The offering includes an M aerodynamics package, dark chrome tailpipes, lowered M Sport suspension and 19-inch V-spoke M alloy wheels with mixed tires. Alternatively, 20-inch twin-spoke M alloy wheels with mixed tires are available as an option.

A typical M feel in the interior is provided by sports seats upholstered in fabric/alcantara (Dakota leather for the BMW 550i Gran Turismo), an M leather steering wheel, M driver’s footrest, M door sill finishers, Palladium Grey interior trim strips and a BMW Individual roof lining in anthracite.

In conjunction with the M Sport package, seven exterior paint finishes are available for the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, including M-exclusive Carbon Black metallic.

Here is a new photo gallery from the UK.

The special BMW 5 Series GT Trussardi is based on the 530d xDrive model and has been refined with a range of styling updates, both at the interior with a more fashion sense. According to the company, the limited edition 5 Series is inspired by the world of leather and gloves.

The car was painted in the Heraldic Brown color, with matt dark gray accents on the strip surrounding the front air intake and other trim parts. Double-spoke 20 inch wheels and tires sizing 245/40 and 275/35 are outfitted to the car and the fashion brand’s logo are attached to the front fenders.

For the interior Trussardi chose a Beige leather upholstery, with contrasting stitching. Their logo is placed on various spots around the cabin.

The special edition is available in the 535d, 535i and 550i versions.

No pricing has been announced at the moment.

“One of the reasons that the GT may be confusing to some car enthusiasts is that it has a 5er Series designation, the driving position of an X5, the interior room of an extended-wheelbase 7er, and the driving dynamics of a 5er Sedan.

Indeed, the GT is built on the same (F01) platform of the flagship 7er Series sedan. Its height (61.4”) and length (196.8”) are more car than SUV but the width (74.8”) and wheelbase (120”) say SUV.

While the GT looks high and indeed has a high driving position, getting into it does not require a ladder since it has a low floor, one that is marginally higher than the 7er.

The 535i GT is powered by the new 3.0-liter single-turbo direct-injection engine that now also powers the 335i, producing 300 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque. Turbo lag is virtually non-existent and, despite its heft, the GT can go from zero to sixty mph in 6.2 seconds.

The six banger has more than sufficient power to move the GT and it is perfectly mated to the eight-speed automatic transmission (manual shifting is possible by sliding the transmission lever into M). Behind the wheel, it feels like a BMW, although a slightly heavy one. The steering is light and precise (more 5er Series sedan like than X5 or X6 like) and the optional active steering system also steers the rear wheels. Even in tight corners, the GT feels tight and composed while providing a supple and comfortable ride for passengers. Brakes are responsive and there is no question that BMW’s traditional dynamic strengths are in evidence.”

Full review at Executive Road Warrior

Studie AG unveiled the car at the 2010 BMW Familie event and along with the unique paint, an aftermarket treatment has been applied as well. They installed a front half bumper cover from AC Schnitzer, slightly modified to add a pair of LED driving lights to keep it unique.

The wheels are AC Schnitzer Type IV wheels measuring 19×8.5 in the front with a +15 offset, and 19×9.5 in the rear with a +21.5 offset. The car also features a new vented hood via a row of louvers on each side.

On top of the matte green paint, white graphics have been applied, branding the car with the F07/Safari title.

Photos courtesy of Jon Sibal and Studie AG.

The videos takes back at the beginning of the 5er GT and how the new model came along, starting with the early design phase, continuing with the testing stages and the now famous BMW prototypes, and following through its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in 2009.

Before we dive into the videos, 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.

The design of the 5 Series GT started in late 2005 with the first sketches, but the actual design process began in 2006. The new BMW 5 Series GT takes the interior design of a BMW at the top of the luxury scale and for the first time, BMW has designed the car from the inside out.

BimmerToday took the 535i GT to the autobahn and the top speed was recorded at 250 km/h, the cut off point for this vehicle. The 535i GT is powered by the N55 engine, a twin-scroll turbocharged unit. The 2,979cc six-cylinder powerplant features for the first time High Precision Injection and variable VALVETRONIC

The car produces 306 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque available from just 1,200 rpm. Sixty mph arrives in an estimated 6.3 seconds and speed wise it tops at 155 mph.

