW is creating too many models, even as Audi is restricting models and options (engines, transmissions) too much. Seriously, do we need an X5 and X6? How many different 3-series combinations are there in terms of 2/4 doors, sedan, coupe, wagon, auto/manual, RWD/AWD. Seriously, including the X3, M3 and Z4 (which really belongs with the 3-series) there are 18 entries (counting only engine and AWD/RWD choices). Double that number if you count manual & auto transmissions.
I’d take the 535XI Wagon with 6MT over these X-abominations any day.
10/17, 11:10 AM
posted by:
richardw
This is very sad to see BMW watering down their differentiation as the best drivers car. Instead of creating heavy ugly vehicles like the X6 and 5-series GT, they should be putting the investment into replacing the ugly Bangle 5-series faster. I have been waiting to replace an amazing 5MT E39 with a worthy successor, and unfortunately BMW is defocused. The R-Series is/was a failure – why did they try to copy it? Focus on a new 5-er to reset the bar above everyone else in performance, weight, fuel economy, etc. I agree with the comments above – BMW has too many models now that don’t matter.