BMW BLOG

There seem to be multiple definitions of the term, Gran Tourismo Turismo . How else could such disparate vehicles like a Mustang GT, Bentley Continental GT, Nissan GT-R, Ferrari 599 GTB, Pontiac GTO and the new BMW 550i GT all be considered Grand Touring cars.

The definition of a Grand Touring car revolves around the following characteristics, room for two (or 2+2) and their luggage, capable of comfortable high speed cruising, oriented to the driver (not chauffeur driven), and capable of handling any road thrown at it. The classic GT car would be something like the BMW 3.0 CS, lithe, agile, perfectly proportioned and eminently capable on mountain passes or autobahn.

Few previously would have included the 550i GT in the Gran Tourismo Turismo category, however. Its tall, Reubenesque, four door body makes this the BBW BMW. But what that rather large shape does do is coddle three plus passengers in the lap of luxury. Its versatile two mode rear opening allows it to swallow the contents of an antiquing run using the hatch, or a smaller items without exposing the cabin to the weather using the smaller bootlid. And yet it still provides the driver the tools to enjoy the joy of long distance, high speed, motoring.

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Playboy is one of the last publications to come to the table with a top cars list in 2010 and as expected, they call it “10 Hottest Cars in 2010″. Emphasize on “hot”….

There are plenty of cars on that list that could qualify as head-turners(Ferrari California) and we wouldn’t mind owning some of them, but there is one especially that sneaks in and takes the crown of a Best Crossover: the BMW 5 Series GT. While we have never really seen the 5 GT as a crossover type of car, we do see where they’re coming from, mostly due to its unconventional design lines and somewhat confusing niche market.

Despite being skeptical prior to its official unveiling and even after seeing the first photos, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo has grown on us and as we said before, it doesn’t photograph as good as it looks in person.

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Another unusual comparison was just published by the UK-based Autoexpress magazine. The British fellows compared the BMW 530d GT against the Infiniti EX 37 GT, a comparison that we find it to be ….just a tad odd.

The EX 37 GT could be classified as a crossover vehicle rather than a Gran Tourismo that appeals to a particular niche, but let’s hear their thoughts on this:

“Producing bold cars like the X6 and 5-Series GT is a brave move for BMW – but it takes even more courage to launch an entire brand. Nissan debuted its Infiniti premium division in the US 10 years ago, and has finally brought it to Europe.

On the other side of the Atlantic, the company has proven popular, cultivating the image of a ‘Japanese BMW’. Will that message get lost in translation?

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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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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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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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