Review of the new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

Just when executive car buyers thought they had a handle on whether they wanted a traditional saloon or a premium 4x4, BMW drops a big fly into the ointment in the shape of its 5 Series Gran Turismo. With the space of a 7 Series saloon, the elevated driving position of a 4x4 and a hatch-backed rear, it's a curious amalgamation of styles. Could it be the next big thing in the prestige car market? Well, it certainly is big.

A BMW range consisting of 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series has become a distant memory as the marque continues to flesh out its offering with small cars, coupes, 4x4s and, now, executive hatchbacks with a smidgeon of sports utility vehicle thrown in for good measure. The 5 Series Gran Turismo was a direct response to public demand, or so we're told. Some BMW customers have been clamouring for a vehicle that combines the practicality of a 4x4 with more subdued styling, while others were seeking the luxury of a 7 Series saloon in a more coupe-like bodyshell. Now they've got it, and with the 5 Series Gran Turismo bundled in alongside the 5 Series Saloon, 5 Series Touring, X5, X6 and 7 Series, BMW has large prestige vehicles coming out of its ears.

Some familiar engines have been designated to power the 5 Series Gran Turismo. The one that will appeal most strongly to European customers is the 3.0-litre diesel that crops-up right across the BMW model range and is rarely less than excellent. It has 245bhp and a massive 540Nm of torque from 1,750rpm, helping it to a 6.9s 0-60mph time. There's also a 299bhp 535d option. Aside from this 530d GT model using this diesel engine, there's the 535i GT which employs the 306bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol unit and the 550i GT with its 407bhp 4.4-litre V8. The 0-60mph sprint is measured at 6.3s in the turbocharged model and just 5.5s in the V8. All models get BMW's Dynamic Drive Control system that allows the selection of four modes that govern the steering assistance, throttle response and the gear shifts made by the eight-speed automatic transmission.

"BMW drops a big fly into the ointment in the shape of its 5 Series Gran Turismo"

That the 5 Series Gran Turismo is targeting a more luxurious end of the market than the 5 Series saloon is confirmed by its use of underpinnings from the 7 Series. Double wishbone front suspension is combined with an air-sprung multi-link rear. There's also the option of Integral Active Steering, the rear-wheel steering system found on the 7 Series which improves the handling and low-speed manoeuvrability of these substantial cars. BMW's Adaptive Drive System is also available, allowing owners control over the suspension settings and the roll stabilisation functions. There's also the option of xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive to get all that power onto the tarmac more effectively.

Virtually any way you care to measure it, the 5 Series Gran Turismo is bigger than a 5 Series saloon. Much of the exterior styling effort has gone into disguising this inherent bulk but despite the frameless side windows, prominent swage lines down the flanks and the plunging roofline at the rear, it still looks a serious piece of metal. It uses fewer aluminium bodywork components than the 5 Series and this, along with the larger dimensions, contributes to a kerb weight that's around 300kg heavier. The benefit of the Gran Turismo's increased dimensions is felt inside where despite the elevated seating position, headroom is on a par with that of the X5 and rear passenger space compares to that in the 7 Series. There's also a decent boot capacity of 440-litres, extended to a huge 1,700 litres by folding the seats down, which is accessed through the Gran Turismo's trademark two-piece tailgate. There's no third row of seating option.

Since it debuted on the Skoda Superb, the two-piece tailgate concept has provoked chin wagging and head scratching across the industry. The 5 Series Gran Turismo sports BMW's version of this neat innovation, a boot which can open like that of a conventional saloon when you want to load small items and avoid exposing the cabin to the elements, or as a full hatchback when big objects need to be heaved inside. The practicality of the 5 Series Gran Turismo is further enhanced by rear seats than can slide back and forth by 100mm to increase legroom or boot space as required. A three-berth rear bench is included as standard but customers can also order a more spacious two-seat rear with a chunky centre armrest. The dash design and controls are lifted from the 5 Series and display the requisite class and quality. After some familiarisation time, the iDrive control interface shouldn't present a major problem.

Standard specification on the 5 Series Gran Turismo is pretty swish. A full length panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control, full leather and heated front seats are all included. Take a trip to the options list and there's loads more for buyers to choose, from reversing cameras and side-view cameras to a night vision system that can recognise pedestrians and a heads-up display projected onto the inside of the windscreen.

BMW isn't predicting a massive uptake of the 5 Series Gran Turismo by UK buyers, having set a target of 2000 annual sales compared to the 18,500 units of 5 Series Saloon and Touring that were sold in 2008. Buyers, we're told, will be those who want the practicality of an SUV without the ostentation and those seeking limousine luxury in a sleeker package. BMW is also hoping to make headway with those customers who just want something a bit different and the Gran Turismo does appear to offer that.

EfficientDynamics rears its environmentally friendly head in every new BMW these days. It's BMW's name for a collection of modifications designed to enhance efficiency without ruining the car's dynamics. The 5 Series GT has brake energy regeneration which charges the battery with energy recovered during braking and active aerodynamics which close off the grille to improve airflow over the car at speed. It all helps the economy and emissions figures for the Gran Turismo look very agreeable considering the car's size and the punch of its engines.

The 530d GT can eek out an excellent 43.5mpg on the combined cycle with 173g/km emissions, which explains why it's destined to be the biggest seller. Combined economy for the 535i GT is 31.7mpg and the 550i GT gets just over 25mpg. Respective CO2 emissions figures are 209g/km and 263g/km.

The 5 Series Gran Turismo is a different kind of car for BMW but rather than the result of some far-out blue sky thinking, it's more an amalgamation of characteristics from existing BMW models. There's no reason why that should put anybody off and buyers wanting an aspect of SUV utility married to understated looks and a luxurious cabin will find the Gran Turismo an ideal companion.

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