When it was introduced, many were baffled by the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, citing it as a car in search of a market. BMW had originally planned to sell around 4,000 to 8,000 of these beasts annually in the United States, but so far actual demand has fallen far short of that.

In 2010, the company sold just 2,848 of them and in the first four months of this year, just 720 copies. Given those numbers,  the decision to drop the 5-Series Touring (wagon) perhaps wasn’t such a shrewd move after all.

Although we aren’t likely to see such a vehicle return stateside anytime soon, BMW currently has no plans to drop the smaller 3-Series Touring, even with the upcoming introduction of the 4-Series Gran Turismo, fearing that doing so will yield sales to arch rival Mercedes-Benz (which is what happened with the 5-series).

Whether the 4-Series will prove any more popular than the 5-series GT remains to be seen, but as somebody once said, too many cooks can seriously spoil the broth and with another niche product on the way, in BMW’s case it looks like that could be a serious possibility.

[Source: Automotive News]

BMW is planning to expand its range yet again, with reports of an upcoming 4-Series lineup that would compete against the Audi A5 Sportback in the burgeoning sporty hatchback segment.

Rumors have been flying about a possible 3-Series GT, a complement to the crossover-like 5-Series GT (shown above), but this may in fact be part of the supposed 4-Series models, which would include a coupe, sedan and even a convertible.

For now, the rumors are merely conjecture, and any vehicle wouldn’t arrive until 2013 at the earliest, but with the German marques making such a push to fill every possible niche market, count this one as more likely to happen than not.

[Source: BMWBlog]

BMW is recalling 6,080 5-Series and 5-Series GT models for a malfunctioning fuel tank sensor. The vehicles manufactured between January 12 and July 1, 2010 are prone to the problem, which can wedge itself against the fuel tank and cause an incorrect reading.

Drivers could conceivably run out of gas at the side of the road, and NHTSA’s website shows that BMW has yet to establish a fix for the problem. Worse yet, drivers might see you by the side of the road and catch a glimpse of the 5-Series Gran Turismo.

[Source: NHTSA]

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
BMW / 5-SERIES 2010-2011

BMW / 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO 2010-2011

Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC Mfr’s Report Date: JUL 21, 2010

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 6080

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.

BMW‘s oddball 5-Series GT hatchback/station wagon/SUV thing is not off to a great start in the United States, and BMW executives are blaming the decision to market only the top-of-the-line rear-drive V8 car upon launch as the culprit behind sluggish sales.

“The V-8 was probably not the right car to launch it with,” said Rich Brekus, BMW’s general manager of sales for North America, told Autoweek. An all-wheel drive model will launch in June, while a six-cylinder variant is slated to arrive in the fall. The 5-Series GT is still beating the outgoing 5-Series wagon’s sales numbers, but another executive admitted that BMW was too optimistic about the vehicle’s sales projections.

Autoguide is slated to get a 550GT press vehicle in the near future, and a review should address whether or not the vehicle is worthy of our money. But it’s hard to deny that the 5-Series GT might be a little too much of a niche vehicle, even for those with lots of disposable income.

[Source: Autoweek]

While BMW had plenty of items on display at the Frankfurt Auto Show, just two were official new model premieres. The first was the X1 crossover and the second was the the 5 Series Gran Turismo (GT). BMW has shown a near-complete version of the car several times, but waited for Frankfurt to give full details.

Looking by all accounts identical to the concept, BMW claims it is the first in this new segment – which is true, because BMW beat Audi and its new S5 Sportback, to the punch by just a few hours.

BMW says the 5 Series GT combines the best of a classic Grand Tourer with a modern day Sport Activity Vehicle. With four seats, the interior is spacious with headroom equal to an X5 and legroom equal to a 7 Series. Rear seat space is particularly plentiful thanks to rear seats that more fore and aft by 4-inches.

Cargo room is equally large thanks to the GT’s two-mode trunk layout. Trunk space is 15.4 cubic feet, which can be expanded to 20.7 cubic feet b moving the rear seats forward and by removing the hatch divider. There is even the option to flip down the rear seats for a total of 59.5 cubic feet.

The 5 Series GT will be available in three different models: the 535i, 530d and 550i. The 535i model uses BMW’s twin-turbocharged inline-six to produce 306hp and 295 ft-lbs of torque, allowing it to hit 62 mph in 6.3 seconds. Fuel economy is rated at 8.9 liters/100 kilometers, or 26.4 mpg, thanks in part to the 8-speed automatic transmission that is standard on all GT models.

