The New BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
As expected, soon after pix of the new 5-Series GT were leaked onto the internet BMW decided to completely take off the wraps off the first body variant of the new generation F10 BMW 5-Series, which will also later include the traditional sedan and touring variants.
Despite the 5-Series front end, the 5-Series Gran Turismo actually has plenty of stuff in common with the F01 7-Series. BMW says the rear passenger cabin offers the legroom of a 7-Series and the headroom of an X5.
Continue reading our story after the jump.
But is that really a surprise when the fact is that it has a wheelbase of 3,070mm, which is equal to the F01 short wheelbase 7. So is the 5 GT a long wheelbase 5, or is it a short wheelbase 7 disguised as a 5?
The 5 GT also has more similarities with the 7. You have the rear end design which looks like a hatchback version of the 7. You have either a traditional rear bench for 3 or an individual two-seater design for the rear passengers complete with reclining features, much like how a 7 would have.
There is even an optional dual multimedia display mounted at the back of the front seats for rear passenger enjoyment, complete with full iDrive functions such as a NetFront web browser.
While by default you get 7-Series legroom at the rear, you can bring the rear seats forward by 100mm to create 5-Series legroom but increase the rear luggage space.
Open the hatch and you’ll get access to a 440 liter boot, which has a partition to acoustically separate the passenger and luggage compartments. When the seats are moved 100mm forward as previously mentioned, luggage space goes up to 590 liters. You can further increase this to 1700 liters by folding down the rear seat backrests.
You probably already know about the dual-mode rear hatch, which we’ve seen before on cars like the Skoda Superb. If you have only small items to load, you can just open the small sedan-like lid beneath the rear window glass, so this keeps the tailgate close.
This whole point of this (in BMW’s mind) is so that stuff can be loaded without causing unpleasant noise, draughts or changes in temperature to the passenger compartment.
Also like the 7, it’s been launched with a completely turbocharged engine lineup. One inline-6 turbo for the 535i GT, one V8 twin turbo for the 550i GT, and for fans of turbodiesels there is the 530d GT powered by the new sweet aluminium crankcase 3.0 liter turbodiesel engine that can amazingly provide a consistent strong push all the way to the redline, very unlike a diesel.
Also new in the engine department is the Valvetronic variable valve management and throttle-less operation for the 535i. In the past, the N54B30 3.0 liter twin turbo did not have Valvetronic. This new N55 family engine (likely called the N55B30) now appears to use a single twin scroll turbo instead of two turbochargers running in parallel as with the older engine.
Power is 306 horses at 5,800rpm and 400Nm of torque between 1,200 to 5,000rpm, slightly lower than the 740i’s 450Nm, but Valvetronic probably helps bring peak torque lower in the RPM range as it is now achieved at 1,200rpm instead of the 335i and 135i’s 1,300rpm.
And then there’s the part about the 5 GT being offered exclusively with ZF’s new 8-speed transmission, which means the 5 GT will in fact outspec the regular F01 and F02 models in terms of transmission, with only the 760Li having the 8-speed auto. Of the 8 speeds, two are overdrives with the 6th being a direct gear. The ratios are 4.696, 3.130, 2.104, 1.667, 1.285, 1.000, 0.839 and finally 0.667.
Yet another feature first introduced on the 7 is the optional Integral Active Steering system, which is essentially BMW’s rear wheel steering system which turns the rear wheels the opposite direction to the front wheels at low speeds to improve maneuverability and turns the the rear wheels the same direction as the front wheels at high speeds to smoothen out maneuvers such as lane changes.
BMW’s new Dynamic Drive Control system is also available with the new car, with choices of modes such as NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ and COMFORT modes to vary the optional Adaptive Drive damper inbound and rebound strokes to vary between sportiness or comfort. The modes also vary the steering assistance and throttle pedal control maps.
Adaptive Drive also adds active anti-roll bars, which I first experienced in the new E70 X5 and believe me they work wonders, allowing big hulks of cars to feel nimble around corners.
Open the frameless doors and you get to access the interior, of which dashboard follows the new design language set by the F01. Like the F01, the little multi-info LCD traditionally positioned between the speedo and RPM meter has been replaced by the Black Panel display which uses a wide LCD display taking up the bottom quarter of the instrument panel to provide vital driver info, including remaining mileage and real time fuel consumption in analog form, presented digitally.
So the front-end looks good in my books, the interior looks like a great place to spend an hour on the Federal Highway, the engines sound good as always from BMW, and it will probably also drive like a dream as with all BMWs but the rear end of the car…
Maybe it will look better in the metal but for now based on the photos I seriously can’t wait for the sedan body to come out so I can get rid of this BMW-ized Toyota Venza’s image as representing the next generation F10 5-series in my head!