In the video you can see an acceleration maneuver from 100 to 200 km / h and from 60 km / h electronically limited top speed of up to 250 km / h.

Same release published on the NHSTA website mentions the 5-Series Gran Turismo’s fuel level sensor within the fuel tank can become wedged against the tank. A potential risk associated with this defect is the possibility of a vehicle stall that could increase the risk of a crash.

More than 6,000 owners of certain 2010 and 2011 model year BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo manufactured from January 12 through July 1, 2010, are being cautioned by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about a problem concerning their car’s fuel gauge.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V331000
Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2010 AND 2011 5-SERIES AND 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 12 THROUGH JULY 1, 2010. THE VEHICLE’S FUEL LEVEL SENSOR WITHIN THE FUEL TANK CAN BECOME WEDGED AGAINST THE TANK.
Consequence:
IF THIS OCCURS, THE FUEL GAUGE IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD DISPLAY A LARGER AMOUNT OF FUEL THAN WAS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK. AS A RESULT, IF THE TANK BECAME EMPTY, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
BMW HAS NOT YET PROVIDED THE AGENCY WITH A REMEDY PLAN AND NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

[Source: NHTSA via Carscoop ]

The high sitting position of a SUV, the versatility of a van and the exclusive feeling of spaciousness of a limousine: The BMW 5 series Gran Turismo developed specifically for the US market is already an unusual top-class, multi-purpose vehicle when it leaves the plant. HAMANN has topped this and has given the BMW, internally known as the F 07 series, a much more exclusive and sporty look. Sophisticated components have been developed for the HAMANN aerodynamics programme and processed with top-quality workmanship.

The result: a breathtaking overall design with optimised airflow across the entire vehicle. A lowering kit for the models 530d, 535i and 550i including air suspension provides the multi-purpose limousine with a much longer and dynamic appearance, even in a standing position. Perfectly synergised body components complete the exclusive appearance of the GT 5 series by HAMANN. The product range includes a front spoiler to be mounted on the standard front spoiler of the series, side skirts and a rear spoiler in a subtle or striking design, as required. Both provide reduced lift force at the rear axle and thus considerably improve the driving dynamics. A new rear apron makes room for the HAMANN mufflers. The four impressive stainless steel exhaust pipes feature an imposing diameter of 90 mm and create an extraordinarily robust sound.

The HAMANN motor specialists have developed a powerful performance gain from 245 PS (180 kW) to 275 PS (202 kW) for the 5 series GT 530d. The torque, an even more important factor when it comes to driving pleasure, simultaneously increases from 540 Nm to an impressive 620 Nm at 1750 RPM. Thanks to HAMANN Motorsport, the 5 series Gran Turismo 530d, whose performance is enhanced due to optimisation of the engine characteristics by means of reprogramming of the series Motronic, boasts 20 Nm more torque than the standard 535d, and that for only a fraction of the surcharge actually due.

Befitting its image, the modified Gran Turismo boasts gigantic 22-inch tyres: The elegantly styled HAMANN alloy wheel ANNIVERSARY EVO has been specially developed for the requirements of heavyweight, truly massive vehicles. In line with HAMANN’s philosophy on modifications, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and the use of special aluminium alloy ensure maximum load capacities at low weight. HAMANN ANNIVERSARY EVO designer wheels for the BMW 5 Gran Turismo are available in the sizes 9.0 x 22 for the front and 10.5 x 22 for the back. Wide-base tyres are fitted front (265/30ZR22 and back (295/25ZR22.

The HAMANN interior matches the grand feel of the exterior. Pedals and the footrest come in an aluminium design, and the black foot mats feature a silver HAMANN inscription for sporty emphasis. HAMANN Motorsport offers a high-quality, wide range of products for additional modification and individual tailoring of the interior of the BMW 5 series Gran Turismo.

[Source: Hamann ]

A fair comparison? Most likely not, but certainly one of a two niche vehicles that are equally loved and disliked.

