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.

Inside, the 5 GT gets a new set of Hartge branded aluminum pedals, footrest and and steering wheel.

At the moment, there are no engine upgrades, but as always, we’re probably looking at a Stage 1 tuning, so we expect to see some power increase in the future.

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.
It does so with 21st-century technology. BMW’s wide-ranging EfficientDynamics engineering philosophy endows this new automobile with an outstanding balance between performance and efficiency. Thanks to its innovative twin turbo V-8 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, the 550i Gran Turismo can accelerate from rest to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, yet delivers excellent efficiency in everyday driving.

Design: Abundant sportiness, elegance, luxury and versatility.
• Typical BMW proportions communicate dynamic character and sportiness.
• Long wheelbase and graceful, coupe-like roofline.
• An interior with contemporary design, generous dimensions and premium materials.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo radiates a unique blend of sportiness and stylish presence. Typical BMW proportions, four doors with frameless windows, and a coupe-like roofline combine into a harmonious, highly distinctive silhouette that visually represents this vehicle’s innovative capabilities.

The Gran Turismo’s visual presence is a fusion of established BMW identity and new elements. Its elongated hood and long 120.7-inch wheelbase coalesce with a “greenhouse” set well aft and a fastback roofline into a profile that’s immediately recognizable as a BMW, yet at the same time communicates a new vehicle concept. From the first glance, it’s clear that this is an exceptionally roomy vehicle, yet also a highly dynamic one.

Inside the 5 Series Gran Turismo, users find generous dimensions, inspired contemporary design, and individualized luxury. Sweeping contours – such as those of the interior door panels – combine with rich, premium-quality materials to create an ambiance that’s equally satisfying to front and rear occupants.

At the front: thoroughly modern, traditionally BMW.
The Gran Turismo’s frontal aspect has a marked forward thrust, with its traditional BMW “kidney grille” leaning slightly forward and emphasized by its separation from the flanking (also traditional) four round headlights.

In profile: frameless door windows and a new form of “Hofmeister Kink.”
The 5 Series Gran Turismo is also the first 4-door BMW to have frameless door windows – a feature BMW usually reserves for Coupes and Convertibles. These give an “open” look to side and angled views of the vehicle.

Over the years, another window detail has become a tradition: BMW’s so-called “Hofmeister Kink,” named after Wilhelm Hofmeister, who headed BMW design when this shape first appeared. On the Gran Turismo, it appears in “6-window” (3 windows per side) form in the rear quarter windows aft of the rear doors, framed in matte black plus chrome or optional high-gloss Shadowline black trim.

At the rear: aesthetically and functionally distinctive
Another BMW design tradition, in evidence since the second-generation 7 Series was introduced for 1988 is the freely interpreted L-shape of the rear lighting clusters. On the 5 Series Gran Turismo this theme is retained but new LED lighting tubes wrap far around the body sides and provide yet another recognizable BMW design cue. Together, these elements reinforce the impression of the Gran Turismo’s wide stance, which is further enhanced by strong horizontal lines spanning the bi-modal trunk and likewise tying into the character lines of the side profile.

Function, as much as the handsome aesthetics, is the main attraction of the 5 Series Gran Turismo’s interesting rear view. Below the rear window is a conventional, though shorter-than-usual, sedan trunklid that opens separately to reveal a fully enclosed trunk – sealed off from the passenger cabin by an acoustic partition that renders the interior as quiet as that of a sedan.

To take full advantage of the 5 Series Gran Turismo’s great cargo capacity, the liftgate – including lower trunklid, rear window and an upper section reaching a few inches above the window – can also be opened. There are two releases, one for the trunklid alone, the other for the entire liftgate including trunklid.

Interior design: spacious luxury at its finest.
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo interior combines space, luxury and stylish materials to create a premium ambiance. In the rear seats as well as up front, there’s a sense of generous space and comprehensive amenities, promoting relaxed and accommodating travel.

The outstanding feeling – and reality – of spaciousness is enhanced by design and materials. Dash and instrument panel lines are decidedly horizontal; door panels sweep dramatically and harmoniously from front to rear. Thanks to their frameless designs, the door windows are larger than they would be with frames, adding to the openness of the cabin. The dual-panel panoramic moonroof, standard on the U.S. model, also contributes to these effects.

Instrument panel in Black Panel technology.
Like so many aspects of the 5 Series Gran Turismo, its instrument cluster combines BMW tradition with advanced, beautiful new executions. Here the entire cluster is in a high-resolution Black Panel display, in which four classic circular instruments are most prominent; other driving-relevant displays and readouts – including Navigation if present, vehicle-monitoring functions, upcoming service requirements and other information – also appear here in their various (and function-related) graphic forms. Climate-control settings and controls are located in a second Black Panel display in the center console stack.

So it is that the advantages of mechanical and electronic displays are ideally combined with eye-catching visual and graphic effects. As the user enters the vehicle, the circular instruments’ “chrome rings,” until now open at the bottom, close and become brighter. Once the ignition is activated (by pressing the Start/Stop button), the numerals plus all other displays and warnings illuminate. As the engine starts, functions that have been previously activated by the driver are then revealed as well.