The question I have in mind is other than the fact that I don’t see how the word Gran Turismo can be shared by this and the Maserati Granturismo, why did BMW call what is essentially a 7-Series Touring, the BMW 5-Series GT?
Look after the jump for a full photo gallery and a must-watch video of the 5 GT which shows the hatch and rear seats in action, and everyone knows looking at a car in a video is way better than photos!
VIDEO: BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
GALLERY: BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo Exterior
GALLERY: BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo Interior
GALLERY: BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo Misc Images
May 24, 2009 @ 9:48 pm
well i think this is the among the best balance of form and function in the automotive world… looks quite good despite a few odd angles, has the practicality of a station wagon but is more streamlined towards a sedan-like shape.. and the interior is just fantastic in my books… i like it even though i too did find the back especially odd when i first saw it… real good invention from bmw…
May 24, 2009 @ 9:56 pm
just not my cup of tea……
rather have a ‘normal’ 5-series…..
May 24, 2009 @ 10:02 pm
The cheaper version is Mitsubishi Lancer. Look at the headlamps.
May 24, 2009 @ 10:16 pm
The look behind is seriously terrible!
May 24, 2009 @ 10:20 pm
Nice interior, I like the way BMW created their gearbox and gear stick of the cars. However, I don’t really like the exterior look of the car. Maybe it takes time for me to fall in love with it.
May 24, 2009 @ 10:30 pm
it’s a fine car with cute front-end (better than F01), simply charismatic rear-end and lovely interior.
the problem with us is Malaysian are not use to stationwagon/estate cars, we’re not fancy any of those type of car. we’re just blindly in-love with sedan, but that doesn’t mean this car is ugly (except from our less-exposure point of view).
May 24, 2009 @ 11:15 pm
to me, the front screams ’swine’ too much… an angry, confused swine : |
May 24, 2009 @ 11:22 pm
The back looks like as if it has been kicked in the ass…
May 25, 2009 @ 1:00 am
i love the features….Can play them like toys even the car not moving.
May 25, 2009 @ 8:11 am
Swine-nose grille and too fat butt really make some people off. But the interior is cool especially if you can get rid the middle rear arm rest, warrant a room for 3 instead.
May 25, 2009 @ 8:27 am
a room for 3? i bet those people who are buying this car is not looking for a family car instead an executive car for their own use.
on the rear-end, if you look at F01 in reality, it’s handsome, it’s just your mind cannot accept this design language. it’s beautiful ok.
May 25, 2009 @ 8:45 am
The leg room design for driving position is kind of narrow. And its uncomfortable when there’s a way blocking my resting foot when doing auto cruising.
May 25, 2009 @ 8:58 am
No everybody is following Proton’s “tiger-eye”
May 25, 2009 @ 11:18 am
it is in fact a 7 series, notice simmilar shoulder line, dashboard, door panels, seats.
Wonder why they want to name it 5?
Or perhaps this will compete with CLS and other 4 doors coupe, based on large sibling sedan
May 25, 2009 @ 11:29 am
Frankly speaking…. I always associate stationwagon/estate with kereta keranda (the typical e-class silver mercedes stationwagon) or the shopping cart from hell (volvo wagon T5 version). LOL
May 25, 2009 @ 12:51 pm
wow.. look at the 3rd pic that show the LCD on front headrest. in the left LCD, it shows KL tower..huhu
May 25, 2009 @ 1:54 pm
the efforts BMW put to make their immaculate engine is impressive and those pics shows! They deliberately fit the engine at an angle to lower the CG.
correct me if I’m wrong but this Line-6 petrol suppose to be a single turbo engine. I can’t see 2 turbos in it. I know it is advertised as “TWINPOWER” turbo but it appears like a twin-scroll turbo system. This is the same system as the Mitsubishi EVO engines.
Seems like a deceiving way advertising. Technical detail aside, 400Nm torque from 1750rpm – 4500rpm is awesome… so who needs 2turbos when you can do so well with one.
May 25, 2009 @ 2:01 pm
only the rear compartment i would say spoil the design. I can smell the “ikan” or durian, if put it at the back after shopping at pasar malam.
May 25, 2009 @ 2:28 pm
awesome review on my favorite car. thanks for writing such an awesome piece.
May 25, 2009 @ 2:32 pm
BAD BACKSIDE…..
May 25, 2009 @ 2:37 pm
I believe they can do better on its exterior…
May 25, 2009 @ 2:46 pm
Ugly Betty..
May 25, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
[quote comment="241137"]the efforts BMW put to make their immaculate engine is impressive and those pics shows! They deliberately fit the engine at an angle to lower the CG.
correct me if I’m wrong but this Line-6 petrol suppose to be a single turbo engine. I can’t see 2 turbos in it. I know it is advertised as “TWINPOWER” turbo but it appears like a twin-scroll turbo system. This is the same system as the Mitsubishi EVO engines.
