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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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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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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AC Schnitzer has just launched a new range of wheels for the BMW X1 and 5 Series GT. Known for their custom wheel design and tuning work, as see on many other BMW models before, AC Schnitzer offers a wide range of wheels for these two vehicles.

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.

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BMW 5 Series GT is arriving at U.S. dealerships as we speak and BMW North America is preparing for the launch of this new model, a somewhat controversial vehicle that brings out an unique design language from BMW.

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.

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A new wave of talented designers rise at the Munich-based automaker, BMW. One of them is the automobile exterior designer, Christopher Weil, the man behind the latest and somewhat controversial BMW 5 Series GT. A young man passionate about art and architecture, Christopher Weil is part of  Adrian Von Hooydonk’s team and his new design language at BMW.

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.

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It has come to our attention that BMW dealerships across the country have already received their allocation numbers for the upcoming BMW 550i GT. Along with these, the ordering guide for the first BMW Gran Turismo to launch in the U.S. are available as well.

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.

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