The new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo will arrive in BMW Centers this December. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

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.

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.

Without a doubt, the new BMW 7 Series has served as a starting point for the 5 Series GT and not only from the platform sharing aspect. The 4.4 liter V8 engine will power the highest-end model to be sold in the United States: 550i GT. As seen in the 750i, the V8 twin-turbo produces 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. All this power is sent to the rear wheels through the new ZF 8-Speed automatic transmission. At the end of 2010, a 5 Series GT xDrive will be made available as well.

A 535i GT model will also be available in 2010 powered by the new N55 twin-scroll engine.

For those of you interested in the review posted by Roman, here is the translated version.

[Source: Mario Roman ]

The BMW 5 Series GT owners get a choice between 19, 20 and 22 inch models that are available in a silver or black finish. For the X1, AC Schnitzer wheels start at 18 inches and go up to 20 inches, in a silver finish.

This is just the first episode in their 5GT and X1 customization process since AC Schnitzer announced further mods: sports rear silencers, exhaust tailpipes, aerodynamic components and …..chassis optimizations.

No pricing information were released to us, but those of you that are interested, feel free to make an inquiry through their website.

[Source: Zer Customs ]

We’ve heard all about the car from the exterior designer itself, Christopher Weil, we have also seen the GT in person and last but not least, we’ve seen plenty of positive reviews given to the 5er GT, most of them coming from automobile publications that have been very critical towards this new design soon after it was unveiled.

The UK fellows at TopGear are giving us their report on the 5 Series GT, this time the European model equipped with the 3.0 liter diesel engine.

This is not the usual new car drive report. Contrary to normal practice, there’ll be a lot of talk about the boot and the back seats, because that’s the only way for you to judge whether or not BMW really has invented a new kind of car. And if it has, whether it’s one actually worth having.

But there’s also our usual meat’n'potatoes, stuff about the engines, transmission, handling and ride – which are all borderline brilliant as it happens. Those things matter because while the 5-Series GT is in itself decidedly minority-interest, you’re to all intents and purposes at the wheel of next year’s 5-Series saloon and Touring.

Right. The boot. If a manufacturer goes to all the trouble of inventing a new kind of car, you’d think it would deploy all available language to explain the thing. Yet bizarrely BMW people refuse to call this a hatchback, even though that’s basically what it is. Instead they call it a GT, which is one thing it isn’t. A GT in my book is a short-wheelbase plush but lightweight coupe for comfortable high-speed touring. The 5-Series GT, on the other hand, is a five-door with a body and seats of such Heath Robinson complexity that the thing weighs two tonnes. Unsurprisingly, confusion reigns.

Full article continued

I met Weil two weeks ago at the Frankfurt Auto Show where he was present to introduce to the world his recent work, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, a new addition to the future 5 Series family and one of these vehicles that shies away from the typical BMW design language.

The design of the 5 Series GT started in late 2005 with the first sketches, but the actual design process began in 2006. It takes three to four years to complete a model. When the competition began, Weil joined twenty other designers in the internal contest. Out of the twenty designers, six sketches and ideas are selected. After two rounds of evaluation and elimination, the models are narrowed down and at the end, three teams and their clay models are presented to the board. The winning design gets a tremendous vote of confidence and clearly, Weil was thrilled to be awarded such design task.

But the difficulties have yet to be revealed.

The Philosophy Behind The 5 Gran Turismo

The new BMW 5 Series GT takes the interior design of a BMW at the top of the luxury scale and this has been the starting point for Weil’s team. “For the first time, we developed the car from the inside out. Very important for the interior design is a feel of generous space”, says Weil.

But how does it affect the exterior design? Weil continues to explain: “We created this wave flowing from the back to the front doors. Our goal was to transform this relaxed movement into the exterior design.”

Ever since the first official photos were released by BMW, many people began to associate some design elements of the 5 GT with the new 7 Series and of course, with the yet-to-be unveiled 2011 5 Series. “This car is very specific in its own design, has its own character, but common elements are there because BMW shares some design clues with other models. We have a new form language, so of course you will see some similarities. In the end, it is still totally different from any BMW.”, he says.

The company’s trademark design elements are still present in this model, the double headlamps, kidney grille and Hoffmeister Kink.

Challenges

Designing a new model comes with multiple challenges, several hurdles than need to be conquered by any designer working on a production car. “I did advanced design, now I’m doing production design. The design is totally different, more mature. There are different challenges, you have to come up with new ideas if something doesn’t work, and talk to the engineers to try new things.”, Weil talking about some challenges.

But some of the biggest challenges encountered in production design come from the the strict pedestrian safety standards that have turned the car designing process into an even more complicated task. “The design in the beginning is more wild, not as mature as in the end, but the character of the car was identical from the beginning to the end.” It seems like Weil managed to take these obstacles into considerations early in the design stages and successfully maintained the initial character of the 5 Gran Turismo.

The Design And Dynamics

When the new BMW 7 Series launched, many of us have been reluctant to accept the new flat “nose” with the oversized kidney grille. In time, the front fascia of the 7 grew on us. Built on the same platform as the 7 Series short-wheelbase model, the 5 Series Gran Turismo tones down the front-end of the 7 by offering a more attractive and easier accepted design. Beside the unique design aesthetics, this new front-end has shown to provide improved airflow to the engine compartment.

