BMW 5 series Gran Turismo (From York Press)

BMW 5 series Gran Turismo

1:53pm Friday 19th March 2010 in

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BMW’s 19th model shape in its portfolio, the 5 Series Gran Turismo, is a niche product for those torn between the regular 5 Series and 7 Series saloons, or tempted to switch from the regular 5 Series to the X5 or X6 sports utility vehicles. It’s an inbetweenie.

Powered by a turbo-charged engine line-up with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, the 5 Series Gran Turismo offers more comfort and extra girth over the regular 5 Series, along with an understated coupé-like silhouette.

Elegant, yet accommodating, this is a big car, almost the length of a 7-Series. This translates into the second greatest amount of legroom offered by any BMW, while headroom is equivalent to that of a BMW X5. Meanwhile, boot space can be enhanced from 440 litres up to 1,700 litres, only 50 litres behind the capacity of the X5.

The Gran Turismo comes with a level of standard specification greater than previously offered on any 5 Series. 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.

You can add into the mix a reversing assist camera that works in conjunction with a park distance control system, plus night vision with pedestrian recognition and a head-up display.

The electrically-adjustable heated leather seats are all set in a semi-command driving position, and are wonderfully comfortable.

The Gran Turismo is available as either a four-seat executive specification car, giving passengers in the rear an extraordinary amount of elbow room, or in a five-seat SE configuration.

The only disappointment is the two-piece tailgate. Owners can choose between two ways of opening the rear of the vehicle, depending on the objects needing to be stowed. A more conventional saloon-style boot opening provides access for smaller objects. The hatch-style opening comes into play if you wish to make full use of the load-lugging capacity. But the saloon-style opening is too shallow to be practical and the hatch opening means you will need to be six-footer to bring the tailgate back down comfortably. A button closure system would solve that problem.

On the outside, the familiar BMW kidney grilles and large air intakes hint at the car’s performance potential – and it is considerable – while a roof line that curves downwards towards the rear and the frameless doors give it a coupé feel.

Three class-leading engines power the three models – 530d, 535i and 550i.

The biggest seller in the UK will no doubt be the 530d. This three-litre six-cylinder car features third generation common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors for the best in diesel refinement and efficiency. Producing 245hp at 4,000rpm, the 530d accelerates from zero to 62mph in 6.9 seconds before going on to a top speed of 149mph. Fuel economy is excellent, with a combined consumption figure of 43.5mpg, although CO2 emissions are a merely respectable 173g/km.

Joining the diesel-powered car is the tested BMW 535i GT. This 2,979cc six-cylinder powerplant is the first ever to combine a single turbo with Valvetronic – BMW’s system that varies how much the engine’s valves open for optimum efficiency. This partnership ensures the car meets the latest emission regulations while offering optimum performance. The performance credentials of the 306hp 535i GT are underscored by a zero to 62mph time of 6.3 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Consumption figures are 31.7mpg on the combined cycle, while CO2 emissions are 209g/km.

Topping the range is the BMW 550i GT. Powered by 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. But you will have to live with 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 and many of the EfficientDynamics technologies already shown on other BMWs.

They also come as standard with Drive Dynamic Control, a feature first showcased on the BMW 7 Series, that allows the driver to fine tune the chassis configuration to suit their needs. Drivers will be able to specify Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+, with each setting changing the steering assistance, throttle response and gear change characteristics.

So who will buy the car? BMW has identified three key purchasers. Those who like the idea of an SUV/SAV and the practicality that type of vehicle brings, but who do not like the styling of such a vehicle; buyers who want the luxury of a 7 Series in a design that’s more coupé in profile and those that just want to be different and are open to new concepts.

Whichever camp you sit in, you will not be disappointed in the capability, performance or styling of the Gran Turismo.

Fact file: BMW 5 series Gran Turismo

Model: 535i Executive, £45,030, range from £41,480.

Engine: 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo-charged petrol, producing 306bhp.

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic.

Performance: 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds; top speed limited to 155mph.

Economy: 31.7mpg combined.

CO2 Rating: 209g/km