The 530d makes 245hp and 398 ft-lbs of torque for a 0-62 mph time of 6.9 seconds and an expectedly good fuel economy rating of 6.5 liters/100 kilometers, or 36.2 mpg.

As for the flagship 550i, it produces 407hp and 442 ft-lbs of torque, for a 0-62 mph time of just 5.5 seconds. Fuel economy is, however, rated at just 11.2 liters/100 kilometers (21 mpg).

The 5 Series GT is not scheduled to go on sale in North America but we have heard rumors that it could replace the less-popular 5 Series Touring/Wagon model.

GALLERY: BMW 5 Series GT

Official release after the jump:

PRESS RELEASE

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo.

Establishing an unprecedented, absolutely innovative car concept, BMW is
setting fascinating new highlights in the upper midrange segment. As the
world’s fi rst model in a brand-new segment, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
combines essential features of a prestige saloon, a modern Sports Activity
Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo.
Stylish and elegant in design, this unique four-seater comes with a coupé-like,
stretched and sleek roofl ine and a two-piece tailgate. The extra-large interior
offers luxurious comfort, a slightly elevated seating position for comfortable
and convenient access as well as superior all-round visibility covering all traffi c
conditions, and truly impressive variability.
As its name alone indicates, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is ideally suited for
a truly wonderful travel experience. The luxurious ambience immediately makes
the driver and passengers feel at home, legroom at the rear is the same as in
the BMW 7 Series, headroom is equal to that of the BMW X5. The tilt angle of
the rear-seat backrests, in turn, adjusts individually to the respective, personal
requirements of the passengers. And with the rear seats moving fore-and-aft
up to 100 millimetres or almost 4″, together with the backrests tilting forward
completely if required, luggage capacity may be enlarged up to 1,700 litres or
59.5 cu ft.
Engines both powerful and effi cient, Dynamic Drive Control featured as standard,
the most advanced suspension technology, and innovative driver assistance
systems, help to ensure a truly unique driving experience.
BMW Effi cientDynamics entering a new segment.
The drivetrain technology featured on the new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
likewise comes with a wide range of innovations, the benefi ts provided by
BMW Effi centDynamics now introduced in yet another car segment providing
a uniquely good balance of superior performance and supreme fuel economy.
A further highly signifi cant point is the introduction of a new straight-six power
unit in the BMW 535i Gran Turismo, for the fi rst time combining turbocharger
technology, High Precision Injection, and BMW’s fully variable VALVETRONIC
valve management. Displacing 3.0 litres, the BMW TwinPower Turbo delivers

225 kW/306 hp at an engine speed of 5,800 rpm, with an equally outstanding,
spontaneous and direct response as well as peak torque kept consistently at
400 Newton-metres/295 lb-ft from 1,200–5,000 rpm.
The top-of-the-range power unit is the V8 TwinPower Turbo with
High Precision Injection in the BMW 550i Gran Turismo, developing maximum
output of 300 kW/407 hp between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm.
The BMW 530d Gran Turismo, to round off the range, offers particular highlights
in terms of all-round economy. Its latest-generation 3.0-litre straight-six
diesel comes with an all-aluminium crankcase as well as common-rail direct
fuel injection with piezo-injectors, delivers 180 kW/245 hp at 4,000 rpm, and
gives the car average fuel consumption in the combined EU cycle of just
6.5 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 43.5 mpg imp), as well as a CO2 emission
rating of just 173 grams per kilometre, both fi gures absolutely unique for
a vehicle of this size and calibre.
All engines naturally fulfi l the EU5 emission standard. In addition, all variants
of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo come with an innovative eight-speed
automatic transmission combining an extremely quick gearshift with maximum
effi ciency.
Through its wide range of qualities, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo meets all
the demands of a modern target group looking for a vehicle providing perfect
harmony in meeting all kinds of requirements and demands in life – both as
a prestigious and elegant company car and as an active leisure-time vehicle.
Introducing this kind of concept, BMW is therefore once again proving
the Company’s ability to defi ne brand-new vehicle segments in the market,
with the new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo making a powerful entry into the
world of motoring as a completely new dimension. This new, unprecedented
and unparalleled car adds a further facet to the world of Sheer Driving Pleasure,
arousing new enthusiasm for the BMW brand also with additional target groups.
Design: versatile sportiness, stylish elegance.
In its exterior design, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo offers a unique combination
of versatile sportiness and stylish elegance. Proportions typical of BMW,
four doors with frameless windows and a coupé-like stretched roofl ine all come
together in perfect harmony authentically refl ecting the many qualities of the car.