“The configuration part of the lower air intake is also very good because it is higher in the middle of it, so the air can flow into the radiator while the rest is going underneath”, says Weil, “Great advantage.”

Wheels have been designed specifically for this car, but there are others coming from the BMW program as well. The concept wheel has been very challenging since the team’s goal was to improve the aerodynamics.

Corona rings stand for BMW now and Weil uses them in the 5 Series GT for daytime running lights as well.

When asked about the car’s dynamics and ride quality, Mr. Weil replied: “A great feeling to drive it, comfort, really comfort ride, sporty mode, very sporty, drives like a BMW, but totally different, very hard to explain in words. Lots of space inside and a higher seating position.”

But is it more dynamic than the 7 Series? “A little sportier than the 7″, says Weil.

What Makes A Good Automobile Designer?

Every car designer has an unique story to tell, some of them are world globetrotters working in several design departments within the company, others are natural born artists, but in  the end they all share the same passion:  the art of automobiles.

Before becoming a great automobile designer, how does one start? “Since I was born, I was interested in cars, but more interested in forms, rather than mechanics. Later, it has changed. To be a good designer, you need to know both.”

Some inspiration comes from art galleries and architecture, and Weil is no stranger to these:”As a designer, you have to be curious and open to ideas”.

Classy BMW designs are some of Weil’s favorites as well, starting with the BMW 2002 and continuing with the CSI model.

A final question concludes the great interview we had with Christopher Weil, a very passionate man about his work, passions that can be sense in his voice and gestures.

What defines a BMW for you? “Emotion”, says Weil. “I think when you’re looking at the car, any BMW, you’re emotionally attached.”

BMW 550i GT comes standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission, 18″ wheels with all-season tires, panoramic moonrof, park distance control, Xenon headlights, navigation system and some other gadgets that are now included standard in the high-end model.

A variety of exterior and interior colors are offered as well, starting with the “default” Alpine, White Jet Black, Titanium Silver, Space Gray or Black Saphire and continuing with more exclusive colors, some seen only on the newest models: Neptune Blue, Deep Sea Blue, Imperial Blue, Dark Graphite and Orion Silver.

BMW 530d GT displayed at the Frankfurt Auto Show

Inside, consumers will have a choice between Everest Gray Dakota leather, Venetian Beige, Ivory White, Cinnamon Brown or Black.

BMW offers a variety of packages for the 550i GT. The usual Sport, Cold Weather and Premium Sound packages are complemented with:

• Active Ventilated Seat Package – Front ventilated seats, active front seats, multi-contour and heated seats
• Camera Package- rear-view and side-view cameras
• Convenience Package- power tailgate, comfort access, soft-close automatic doors
• Driver Assistance Package – automatic high-beams, lane departure warning, active blind spot detection
• Luxury Rear Seating Package- sunshades, rear ventilated seats, rear comfort seats, 4-zone climate control, heated seats

The Sport Package comes with some amazing options, EDC(Electronic Damping Control), Active Roll Stabilization, 19″ or 20″ wheels and Adaptive Drive.

Other optional equipment includes Integral Active Steering, Head-Up Display, Night Vision camera and many others.

The 550i GT standard and optional equipment are comparable to the ones found in the new 7 Series, the flagship luxury sedan that offers the latest technology developed by BMW.

Unfortunately no pricing is available at the moment, but we expect the BMW 550i GT to have in the U.S. a base price between $65,000 and $70,000.

While our recent coverage on the 5 Series GT focused mostly on the design language, both interior and exterior, the fellows at MotorTrend decided to take a deeper look at the technology powering the 5 Gran Turismo.

“BMW’s 5 Series Gran Turismo is the second vehicle off the new architecture that underpins the 7 Series and will form the basis for next year’s 5 Series sedan and wagon and the next-generation 6 Series. Here are some of the highlight technologies:

3.0-LITER, DIRECT-INJECTION TURBO SIX
The new 5 Series Gran Turismo marks the first application of BMW’s new single turbo, direct-injection, 3.0-liter straight six with Valvetronic variable valve timing. The engine has 3.53-inch bore and a 3.31-inch stroke and a 10.2:1 compression ratio.

It develops 300 horsepower at 5800 to 6250 rpm, and 300 pound-feet of torque between 1200 and 6000 rpm. The decision to go to a single, twin-scroll turbocharger was driven by the need to meet forthcoming Euro6 and American SULEV emissions while retaining the responsiveness of a twin-turbo setup.

The single-turbo layout allows closer placement of the catalytic converter for faster light-off. (The tough new Euro6 test means the catalytic converter has to be hot enough to be scrubbing exhaust emissions just seven seconds after the engine is started; BMW also utilizes a dual-wall exhaust manifold for maximum heat retention.) The twin-scroll layout funnels the exhaust gases from cylinders one through three and four through six to two separate turbines, ensuring an exhaust pulse hits each every 120 degrees of crankshaft rotation, as in a twin turbo setup, minimizing pulse interference and maximizing the energy transfer.”