Mirror, mirror
Before we can move on though, we’ve got to address our insecurities, so we park the two hunchbacks side-by-side. The BMW, with its tall roofline and slightly raised ground clearance, looks a bit truckish when standing alone. But next to the Panamera, the 5-series GT looks natural and even somewhat pleasing. The truncated hatch hardly looks controversial. Instead, the GT seems merely to wear BMW’s design du jour and if you’re into the 5- or 7-series sedans, accepting the Gran Turismo is easy.

Unfortunately, the Panamera doesn’t provide the same sense of resolution. The front end’s broad, low hood and oval headlights establish the Porsche identity, but it’s also rather bland. Boring, however, would be an improvement for the rear end. The awkward interplay of the fenders and hatch present an ungainly growth. Viewing the Panamera from a low front three-quarters angle allows you to hide the massive rear end behind the windshield and side glass, but that mass is lurking every time you look back at your parked Panamera.

On the road
Equipped with the $1320 Sport Chrono Package Plus, the Panamera offers three dynamic modes (normal, sport, and sport plus) to modify the engine, transmission, stability control, and suspension character. BMW’s Driving Dynamics Control adds a fourth setting, comfort mode, and offers a broader bandwidth in varying the ride character. Despite that, with the BMW in its stiffest setting and the Porsche set to its normal mode, the Panamera is significantly more buttoned down. Body roll in the Gran Turismo is present in any quick turn, regardless of the setting, while the Panamera always remains flat and poised.

While the Porsche lacks the BMW’s grunt, its greater body control and more capable handling would likely make it faster around a track. Still, the BMW surprised us because it’s no less engaging than the Porsche. Part of that, though is a weakness of the Panamera, which has a minor case of Nissan GT-R Syndrome. This is the phenomenon that afflicts incredible performance cars boasting uncanny 0-to-60-mph sprints, lateral grip, and lap times, yet failing to engage the driver the way we expect from a sports car. In the Panamera, the steering lacks the satisfying feedback cherished in Boxsters and 911s. The wheel still offers good feel, but the heavy weight masks some of the communication.

Conclusion
Despite their similarities, these two cars have unique personalities. BMW’s Gran Turismo is a bastion of luxury and comfort. The Porsche is a sports car first and a luxury car second.

Full review at Automobile Magazine

Built as a Gran Tourer, a vehicle made for long journeys in extreme comfort without sacrificing performance, the 5 Series GT has received mixed reviews ever since the first photos hit the web. It is certainly a car that doesn’t photograph well and its proportions are far more fluent when looked from close proximity.

It is a car that was built for a niche market, one that is already starting to become attractive to other automakers as well.

Those mixed reviews we were mentioning earlier could also be sense in Autoblog’s latest article that gives us a closer look at the ultra-luxurious, but somewhat odd looking 550i GT.

We suppose it’s downright impossible to discuss the 550i GT without first mentioning its shape. In a word, awkward. To add one more word, really awkward. The front end happily employs BMW’s latest design direction, with mega-nostrils dwarfing the Roundel and the newest version of their patented angel eyes. The only thing is, the angel eyes are mounted within clear covers that stretch across three different surfaces (nose, fender and hood). The car looks like it’s wearing goggles and the usual aggressive effect is greatly lessened as a result. The real story, of course, is what’s going on out back with that clever functioning hatch. Long story short, that added functionality has resulted in something of an aesthetic mess. Our other man, photographer Drew Phillips, tried his very best to photograph the 550i GT in the best light possible, but that rear end simply lacks beauty. And grace. And elegance. And it looks weird, too. Moving on…

And here is the balance point….

Thankfully, the inside is a completely different story. Unlike the divisive exterior, BMW has done a first rate job designing and appointing the 550i GT’s interior. We enjoyed what we saw and sat on immensely. The Gran Turismo’s haptic habitat might be the final nail in the coffin of BMW interiors of yore – you know, dark pits that resembled Lord Vader’s meditation chamber. We’re overjoyed by the non-varnished wood paneling and are still smiling because of the excellent orange leather. We even dug the glowing orange mood lighting that shows up at night – perhaps BMW’s not totally ready to let go of Darth just yet.