The front view is characterised fi rst and foremost by the strong presence of the
low-slung BMW kidney grille, the large air intakes and the characteristic dual
round headlights. The BMW kidney grille itself is slanted slightly to the front, its
upper edge forming the foremost point on the body. The dual round headlights
likewise slanted at an angle and extending far into the side panels merge at the
top into a matt trim cover, thus generating the clearly focused look so typical of
the BMW brand.
Characteristic: daytime driving lights and rear light clusters
in LED technology.
Apart from the direction indicators, the corona rings on the headlights come for
the fi rst time with LED light units. In standard trim the light rings serve as the
car’s positioning lights, while in combination with optional xenon headlights their
LED units may be operated in two stages: Dimmed to approximately 10 per cent
of their full power, the LED light units serve as positioning lights. Operated at
full power, on the other hand, they act as daytime driving lights in a particularly
brilliant white again in that typical BMW look.
Boasting a roofl ine dropping slowly but consistently towards the rear of the car
and merging into a spoiler at the back, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo successfully
and very attractively conveys a feature typical of a coupé to a four-door
car. The doors both front and rear come with frameless side windows.
A further feature immediately recognisable from the side is the waistline at the
level of the door openers characteristic of BMW, extending from the outer edge
of the headlights, rising slightly along the entire length of the car, and continuing
all the way to the contours of the rear light clusters.
The two outer roofl ines as well as the shoulder lines come together in the
airfl ow spoiler on the tailgate, giving the fastback-like rear end an almost
compact look. Otherwise, horizontal lines dominate the rear view of the car, with
the look of power and muscle being further underlined by the wheel arches
fl ared far to the outside.
The rear light clusters merge far into the side panels, ensuring that the full
width of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo also comes out clearly in the car’s
night design. Rows of lights fed by LED light units provide a homogenous light
pattern, again giving the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo a distinctive look on the
road and making sure that the car is always clearly recognisable.

The interior: generous space and comfort, individual luxury.
The unique feeling of space within the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is
enhanced by the shape and design of the interior features, the interior colour
scheme, and the choice of materials. The dashboard is subdivided horizontally
and comes with a cockpit featuring Black Panel technology and a Control
Display for BMW iDrive measuring up to 10.2″ in size.
Apart from the electronic gear selector lever, the switches for
Dynamic Drive Control as well as the iDrive Controller are arranged conveniently
on the centre console.
Both the driver and front passenger benefi t from their slightly elevated seating
position, this so-called semi-command position allowing very comfortable
and ergonomically ideal entry to the car and providing an optimised overview of
traffi c conditions in the area.
The impression of a self-contained space surrounding – or, even more appropriately,
cocooning – the car’s occupants is further enhanced by the harmonious
shapes and colours of the panels on the front and rear doors. The interplay of
ascending and descending lines and contours throughout the entire length of
the interior creates a homogenous picture forming an optimum link connecting
the front and rear seats.
As an alternative to the rear-seat bench for three passengers featured as
standard, with individual adjustment of seat four-and-aft position as well as the
backrest angle on all seats, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is available as an
option with two single seats at the rear, in which case fore-and-aft adjustment of
the seat position as well as the backrest angle, the upper section of the backrest
and the height of the headrest is all-electric. And as yet a further highlight, ambience
illumination of the interior of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo featured as
standard may be supplemented by additional light sources.
Even greater comfort when loading: two-piece tailgate and partition
between the passenger and the luggage compartments.
The two-piece tailgate featured for the fi rst time on a BMW ensures maximum
comfort and variability when loading. The two sections offer the choice of
a small opening beneath the rear window and a large lid like on BMW’s X
models.
Both sections may be opened and closed individually, with the large tailgate
featuring Soft Close Automatic.