Full Article Continued

Many of the recent reviews have been quite positive, especially after the initial test drives that put several journalists behind the wheel of this Gran Turismo 5 Series. With an exterior design that takes time to get used to it and looks better in reality than in photos, the 5 GT has all the right “ingredients” to follow the successful steps of another past controversial BMW model, X6, a vehicle that has exceeded the expectations in sale numbers.

This week, the UK fellows at The Sun gives us their take on the 5 GT, a car they like to call “Gran Deft Auto”, and yes, in a positive way.

Quirky This BMW is the ultimate car for the urban and suburban needs of the 21st century. In the age of Grand Theft Auto, this is the Gran Deft Auto. It’s clever and it can deal with anything the streets can throw at it. The Germans believe the GT gives occupants first-class comfort compared to economy class of rivals.

There are two trim levels – SE five-seater and Exec four-seater – the latter gets a business-like console that sits between the two seats in the back. The cockpit is classic BMW, with a slightly sporty twist. The dash and console is very crisp and minimal with a classy combination of leather, wood and piano black materials. The seats are brilliant, with soft initial cushioning and firm support beneath them – you can even electronically adjust the seats in the back.

It sits on the same wheelbase as the 7 Series, so there’s plenty of space. But it’s been cleverly worked out. The design of the dash and front doors flows beautifully into the rear.

Full Review

Here are an excerpt from their detailed article:

“First things first. There’s no point in dodging the obvious: Aesthetics will be the primary topic of discussion whenever the 5 Series Gran Turismo comes in for scrutiny. And with good reason – we haven’t seen anything quite like it before. Up front, the 5GT’s enlarged kidney grilles cant forward ever so slightly, creating an aggressive look reinforced by twin corona headlamps and muscular front fenders. The grille’s rake isn’t as deliberate or convincing as, say, an E28 5 Series, but it does lend the face a degree of menace without running afoul of European pedestrian safety standards. Follow the headlamps along their main character line, and you’ll run across a traditional high-waisted beltline. But it isn’t really until the rear end that the shock sets in – the 5GT’s jarring, fastback-like greenhouse that terminates in a novel (if controversial) dual-hinged liftback arrangement.”

—–

Having spent some quality time both driving and reflecting upon what BMW has created here, we’re convinced that Munich has come up with a far more complete product than we might have reasonably thought. It drives very well and it offers a number of unique functional attributes that we can see being of real value for some customers. What we’re still foggy on, however, is how BMW will successfully market this thing.

Read full article at Autoblog

Thanks for the tip Giom!

Along with the BMW X1, the 5 Series GT was one of the most popular BMW vehicles displayed on the floor in Hall 11. Journalists were intrigued about BMW’s Gran Turismo with most of them being interested more in the interior design and cargo space.

BMW reiterated that the 5 GT will indeed make it to the U.S. at the end of this year and it will be one of BMW’s niche models. The upcoming 2010 5 Series will join the 5 GT in the new family and both cars are expected to do really well.

In an interview with Christopher Weil, designed of the 5 GT, we learned that the Gran Turismo design project started in 2006. There are more information that we learned during the interview, but we will have it up in the next day.

While the 5 Series GT is not a secret to anyone since it has been unveiled a few months, it is still exciting to see it in person. Several auto publications have already test driven the car and reviews have been mixed, both in terms of design and driving experience.

As we mentioned before, 5 GT photos don’t do any justice to the car and seeing the car in person can be an eye opener. The design language really stands out and the overall proportions show what niche is BMW targeting with this latest model.

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.

Seeing the 5 GT in person really makes a difference, the front-end in our opinion is more appealing that the one seen on the new 7, a less accentuated “nose” with a more aggressive look and a grille design closer to what BMW fans expect.

We’ve said it before: BMW has taken the interior design a few notches up and this is one of the best interiors we have seen to date in a BMW. We had a chance to spend some time inside the car back at the 5 GT preview at Spartanburg.

It was fun being in Munich and most important, playing a bit of a spy photographer role, but we’re looking forward now to the Frankfurt Auto Show and more photos of all the exciting cars to be unveiled there.

In a way, mixed reviews are expected since the 5 GT is a model that clearly targets a specific demographic and sometimes the reviewer’s opinion can be biased.

But let’s take a look and see what Car and Driver has to say:

Drives Well, but It Isn’t Particularly Fun

The 5-series GT driving experience is closer to that of the taller X5 than the regular 5-series. In fast corners, the GT tends to initial understeer, but it is easy to apply power oversteer, which gets the stability control busy. The active steering—not our favorite way to wheel a BMW, it must be said—is effortless at low speeds, taking the fear out of tight parking situations.

The GT boasts an adjustable suspension with multiple settings, and it does its best to mask the car’s two-plus tons. The comfort setting tends to foster bobbing and swinging motions; normal—a good compromise between sporty and soft—makes the driver feel more secure. As soon as the road turns extra-twisty, we advise activating the sport setting, which further firms up the suspension and heightens powertrain responses. The difference between sport and sport plus is nearly indiscernible beyond the latter’s relaxing the stability control enough to allow drifting, something we would encourage you to think twice about, considering the GT’s mass. Overall, despite BMW’s efforts to make the GT as sedanlike as possible—witness all the stuff with the multifunction hatch and cargo-area divider—it’s not a vehicle that tempts you to get up at six a.m. on Sunday for a day of spirited driving.