Seems like a deceiving way advertising. Technical detail aside, 400Nm torque from 1750rpm – 4500rpm is awesome… so who needs 2turbos when you can do so well with one.[/quote]
Hey you are right. This appears to be BMW’s first modern single-turbo inline-6 gasoline engine. I have heard some people on the net say it is the new N55 family… an N55B30 but not sure, just hearsay.
May 25, 2009 @ 5:29 pm
[quote comment="241080"]The cheaper version is Mitsubishi Lancer. Look at the headlamps.[/quote]
the expensive version of gen2… =p
May 25, 2009 @ 6:04 pm
headlamp and the grill makes the car look like a dog…
May 25, 2009 @ 6:33 pm
This is the true legendary!
May 25, 2009 @ 6:58 pm
I know why. Because if you buy a 7 series, you are more likely to spend your time at the back, rather than the front. So BMW just disguised this into a 5series GT so that those at the back would also like to go to the front as well when the driver is on MC. If not, why would you build reclining chairs into a 5 series, and with all those goodies, this is really going back to the post you posted long time ago.
Remember that video BMW made, where a person was sketching with pencil some cartoons and a car which can do everything. This is it then.
May 25, 2009 @ 8:56 pm
anyone noticed one of their assembly line worker wearing shorts..n assembling the car…that’s they way i wanna go to work!
May 25, 2009 @ 9:29 pm
any idea when will this car available in Malaysia?
May 25, 2009 @ 10:04 pm
BMW just love to do things differently. It “Exaggerates” the design and let us shock for a while. Just like when the 5 series e39 changed to e60.( Just be admit, all of us were shocked at that time). Now BMW did it again! Nice work. This car is the beginning of the new era of designing.
May 25, 2009 @ 10:23 pm
nganga nganga only.. could not afford it
May 25, 2009 @ 11:08 pm
front a bit off especially front view, look at the nostril and the eye.
May 25, 2009 @ 11:42 pm
somebody said that it’s just a clueless…
for me…
it’s wise.., very wise…
May 26, 2009 @ 12:08 am
[quote comment="241187"]I know why. Because if you buy a 7 series, you are more likely to spend your time at the back, rather than the front. So BMW just disguised this into a 5series GT so that those at the back would also like to go to the front as well when the driver is on MC. If not, why would you build reclining chairs into a 5 series, and with all those goodies, this is really going back to the post you posted long time ago.
Remember that video BMW made, where a person was sketching with pencil some cartoons and a car which can do everything. This is it then.[/quote]
i’ve driven F01 and it’s a driver car. not like latest S-class. that’s why they called it at first “PAS” (Progressive Activity Sedan). read here:
“BMW says the PAS, which stands for “progressive activity sedan,” is designed to slot between the 5-series and X6, creating a new segment of sedan with the functionality of a multipurpose vehicle.”
May 26, 2009 @ 12:09 am
[quote comment="241215"]any idea when will this car available in Malaysia?[/quote]
BMW Malaysia will definitely sell this model in Malaysia, just the matter of time.
I believe it’s their philosophy to sell all the models.
May 26, 2009 @ 12:13 am
[quote comment="241223"]BMW just love to do things differently. It “Exaggerates” the design and let us shock for a while. Just like when the 5 series e39 changed to e60.( Just be admit, all of us were shocked at that time). Now BMW did it again! Nice work. This car is the beginning of the new era of designing.[/quote]
couldn’t agree more with you, well said dude. still a large of Malaysian population.. perhaps world population couldn’t adapt drastic design language revolution. see like what Bangle did, everyone was hellbent cursing him for ruining BMW tradition but we just love the design, i believe any carmaker couldn’t survive with their styling & body-line tradition etc Rolls Royce & Jaguar. This is such a lovely car, it’s just that people don’t really understand the purpose of this 5-GT.
May 26, 2009 @ 12:15 am
[quote comment="241126"]it is in fact a 7 series, notice simmilar shoulder line, dashboard, door panels, seats.
Wonder why they want to name it 5?
Or perhaps this will compete with CLS and other 4 doors coupe, based on large sibling sedan[/quote]
the 5-GT’s dashboard is anytime better than F01, please do your homework.
plus, to compete with CLS? this is not a sedan-coupe.. it’s a multi-purpose sedan..
May 26, 2009 @ 12:31 am
I know its expensive. But it looks hideous.
May 26, 2009 @ 12:26 pm
SHOCK & AWE !!!
May 26, 2009 @ 2:16 pm
-Wisdom
Stop making comments when you are looking at yourself in the mirror.
May 26, 2009 @ 5:49 pm
i just cant accept the nostrils..so big and ugly..
May 27, 2009 @ 2:38 am
indeed…the dashboard is completely the same with 7’s, the looks, dimension, center console and even the steering wheel
May 28, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
BMWs way of reminding us to be wary of H1N1