The unique partition between the passenger compartment and the luggage
compartment ensures unrestricted comfort also while loading. Whenever, with
the partition closed, the driver and passengers open only the lower section of
the tailgate, the passenger compartment will not be affected in any way while
loading by draughts or other effects of weather, or by any noise or acoustic
annoyance.
As long as the rear seats and the partition are in their standard position, luggage
compartment capacity is 440 litres or 15.4 cu ft. Moving the seats forward and
unfastening the partition increases luggage capacity to 590 litres or 20.7 cu
ft. And when folding down the rear-seat backrests as well as the partition, the
driver and passengers benefi t from no less than 1,700 litres or 59.5 cu ft.
New straight-six power unit: fi rst-ever combination of turbocharging
and VALVETRONIC.
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is entering the market with a choice of two
gasoline engines and one diesel power unit. A particular highlight in this context
is the newly developed straight-six gasoline engine now making its debut and
for the fi rst time combining turbocharger technology, High Precision Injection,
and variable VALVETRONIC valve management all in one. This unique combination
gives the new BMW TwinPower Turbo an extremely spontaneous and
direct response to the gas pedal, exceeding even the excellent response already
offered by BMW’s existing straight-six turbocharged engine.
This truly impressive response is the result of VALVETRONIC technology
optimised once again as well as the turbocharger system applying the twin
scroll principle to separate the ducts of three cylinders at a time both in the
exhaust manifold and the turbocharger.
BMW’s High Precision Injection has also been enhanced to an even higher
standard of direct fuel injection technology. Now HPI features new injection
nozzles precisely dosing the supply of fuel and operating at a pressure of up
to 200 bar in the combustion chambers.
Displacing 3.0 litres, the new six-cylinder develops maximum output of
225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm, with peak torque of 400 Newton-metres/295 lb-ft
available all the way from 1,200–5,000 rpm.
Benefi tting from this kind of power, the BMW 535i Gran Turismo accelerates
from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds. The car’s top speed, in turn,
is limited electronically to 250 km/h or 155 mph.

The exceptionally good balance of performance and fuel economy is clearly
confi rmed by average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of just
8.9 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 31.7 mpg imp. And at the same time the
CO2 rating of the BMW 535i Gran Turismo is just 209 grams per kilometre.
Eight-cylinder with BMW TwinPower Turbo
and High Precision Injection.
The top engine in the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is a unique V8 combining
TwinPower Turbo technology with High Precision Injection. Displacing 4.4 litres,
this outstanding power unit develops maximum output of 300 kW/407 hp in
a speed range from 5,500–6,400 rpm. Peak torque, in turn, is 600 Newtonmetres/
442 lb-ft generated all the way from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm.
This unparalleled V8 is the most effi cient engine of its type and, at the same
time, the world’s only gasoline engine with the turbocharger and catalytic
converters arranged within the V-section between the two rows of cylinders.
The BMW 550i Gran Turismo accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just
5.5 seconds, with top speed limited electronically to 250 km/h or 155 mph.
Average fuel consumption of the BMW 550i Gran Turismo in the EU test cycle,
in turn, is 11.2 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 25.2 mpg imp, while CO2 emissions
are 263 grams per kilometre.
Effi ciency and pulling power: latest generation of diesel technology.
The straight-six diesel in the BMW 530d Gran Turismo clearly presents the
latest state of the art in BMW engine development. Displacing 3.0 litres, this
ultra-modern power unit comes with an all-aluminium crankcase, its turbocharger
system with variable intake geometry providing a highly dynamic but
smooth fl ow of power tailored harmoniously to current driving conditions.
Fuel is supplied by the latest generation of common-rail fuel injection using
piezo-injectors operating at a maximum pressure of 1,800 bar. In practice, this
means engine output of 180 kW/245 hp at 4,000 rpm, with peak torque of
540 Newton-metres/398 lb ft from just 1,750 rpm.
The BMW 530d Gran Turismo accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds
and reaches a top speed of 240 km/h or 149 mph. This sporting performance
comes together with average fuel consumption of just 6.5 litres/100 kilometres
(equal to 43.5 mpg imp) in the EU test cycle. And the CO2 rating of
the BMW 530d Gran Turismo, fi nally, is just 173 grams per kilometre.