Heavy? Without a doubt. Built for performance only? Most likely not….

Obviously, the hopped up twin-turbo, direct-injection, double VANOS 4.4-liter V8 with its 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of all-day torque is a peach. Leading you to think such an engine coupled to BMW’s new eight-speed automatic transmission would make for a very quick car. Under certain conditions, it is exactly that. Lots of buff books have clocked it at taking just 5.3 seconds to hit 60 mph. But for the most part, the 550i GT tends to feel heavy, ponderous and out of tune.

The Autoblog’s review is the most comprehensive one we have ever seen and it makes for a great read.

“We’re very pleased to receive this award,” said Jim O’Donnell, President and CEO of BMW of North America. “With the 5 Series Gran Turismo, our engineers and designers set out to create a vehicle that combined first-class seating for four with the utmost in flexibility for storage options. This award for Design Versatility shows just how well they hit that target.”

The 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo, with its twin-turbo V8, arrived in US showrooms in December. The 2010 535i Gran Turismo arrives this month featuring BMW’s all-new tubocharged inline six. Both models use BMW’s newest 8-speed automatic transmission and, like all BMWs include BMW Ultimate Service with free scheduled maintenance for the first four-years or 50,000 miles.

[Source: BMW ]

We have been sitting on these third-party test drives for quite some time now, but today is a good day to share some of those with you.

We already started with Top Gear and their 535i test drive, and now we are moving onto the other luxurious, yet controversial, member of the 5 Series family: the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo. UK-based publication, Daily Mail, and its own James May took the time to review the BMW 550i GT.

“So I’d just got back to the house in the Mini when I saw this latest novelty from Bavaria in the driveway: a 5 Series Gran Turismo. What’s that, then?

Well, it’s definitely not a 5 Series, for a start. It’s too big. It’s not a grand tourer either – not sporty enough. Is it a 7 Series on stilts? Well, yes, in a way, as looking through the window I could see similar luxury and legroom. Is it a stretched X5?

Could be, as it’s got the right headroom and cavernous boot. Is it a ‘sports activity coupé’ like the similarly shaped X6? I just couldn’t tell. I had to walk around it three times, and the only thing I was certain of at the end was that it’s not my idea of pretty.
BMW 550i

The centre console, including sat-nav and iDrive controller

As quick as I could, I got inside – and that’s when my mind began to change. Things like the head-up display on the windscreen and the side-view cameras I’ve seen before on specced-up Beemers, but they always make me feel like I’m in something a bit special.

———-

The best was to come, though, because on the way home I sat in the back – and when I say sat, I mean slept. This, to me, is the GT’s killer app: thanks to its size and some clever mechanicals under the rear seats (if you specify it with two separate berths instead of the bench), with a press of a button you can recline them nearly all the way back – and still have room to stretch your legs. I’m not small, but I slept like a baby. You can’t do that in a 5 Series.

Then there’s the boot. You can shunt the back seats forward by four inches to make it bigger, or fold them flat to give a huge 1,700 litres of space. But what everyone goes on about is the two-piece tailgate: you can either open the whole thing as on a hatchback, or just the lower portion as on a saloon.

I’m sure that’s a lifesaver if you want to spare your passengers the horror of a bit of wind entering the cabin, but I can’t see what all the fuss is about myself. Range Rovers have done this for years, haven’t they?

I suppose it gives it the edge over the competition… it’s just that right now I can’t think what the competition for this motor might be.

I get the impression this car was born in a board meeting where everyone from the CEO to the tea boy was allowed to chuck in a great idea, and to avoid offence they’ve done all of them.

From the inside it’s worked brilliantly, but from the outside I have to say, I still don’t like it. We’ve already mated offroaders to saloons to coupes, but this new generation is so in-bred I’d be scared to leave it in my drive in case it gets in a fight with its own reflection.”

Continued here

Launched last year, the BMW 5 Series GT, short for Gran Turismo, is based on the platform of the new BMW 7 Series and 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 and why not, having some fun while at it.

“Is it an SUV? A Wagon?” Same very questions many of us have asked, but truth is that the 5 GT opens a new niche market that is slowly starting to welcome new players from BMW’s competition.