Full review here

The U.S. driving event will take place in a couple of months where we will get behind the 550i GT and share our own impressions. From what we’ve seen back in July at the 5 GT Preview in Spartanburg, the new model left a good impression on most of the U.S. journalists present there and if the driving experience will match the luxury design of the GT, then BMW might have a winner on their hands.

In contrast to what Autocar concluded earlier today, InsideLine has not been ecstatic about the car, in  a way….kinda expected. The 5 GT, in our opinion, will be one of these cars equally liked and disliked by journalists and BMW fans. Here are an excerpt from their article, but you can read the full review here.

Does it drive like an Ultimate Driving Machine? We cannot wholeheartedly say yes. Does it drive like a 2006 Pontiac Montana? Absolutely not.

The 2010 BMW 5 GT has a lot going for it, but it’s most likely going to take a massively innovative marketing effort to convince BMW aficionados in key markets (read: North America) that it is worthy of the Bavarian roundel, and to persuade people new to BMW that it is worth the premium swan dive into larger monthly payments in these uncertain times.

Being one of the most controversial BMW models built in the past few years, the 5 GT will make the front cover of many automobile magazines during the test drive period.

While we won’t see the GT 530d in the U.S., at least for a while, the Autocar article will give you an idea of what to expect from BMW’s first Progressive Activity Vehicle.

What’s it like?

All of that evangelism can turn you off a car before you even drive it, but that would be a mistake with this car.

For starters, there’s the technology. It has the latest generation of 3.0-litre diesel, which is expected to comfortably outsell the 535i GT in Europe. It deserves to as well, because it has 241bhp of power at 4000rpm and 398lb ft of torque from 1750 to 3000rpm.

It will help that it’s the cheapest Gran Turismo, but it’s also the best of the GT’s engine range.

But while it’s not the fastest, it never actually feels wanting. Our side-by-side charges showed the 535i consistently pulling away, even in rolling in-gear sprints, but the 530d version was never humbled as it smoothly charged through its eight gears, swapping seamlessly regardless of whether the brilliant new transmission was in its softest or sportiest settings.

BMW claims it will pull 43.5mpg on the EU combined cycle, but we didn’t come close to that. In fact, we comfortably halved it without even trying and, with only a 70-litre tank, the GT might be stopping to refuel more than we’d like.

Short-range tank apart, it will be a legendarily good cruiser. The engine idles at 700rpm, and at 62mph it’s only ticking over at 1350rpm. At 80mph it’s only pulling 1700 revs – which isn’t even at the torque peak yet – and at 124mph it’s still only around 2200rpm. Relaxed? You bet.

Continue reading

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.

BMW has taken the interior design a few notches up and it all started with the new Z4 which features one of the best interiors we have seen to date in a BMW. The cockpit provides all the  necessary gadgetry and comfort, but it maintains a level of sportiness.

Without a doubt, the new BMW 7 Series has served as a starting point for the 5 Series GT and not only from platform sharing aspect. The 4.4 liter V8 engine will power the highest-end model to be sold in the United States: 550i GT. As seen in the 750i, the V8 twin-turbo produces 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. All this power is sent to the rear wheels through the new ZF 8-Speed automatic transmission. At the end of 2010, a 5 Series GT xDrive will be made available as well.

The footage in this commercial was filmed in several locations around the world, from the Namib Desert to Milwaukee, US.

The text below will also give you a better understanding of BMW has prepared for its customers and how the new 5er differentiates itself from other BMW models and the competition. We haven’t altered the text so you will see it its raw, unedited form.

Die Neue Klasse

The dream of a perfect car is promised much but seldom delivered.
What constitutes the perfect car? The right balance and a perfect synergy of dynamics , looks and efficiency?

BMW will revise the term much used in past success “Die neue Klasse” to welcome its new F10 5er the 6th generation model of the highly successful and important mid class sedan (or if you perceive history the 7th generation if you include the predecessor to the 5er the BMW 1500.

The new 5er will of course replace the successful and avantgarde looking E60 series of the BMW 5er and will be an all new car from the ground up although with the advent of the BMW 5er Gran Turismo although a member of the same family on the exterior surface there are few areas shared with the 5er . Door Mirrors , Side indicator lights and door handles are the relatively evident components identified between the 5er and the 5er Gran Turismo.

Every body panel is unique to the 5er as BMW claim the 5er Gran Turismo is a stand alone premium concept. The new 5er in design brief was to produce a car that looks expensive but more modern and proportionate than a typical mid segment sedan.
The low roofline and short overhangs are typical of this approach and in general the car is evenly proportioned with a wider track to accommodate larger wheelarches which was a visual problem with the E60 when run on 16″ or 17″ wheels because it made the car look heavy which meant to have the car looking perfect the optional 18″ wheels had to be applied to show the proportions of the modern appearance of the E60.