Innovative, dynamic, effi cient: eight-speed automatic transmission
featured as standard.
All model variants come as standard with the eight-speed automatic transmission
so far available only in the twelve-cylinder BMW 760i luxury performance
saloon. This new transmission combines gearshift comfort, sportiness and
effi ciency of a standard never seen before, serving to an even greater extent to
reduce fuel consumption and emissions to a level even lower than with BMW’s
six-speed automatic transmissions used so far.
The new eight-speed automatic transmission excels through its innovative
gearset confi guration providing additional gears and an even wider range of gear
increments without any negative effect on the size, weight, and inner effi ciency
of the system.
All variants of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo come as standard with
BMW Effi cientDynamics, the various technologies offered varying from one
model to the other according to its particular character. Among other features,
Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand control of the car’s ancillary units
such as the electrical coolant pump, the electrical steering assistance pump,
the map-controlled oil pump and the detachable a/c compressor, as well as
consistent lightweight technology, optimised aerodynamics including active
management and control of the air fl aps and, fi nally, tyres with minimum roll
resistance ensure optimum fuel economy and emission management.
Cutting-edge suspension technology for even greater comfort,
dynamism, and precision.
The modern suspension technology of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo serves
to ensure a wonderful motoring experience, driving supremacy and outstanding
safety at all times and under all conditions. One of the features that makes
this possible is the combination of a double track control arm front axle and
an Integral-V rear axle. In addition, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo comes as
standard with air suspension on the rear axle, 18- and, respectively, 19-inch
light-alloy wheels (the latter on the BMW 550i Gran Turismo), and a highperformance
brake system.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control, fi nally, also comprises an electromechanical
parking brake with its own Auto-Hold function.
As an alternative to hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with Servotronic featured
as standard, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is available as an option with
Integral Active Steering featured for the fi rst time on the new BMW 7 Series.

As function of road speed, this unique steering infl uences steering forces by
way of Servotronic and the steering angle by means of the Active Steering
Transmission on the front axle.
Integral Active Steering also controls the steering angle on the rear wheels, thus
giving the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo even greater agility in city traffi c and
ensuring extremely smooth and superior lane change and handling in bends
also at high speeds.
Optional for even greater dynamics and additional comfort:
Adaptive Drive.
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is available as an option with Adaptive Drive
combining electronically controlled dampers and active anti-roll stabilisation.
These highly innovative dampers adjust individually both to road conditions
and the driver’s style of motoring in order to prevent any undesired movement
of the car.
BMW is the world’s fi rst car maker to use a damper system with the adjustment
of the inbound and rebound strokes in a continuous, independent process.
At the same time active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axle reduce body
sway in bends to an absolute minimum, thus providing an even higher standard
of comfort and agility.
Featured as standard: Dynamic Drive Control for individual set-up
of the car according to current requirements.
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo comes as standard with
Dynamic Drive Control for an individual set-up of the car in all its main features.
This high-tech system infl uences the progressive curve on the gas pedal,
engine response, the map control line for steering assistance, the gearshift
dynamics on the eight-speed automatic transmission, and the response
thresholds of DSC Dynamic Stability Control.
Dynamic Drive Control is activated by a button on the centre console directly
next to the gear selector lever. Using this toggle function, the driver is able to
choose among the NORMAL, SPORT, and SPORT+ modes. In combination
with Adaptive Drive, the system also serves to control the damper curves by
way of Dynamic Drive Control, in this case providing the additional COMFORT
mode as a further option.

Innovative in design and construction: aluminium doors and
panorama glass roof.
Apart from the engine compartment lid and the front spring struts on the body,
the doors on the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo are also made of aluminium.
Serving as an outstanding design and construction feature, they reduce
the overall weight of the car by 28 kg or 62 lb. And as a further highlight
the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is the fi rst large-scale production car from
BMW to feature frameless windows in aluminium shell structure.
The panorama glass roof available as an option on the BMW 5 Series
Gran Turismo provides an even brighter and, at the same time, more spacious
ambience throughout the interior. Measuring 116 centimetres or 45.6″ in length
and 94.2 centimetres or 37.1″ in width, the panorama glass roof provides an
opening of up to 44 centimetres or 17.3″. With the rear glass section bolted
fi rmly to the body of the car, body stiffness is enhanced accordingly for even
smoother driving conditions.
Optimum occupant safety on all seats.
Extra-strong load-bearing structures, generously dimensioned and exactly
defi ned deformation zones, as well as highly effi cient restraint systems masterminded
by high-performance control electronics set the standard for the high
level of passive safety the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo has to offer. To optimise
passive pedestrian safety, in turn, both the engine compartment lid and the side
panels give way individually in the event of a collision.
Over and above frontal and hip/thorax airbags, the car’s standard safety features
include curtain head airbags at the side, three-point inertia-reel airbags with belt
force limiters, ISOFIX child seat fastenings at the rear and, on the front seats,
belt latch tensioners as well as crash-activated headrests.
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is available as an option with bi-xenon
headlights. The Adaptive Headlights likewise available as an option ensure
appropriate illumination of the road ahead, following bends and winding roads
in a fl exible line.
The Bending Light function is integrated in the headlights, while a further
feature of the Adaptive Headlights is variable light distribution for
optimum illumination of the road ahead also when driving straight ahead.