The first car to be built by BMW from inside-out, the 5 GT is not only an imposing and unique vehicle – okay..some may say odd -but also sets new standards of interior design luxury in the BMW line-up.

Let’s have a look at i-Motor’s review.

Driving comfort and performance at the highest level – that’s the promise from the 5-series GT by AC Schnitzer – a promise which is guaranteed to be kept on the next “Grand Tour”.

Engine – Exhaust

The performance upgrade from 245 to 286 HP for the six-cylinder 530d already gives the standard car more pulling power and racing flair, which is demonstrated externally by the AC Schnitzer engine styling with capacity logo.

Yet the 5-series GT by AC Schnitzer doesn’t just bring a gleam to the eyes of BMW fans, but acoustically it delivers what the aesthetics promise at first glance. The AC Schnitzer twin sports rear silencer is the ideal tuning product for drivers with an appreciation of engine sound, to whom design elements such as the chromed “Sports Trim“ tailpipe trims and the chromed “Racing“ tailpipe trim are equally important.

The Suspension Technology

Impressive comfort in driving behaviour, even on dynamic driving on twisty roads, is achieved by the AC Schnitzer suspension spring set. The tuning by the Aachen specialists makes the 5-series GT convincing in every speed range thanks to its superb agility.

Bodywork

Two tonnes of unladen weight are irrelevant when the car is glued to the tarmac by the AC Schnitzer front and rear spoilers.

Bonnet Vents with chromed center web combine individual design with sophisticated engineering. The side lines are subtly emphasized by the AC Schnitzer side skirts, and the flowing dynamics of the coupé-like roof line are further enhanced by the AC Schnitzer rear skirt.

Interior

The comfort of the Gran Turismo took priority in the fundamental architecture of the BMW 5-series GT. So the specialists at AC Schnitzer completed the stylish elegance of the interior with a cover for the i-Drive System Controller, foot rest and pedal set in aluminum. Behind the frameless doors, velours footmats and boot mat welcome the driver.

Wheels

To enjoy a “Grand Tour”, the passengers must be well supported, so the silver AC Schnitzer wheels Type IV in 19″ or the BiColor Version in 19″ and 20″ provide the perfect conditions technically and visually for an extraordinary trip. With the AC Schnitzer wheels Type VII in silver and BiColor in 22″ and the alloy forged wheels in Type V in 20″ and 22″, the drive is even more firmly planted. Another ideal choice is the brand-new Type VIII rims in 19″ or the racing forged alloys Type VIII in 22″. The new wheel with its double spokes in BiColor Finish is an evolution of the well-known Type VI wheel. All wheels are available with suitable tires.

The BMW 5 Series GT by AC Schnitzer will be unveiled tomorrow at Geneva Motor Show.

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.

Unlike its smaller (closer to the ideal) GT brethren, the 550i GT delivers high levels of comfort to back seat passengers. Depending on the options specified, four zone climate control, heated and cooled seating surfaces and rear seat entertainment spoils rather than squeezes those relegated to the back seat. And unlike its luxury saloon competitors, it sacrifices little in the way of driving pleasure.

The trick to making a big vehicle a GT is to deliver similar driving performance that its smaller siblings enjoy. The 550i GT does that through a variety of techniques. First is the high torque, high horsepower, 4.4L turbocharged V8. That great powerplant is coupled to a sophisticated eight speed automatic transmission. This transmission is lighter and shifts quicker than the six speed it replaces. It really works well with the flat torque delivery of the engine and shifts perfectly in any of its modes.

Adaptive drive permits multiple suspension tuning, from Comfort to Sport + and the optional integral active steering allows speed dependent steering inputs from the rear wheels. This features eases slow speed parking maneuvers and mimics a shorter wheelbases car’s agility at higher speeds.

The cumulative effect of BMW’s technology is to produce a new version of the GT, one that carries four and all four’s luggage comfortably at speed on any road.

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.