The 5er preserves the exclusivity of a new BMW and avoids duplicating the 7er’s look as a smaller 7er or the phrase known as “One sausage different lengths” BMW have made the new 5er express a dynamic looking appearance that will not only be individual from its inhouse family but also amongst its competitors. The more dynamic styling expresses an intent to disguise the heavy look seen in a mid segment sedan the wider track also contributes to the solution an integrated wider twin kidney grille. More compact but wider than the 5er Gran Turismo or the BMW 7er The wider grille adds more visual to the cars low and wide appearance.

To make the car really stand out will be in the driving and the reduction of weight from one generation to the next. BMW needed a new solution that would help take weight from its cars and the inclusion of a press hardening process at the 5er’s production base will make this highly evident. Body shells and platforms can be made lighter and stronger using this new process. additional areas of the car such as water pumps and transmission cases and suspension mounts have also been made out of lighter materials with the new car retaining its typical BMW 50/50 Weight distribution.

Efficient Dynamics will be highly featured in the next generation 5er with the usual features now taken for granted but new developments will also feature such as specially designed aerodynamically designed wheels that will now become a cornerstone of Efficient Dynamics.
These are very important because they help with the airflow around the car and contributes to improvements in fuel efficiency.

In light of future legislation BMW have been following especially in regards to the outcome of incentives to people who buy cleaner cars for city environments and the answer BMW have been development is the next phase of its Active Hybrid series.
BMW will offer two Active Hybrid 5er’s one will use the same “mild” hybrid technology as the 7er – The Active Hybrid 5 and the other The Active Hybrid 5d, will use the same system as the Active Hybrid X6 but will replace the V8 for a 3.0d.

Taking into consideration the excellent commendations taken to the 5er Gran Turismo , Interior quality is one feature BMW have taken very close scrutiny to. Although there are some marginal differences in appearance from the Gran Turismo for example the driver is not as semi commanding as the GT and they do not inherit the shelf like ridge which will be a more of a facia than a ridge. The interior takes its cues from the 7er as a beginning but since the interior has been praised for its ergonomics and design it is only fitting the 5er receives the same kind of dashboard.
Quality will be on the same level and premise as the 5er Gran Turismo meaning high quality of materials , high quality graphics and superior solid construction.

BMW knows where the 5er should be positioned when it comes to dynamics and as an evolutionary cycle other cars come along some good , some not so good to take the crown. And if you factor in the approach some manufacturers go to lengths to strengthen their sporting credentials when their cars are anything but. BMW has focused on this as a priority for the new 5er and have developed a very athletic car with deeply disguised sporting intentions. There are some cars out there that look like mundane barges but have a very Jekyll and Hyde character when you drive them its this that BMW want you to see when you see the 5er that it looks dynamic, it looks sporting but is it?

Take your seat.

By working with lighter materials especially within the suspension have allowed the engineers to offer a car that has a character you would only expect with a BMW but with a few surprises especially within the steering and composure , BMW want to retain the 5er’s segment with the 5er surpassing the competition that has regained the 5er’s crown.

BMW wants the F10 to be seen as car that carries all the BMW attributes from previous 5er generations translated and successfully integrated into the new car. BMW want to get back to building a car that is not just a BMW by name and nature but by going back to the beginning of the 1500 Neue Klasse and BMW’s traditional values as a different kind of car
company.

Innovation counts but so does your roots.

The fellows at MotorAuthority take their turn at rendering the next 5er and the result is inline with some of the other attempts we have seen in the past: a significant 7 Series influence at the front-end. As represented in this rendering also, the new F11 5 Series Wagon has grown in size and the rear-end sports a more coupeish like roof.

The sportiness allure of the current 5 Wagon model has been carried over onto the new model and expanded even further. The BMW 5 Series Wagon is considerably lower and sleeker than the Gran Turismo version, still keeping that sportiness much needed by the BMW buyers. While the new 5 Series Touring/Wagon will continue to play an important role in Europe, the question whether BMW will phase them out in the U.S. still remains.

The Wagon model will still appeal to the same consumers as it did before, larger families or people looking for more interior space and cargo room, without having to jump into an SUV or break the bank by buying the more expensive 5er GT.

The 2011 BMW 5 Series models will be powered by a large variety of engines, from diesel and gas powerplants, to a rumored hybrid version in the future. The entry level 5er will be the 520d powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine and the 523i with its 2.5 liter straight six powerplant. The high-end 550i will make use of the now popular 4.4 liter V8 twin-turbo engine.

Despite the increased size, BMW has managed to keep the performance levels high by the extensive use of lightweight materials including carbon-fiber and aluminum.The new 2011 BMW 5 Series will use an all-steel chassis which uses special techniques to process the steel and as a result, the steel layers are lighter yet stronger. There will also be more aluminum, composite plastics and magnesium parts used in F10/F11 5 Series.

The control-arm front suspensions will replace the MacPherson Struts and at the rear, there will be a multi-link layout.

BMW will unveil the new 2011 BMW 5 Series at the Geneva Motor Show next year.

