BMW BLOG

One of the most unusual comparisons and one that we would see moving forward, is between the newly launched BMW 5 Series GT and Mercedes-Benz highly controversial R Class, R350 Blue Tec.

While some us believe that the two cars are not really competing for the same customers, the german journalists at Autozeitung decided to put the cars head-to-head.

BMW 530d GT is powered by a 3.0 liter straight-six diesel engine outputting 245 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 540 Nm/398 lb-ft from 1,750–3,000 rpm. Still a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the 530d GT uses an 8-speed automatic transmission. As tested by Autozeitung, the 530d GT runs from o-62 mph in 6.8 seconds and it’s limited to 240 km/h (149 mph). Average fuel consumption to the EU standard is measured at 6.5 liters/100 kilometers – 36.8 MPG.

The price of the 530d GT as tested by the german magazine is 55,200 euros.

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BMW marks another a milestone by building the 5,555,555th 5 Series car since the sport luxury sedan launch in 1972. The anniversary model is a 525d xDrive Touring, the kind of car that many U.S. based owners would love to have.

The car in question will be donated to the Bavarian Forest National Park, one of the oldest reserves in Germany. The 24,000-acre nature reserve was created in 1970 as a haven for nature. It hosts about 800,000 visitors per year and boasts such attractions as wild animal enclosures and more than 300km of hiking trails.

525d sports BMW’s xDrive technology, suitable for that environment. The car is powered by a 3.0 liter inline six diesel engine that outputs 197 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The 525d gives an average fuel consumption of 48 MPG (6.9 liters/100km)

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With days before the official unveiling, rendering artists continue to have fun with the new BMW 5 Series. While many of the design details have been unveiled already, there are still some small design elements left to be seen. Our friends Jon Sibal went ahead and gave us a preview of what the next generation 5 Series might look like with Performance Parts.

Let’s have Jon walks us through the rendering process:

“The initial bumper design usually are very tame and “safe” for most BMW models and the F10 is no exception. Then later on, BMW will offer their M package option or the BMW Performance which leans more on sportier designs which rivals the best aftermarket aero kits out there.”

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As most of you know, we will soon see a new 5-Series BMW, codenamed the F10. While there is no doubt the new 5-Series will be a modern marvel in and of itself, in this article we shall take a look back at one of the most advanced BMWs to date.

Whether you liked her or not, you can’t deny the numbers or the fact that she was one of the best cars sold since it hit American soil in 2004. She was as safe as she was sporty, and she was as luxurious as a 7-Series could have been, just with a little less interior space. But that didn’t stop us all from realizing that BMW could still build one hell of a car with one hell of a controversial body…

Apart from being a modern classic, the E60/E61 5er was, outside of the E66 7-Series, quite possibly the most controversial car BMW has ever produced. Since the first day it appeared at dealerships, people were thinking that it could be the end to BMW’s quiet and subtle nature. Read the rest of this entry »

Following up on our BMW 550i GT test drive, today we have some video reviews of the 530d GT available in Europe.

BMW 530d GT has the latest generation of 3.0-liter diesel which is expected to comfortably outsell the 535i GT in Europe. The engine outputs 241 horsepower 4000 rpm and 398lb ft of torque from 1750 to 3000 rpm.

Despite being the most affordable GT in the range, the 535d might become BMW’s highest seller in the lineup. For us in the United States, the 550i GT and 535i GT next year, will be the only available models for now.

Without any further ado, let’s see the reviews posted by Fifth Gear and as always, Autoblog.nl:

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It seems like the date we announced a while back still stands. BMW will unveil the highly awaited 5 Series sedan in two weeks, November 23rd and we will have all the coverage for you. For now, BMW decided to tease us some more.

“The World Premiere of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, the synonym for aesthetics and Driving Pleasure in the premium middlerange segment, is about to take place.

From today, we are releasing a short trailer teasing at the sporting and elegant design of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, using the kinetic sculpture from the BMW Museum to create the silhouette. On November 23rd, 8p.m. CET, the kinetic sculpture trailer will be replaced by a Live-Stream of the unveiling ceremony of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan.”

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As many of you know, the 5 Series GT is just around the corner from hitting your local dealership. BMW has been good enough to invite us up to the unveiling thereby providing a day of driving for the 535i GT and 550i GT as a means of learning more about this new model and testing out its driving dynamics. As BMW enthusiasts, of course the bar has already been set high in terms of our expectations of Munich’s latest offering and thus far, we’re not disappointed!

Earlier in the evening, we were given a ride in the rear seat of the 550i GT to see what it would be like to be a passenger in the new BMW crossover of sorts. Thus far, we’re happy to report that the rear seat of the 550i GT is a very comfortable place to spend time.

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The German tuning company Hartge is well known for their BMW tuning jobs and today, they reveal a new customization program for the 2010 BMW 5 Series GT. The Hartge 5 Series GT comes with a variety of exterior and interior modifications and the end result, is quite pleasing.

On the outside, the BMW 5 Series GT by Hartge receives some minor body kit upgrades, along with new suspensions, wheels and interior modifications. The 5 GT Hartge also gets a new sport spring set that lowers the ride by 30 mm. Hartge set of emblems can be spotted on the bonnet and boot lid.

The 22″ inch custom wheels, in four different designs and finishes, enhance the already sporty looking exterior look. Hartge also offer a tire repairing kit for the 5 Series GT.

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The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo will make its North American debut at the South Florida International Auto Show October 23-November 1. For the first time, attributes of an elegant sedan, a contemporary Sports Activity Vehicle and a classic Gran Turismo are masterfully melded into a single, harmonious vehicle shape. The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo adds new facets to BMW’s Ultimate Driving Machine tradition and refines the concept of first-class travel.

The traditional European term Gran Turismo (Grand Touring) was first applied by Italian carmakers in the 1950s when they combined the performance, handling, and style of a 2-seat sport car with luxurious amenities and luggage room for each occupant.

BMW’s new Gran Turismo nurtures this tradition in its own contemporary way, providing exceptional space, style, luxury, and comfort for four passengers, plus the performance and driving pleasure of a BMW.
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Mario-Roman is famous for his extraordinary photoshoot sessions, especially when it comes to cars. In the past, we’ve seen some of his work on the new Z4 and now, he has returned with a series of 5 Series GT photographs.

The new niche model from BMW, 5 Series GT, has launched recently during an international press event that took place in Lisbon, Portugal. In a couple of weeks, the 5 GT will officially launch in the U.S. as well, with the high-end 550i GT model being the only one available to order at the moment.

Before we dive into the photo  gallery, here is a recap on the 5 Series GT. Based on the platform of the new BMW 7 Series, the 5 Series GT was built on the same principle that made the original Gran Turismo vehicles so popular: a high-performance luxury automobile designed for long-distance driving. The 5 Series Gran Turismo tones down the front-end of the 7 by offering a more attractive and easier accepted design.

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