Our Senior Editor Andrew outlined some its characteristics in a our first drive:

Styling is an excellent jumping off point for the 5 GT too. Many love it, many hate it – typical of BMW styling as of late. However, after arriving early and spending about an hour snapping shots of the GT, the car began to make more sense to me as I went over the lines of it in person. As I wandered around a parking lot full of the GT’s I studied the curves of the car and the first thing I found was that the GT is best suited in highly reflective, darker colors as they show off the subtle curves of the car. Colors like Titanium Silver don’t really give a good impression of the way the design flows and can make the it feel a bit awkward – however, this can probably be said of many modern cars. The second thing I noticed was just how much styling DNA comes across from the CS Concept.

Studying the nose of the GT, I could see how the nose the very wide dual kidney grill protrude outward, giving the front fascia a very masculine, strong look. Along the sides, the CS Concept influence continues with a high cutline that runs from the front wheel arch all the way to the tail lamps, giving the car a very sculpted appearance. At the rear, the 5 GT does have a large butt and there is no getting around it. From 3/4 shots of the rear, it does look a bit tacked on but when looking directly at the rear it looks fantastic. With squat, artistically styled L shaped tail lamps and a bit of a sedan-like, squished wagon rear-end, the back of the car looks very BMW but with a cross between a 5 Series Touring and an X6/X5. Overall, the exterior looks strong and honestly, pictures don’t do it much justice. The tail lamps are a very nice touch to the rear with their resemblance blown glass.

Playboy summarizes the BMW 5 Series GT in a single sentence: “go-fast, go-anywhere, all-purpose utility vehicle”.
Could this be true?

Mid-year sales will say it all….

[Source: MotorAuthority ]

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?

All Infinitis have edgy styling and claim to offer a sporty driving experience. The push into Europe brings five models, ranging from the BMW 3-Series-rivalling G37 saloon, coupé and cabrio to the FX – a sporty SUV competitor to the X6.

In between sits the EX37. The crossover model shares its platform with the G37, so it’s considerably smaller than the 530d GT. A taller ride height helps it to make an impact, but does it look more dynamic as a result?

Although the jury is out on that, if you want a car which blurs defined class boundaries and makes a statement, the EX is well worth a look.

Just don’t be fooled into thinking it offers SUV levels of practicality. Rear legroom is tight and the 340-litre boot is exactly 100 litres smaller than the cavernous 530d GT load area. Up front, the driving position is equally confined – the seat doesn’t adjust low enough and the range of movement on the wheel is limited.”

Full Article

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.

Mercedes-Benz R350 Blue Tec is powered by a 3.0 liters V6 turbo engine producing 210 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 398 ft lb/540 Nm at 1,600 rpm. The R350 Blue Tec engine is matted to a 7-speed automatic transmission.

The car tested by the same journalists runs from 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds and has a top speed of 220 km/h. Combined fuel economy was measured at 11.7 liters/100 km – 20 MPG.
Price as tested? 59619 euros.

While our german is still being worked on, allow us to share the final result:

BMW won every category except “bodywork” with a total score 3189 points vs. 3008 points. Some of you might think of bodywork as exterior design, but Autozeitung looked at several other things: space in front and rear, cargo load, towing capacity, quality and functionality.

If you’re interested in all the details, feel free to read the entire article as translated by Google.

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:

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.

With nearly the leg room of a F01 750i and similar luxury accouterments, you’ll feel like a C-level executive being transported around for even the most mundane tasks. However, we don’t want to ruin too much of the surprise for you as we’ve still got a lot to experience ourselves and will be doing our best to report it live from my Twitter account located here and also the official BMWBLOG Twitter account: twitter.com/bmwblog. Keep checking in for the EbrakeBlog twitter account as I’ll be reporting live my findings of BMW’s new entry into the mid-size segment.

Also, feel free to become our fan on Facebook at facebook.com/bmwblog and we will have some exclusive photos posted there as well.

In the meantime, we hope you enjoy some of these pictures we snapped in our down time. We’re looking forward to reporting back to all of you our thoughts and opinions on the 5 Series GT and how it will slot into the existing and upcoming BMW lineup for North America! If you have any questions about the car, feel free to leave comments here or on Twitter and we’ll try our best to test the car/field your enthusiasm!