[Source: MotorAuthority ]

Even though no official information have been released regarding their 5 GT package, it’s typical for Hamann to start off slowly before unveiling a full blown package. We have seen this on the X6, new 7 Series and Z4.

We can’t say that we’ve been huge fans of their wheels and tires, they seem to match some cars more than others, but in this case, we think we should stick with the standard wheels on the 5 GT, less pimp and more class.

What we’ve learned in the past few years and after many new product launches was that some cars are really meant to be seen in person before any judgment can be passed on and the 5 GT certainly falls within that category.  Most likely this is the reason why BMW North America has decided to take this interesting approach of introducing a new car to the journalists or even better said: giving us a sneak peak of what to expect since the model displayed in Spartanburg was not yet production  ready.

To sweeten the deal even more, we had the chance to go for a ride on the race track, chauffeured around by the professional drivers at M School.

So, let’s dive in and find out more about the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo.

Exterior Design

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 most common format in a Gran Turismo automobile was a two-door coupé with either a two-seat or a 2+2 arrangement.

Grand tourers differ from standard two-seat sports cars in typically being larger, heavier, and emphasizing comfort over straight-out performance. Historically, true GTs have been front-engined with rear-wheel drive, which leave more space for the cabin than mid-mounted engine layouts. Softer suspensions, greater storage, and more luxurious appointments add to their driving appeal.

Does this sound familiar now? We have heard BMW many times in the past few months talk about the new 5 Series GT and most of their arguments of creating this new niche have been revolving around the description of a GT vehicle as outline above. And the new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo without a doubt falls into this category. The first design element that we laid eyes on and stood out immediately was the elongated hood, typical in a GT car(See: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano or Maserati Gran Turismo).

Since it was built on the 7 Series long wheelbase platform, BMW designers had plenty of “room” to play with the exterior design of the car. Therefore, a coupe-like roofline was expected to be seen in the GT model without sacrificing any headroom space for its rear-sitting passengers. The now classic and historical Hoffmeister Kink is still there, even though slightly different from the previous BMW models.

Those of you that have considered comparing the 5 Series Wagon to the 5 GT model….we only have one thing to say: STOP! As BMW mentioned as well, despite the popularity of Wagons/Tourings models in Europe especially, these type of vehicle were never considered to be a true luxury automobile, but rather a practical and elegant transportation medium. From the design lines to the overall size, the two cars could be considered complementary and they are obviously “chasing” a different clientele. The BMW 5 Series GT distinguishes itself with has a higher seating position and more muscular look.

Seeing the 5 GT in person really made a difference, the front-end in our opinion is more appealing that the one seen on the new 7, a less accentuated “nose” with a more aggressive look and a grille design closer to what BMW fans expect. In our opinion, the front fascia brings out that famous “BMW shark” look that we have enjoyed in other models.

The headlights were before and now are  even more one of our favorite design elements on the 5 GT. They retain the traditional shape with a silver “eyelid” in the upper corner and the beautiful and bright new LED white corona-rings take a cylindrical shape and are slanted to a distinctive angle and extending far into the fenders. Turning on the daytime running lights made us realize that they might as well be used for nighttime driving as well.

One thing that we weren’t able to notice in the official press photos were the side design lines, one of them extending from the headlights, across the door handles and all the way into top edge of the headlights. The other exciting design line, that it’s not always obvious especially in the dark painted models, can be found running across the bottom area of the front and rear doors, a sculpted line that gives the improves the car’s visual dynamics.

The “coupeish” roof line flows into the rear-end which…..we have to admit, takes some time to get used to it and it’s not something that we see every day in a BMW.  But at the same time, this is an area where BMW shines again with their latest innovation: a two-mode hatch opening system. A regular mode where the entire rear trunk frame lifts up, allowing for more cargo entry point and a second mode, where only the hinged top part of the trunk is being lifted, allowing for quick access to the trunk. We’ve played around with these features and they can prove to be useful in many situations.

When we said that the photos don’t do any justice to this car, we were also referring to the taillights design. The massive L-Shaped lights are simply stunning, from the overall shape to the interior LEDs arrangement. This is one of those things that we can’t really describe and it will make more sense when you see the GT in person.

The 5 GT introduced to us featured a darker shade of paint which ones again proved to be our favorite color on these new, more massive BMW models(The 7 Series in black has always been a favorite of ours).

Interior Design

BMW has taken the interior design a few notches up and it all started with the new Z4 which features one of the best interiors we have seen to date in a BMW…..or, at least until we saw the 5 GT one. Our first out-loud thought was: will the next generation BMW 5 Series models bring the same interior layout and design? Of course, BMW doesn’t comment on future products so we gave up fairly quick on trying to find out more about the new 5er.

But let’s go back to what we have seen and why it has impressed so much. The driver oriented cockpit is obviously back again in the BMW line-up and the 5 GT makes no exception. In the end, this car is all about personal feeling and comfort, so connecting the passengers to the car while maintaining the highest levels of luxury, is something that BMW could have not overlooked. The cockpit provides all the  necessary gadgetry and comfort, but it maintains a level of sportiness.

As the 5 Series GT interior designer, Oliver Heilner, said a few months back, “[BMW] wanted a car you could enter without difficulty and feel comfortable in over long journeys.” And how to achieve entering the car easier other than by using frameless doors with the windows sliding down when existing or entering the vehicle.

Jump into the driver seat and you would immediately notice the higher seat height when compared to the 7 Series – almost 2 inches higher. The upfront headroom is comparable to the BMW X5 and even someone as myself measuring 6″2 will find it to be more than appropriate.  As you would expect in a vehicle marketed as premium, the ventilated seats are extremely comfortable and we experienced that first hand while we were chauffeured around the track a few times.

For the rear-sitting passengers, BMW offers two options: a bench(standard) or single seats separated by a center console. The single, individual seats are part of an optional “luxury seating package” which offers a 2+2 configuration. BMW wants to market the 5 GT as a premium vehicle with flexible interior space and this might just be another selling point.

We had the chance to see both rear-seating options and we even took the time to go for an extra lap on the track so we can fairly compare them. And…..we found no difference in terms of personal space and luxury. In our opinion, it all comes down to personal preference since both options were “luxurious” enough even for our taste.In both configurations, the back seat moves fore and aft on a track up to 4 inches, so the passenger decides the angle of these seats. Pretty neat if you ask us….

But….yes, there is a but….we did find a quirk that somewhat bothered us. Even though the roof area above the rear seats has been sculpted in by the designers, being 6″2 tall and sitting in the rear seat at the “default angle”, my head was less than 2 inches away from the car’s roof, a bit of an inconvenience, but not as bad as in the X6. For those of you that are taller than me, your only option will be to simply adjust the reclining angle of those seats and you should be able to sit comfortable.

Overall I would say that the cabin dimensions are similar to the X5 and it rearmost position, the 5 GT has as much rear-seat legroom as the 7 Series models. In this situation, the trunk space offers 15.5 cubic feet for the luggage. Moving the rear-seats far forward increases the luggage space by almost 5 cubic feet. But since the 5 GT is being advertised as a long-drive, versatile vehicle, the luggage space can provide 60 cubic feet of stow space when the back seats are folded out.

The spacious feeling is emphasized even more by the panoramic moon roof which takes up 55% of the roof’s area.

One of the things that really stands out when you operate the car is the Speedometer/tachometer design which in our opinion, it’s the best we have seen in a BMW so far. Tou probably have seen our preview photos of the 750i we tested last week and you might have heard us saying how much we loved the dashboard design and tachometer….well…..let’s just say that we fell in love for the second time when we sat in the 5 GT.

BMW also added to the tachometer a Brake Energy Generation indicator, all part of the EfficientDynamics program. According to BMW, the Brake Energy Regeneration technology mentioned earlier, improves the fuel efficiency by three to five percent.

Again, this is one of those things that you must see in person and any words we will outline here, won’t really show you the “real picture”. From the great color choices to the fine design details, the speedometer/tachometer area won’t disappoint even the most demanding BMW  customers.

Despite the fact that the car was in the pre-production stage, the material selection was definitely up to the standards of a premium luxury Gran Turismo.

Engine, First Drive and Other Technologies

Without a doubt, the new BMW 7 Series has served as a starting point for the 5 Series GT and not only from platform sharing aspect. The 4.4 liter V8 engine will power the highest-end model to be sold in the United States: 550i GT. As seen in the 750i, the V8 twin-turbo produces 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. All this power is sent to the rear wheels through the new ZF 8-Speed automatic transmission. At the end of 2010, a 5 Series GT xDrive will be made available as well.

Other technologies seen in the 7, but ported over to the 550i GT are the: Dynamic Drive Active Suspension System - an active suspension control system offering high lateral body stability; Adaptive Drive; Active-Roll – reduces body roll; Driving Dynamics Control – transmission shift characteristics, engine throttle response and power-steering assist; Integral Active Steering – varies the steering angle of the rear wheels based on the road speed.

All the “luxury gadgets” that I have been enjoying in our short-term 7 Series loaner are going to be offered in the 550i GT as well: Surround View Cameras, Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Night Vision Camera and the extremely useful Head Up Display.

Since the purpose of this event was to get a sneak peek at the upcoming 5 Series Gran Turismo, we had to obey the no-photos rule and also, we had to settle for a passenger ride aboard the 550i GT. The ride is smooth, but yet powerful and even though there are many other adjustments to be made, in our few short track laps we didn’t feel it was missing anything, but….then again…we weren’t driving it.

The BMW Performance drivers kept the car at a constant pace, within the speed limits and that’s when the whole GT luxury thing kicked in. If you’re looking for a premium sedan that will be used on long journeys with four adults in the car, there is absolutely no substitute for the 5-Series GT.

Conclusion

Seeing the 5 Series GT in person was the first step on our agenda and now we have a far more accurate idea of how BMW expects to market this vehicle or….to whom. Next step will be to spend some time behind the wheel and get a better feeling of the car dynamics and performance, a necessary step prior to a final conclusion.

Our advice to you is to take any opportunity you can get to see the new BMW 5 Series GT in person and you might see the car in a different light and most important, make a far more accurate assessment.