BMW ConnectedDrive and the most advanced driver
assistance systems.
A number of features coming either as standard or as an option on the
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo are exclusive developments offered only by BMW.
The leadership in technology BMW has to offer comes out, inter alia, in the
cockpit and climate control featuring Black Panel technology, the iDrive control
system complete with direct selection buttons, the unique range of optional
navigation and audio systems with a hard disc memory, the Head-Up Display as
well as the exceptional choice of innovative driver assistance systems.
The options for exchanging information among the driver, his car and the surroundings
provided by BMW ConnectedDrive are equally unique. And last but
certainly not least, the range of mobility services providing traffi c information, an
emergency call function, vehicle, enquiry and offi ce services, travel and leisuretime
planning facilities as well as internet connections is again unparalleled the
world over.
The driver assistance systems provided by BMW ConnectedDrive ensure
maximum supremacy and safety on the road. These include the High-Beam
Assistant, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Speed Limit
Info. The new generation of BMW Night Vision able to detect individual persons
in the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, in turn, sets new standards in avoiding
accidents while driving at night.
The wide range of features offered as standard, regular equipment include
cruise control complete with a brake function, while Active Cruise Control
with Stop & Go comes as an option, maintaining a consistent distance from
the vehicle ahead by intervening in drive management and building up brake
pressure whenever required.
Keeping a close eye on everything: PDC Park Distance Control,
Back-Up Camera, Side View and Top View.
The new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo comes as standard with PDC Park
Distance Control at the rear, with PDC available at the front as an optional extra.
This is supplemented by a Back-Up Camera, with Side View and Top View also
available as an option. Side View uses two cameras integrated in the front wheel
arches enabling the driver to check out traffi c coming from the side at an early
point. Top View provides an even more detailed overview of road conditions
with the help of two additional cameras integrated in the rear-view mirrors.

Data provided by the Side View cameras, by the Back-Up Camera and the PDC
sensors on the vehicle and its surroundings is processed by a central computer
generating an overall image presented in the Control Display and showing both
the car and its surroundings from a bird’s eye perspective.
Automatic air conditioning and personal entertainment for your
individual well-being.
Featured as standard, automatic air conditioning in the
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is controlled in all its settings by an array of
buttons on the centre console. This allows the driver and front passenger to set
the temperature, the amount and the distribution of air via the control unit on the
climate control panel, individually for the right- and left-hand side of the car.
Four-zone automatic air conditioning standard in the BMW 550i Gran Turismo
and coming as an option on the other model variants also allows individual
adjustment of temperature, air volume and distribution at the rear left and right
and comes complete with a separate control unit on the rear centre console.
Likewise featured as standard on the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, the audio
system boasts both a CD player and an AUX-In port. A hard disc memory, in
turn, makes the optional navigation system Professional particularly easy and
convenient to use. With its capacity of 80 GB, the memory allows particularly
fast access to the digital navigation maps and offers no less than 12 GB
additional capacity for a large collection of music fi les.
Optional features include a six-DVD changer, a TV module,
and a Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) receiver.
The entertainment systems available on the rear seats of the
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo with their 8 and, respectively, 9.2-inch screens
integrated in the backrests of the front seats ensure particularly comfortable
and pleasant motoring.
Hands-free communication thanks to full integration of mobile phones and
Smartphones.
The optional mobile phone preparation kit complete with a Bluetooth interface
allows additional safety and superior comfort in making telephone calls while
driving. A snap-in adapter including a USB port comes as yet a further option
for the full integration of Smartphones with an MP3 function. Using this option,
the driver and passenger are able to use both the communication and entertainment
functions of their mobile phone and mastermind all functions via iDrive.

To provide even greater transport capacity, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
is available with a towbar moving in and out fully automatically by means of
a switch in the luggage compartment. So operating the towbar manually, with
the risk of getting dirty in the process, is now a thing of the past. Maximum
trailer load is 2,100 kg or 4,630 lb.
With its unique body concept, a truly luxurious interior ambience, superior
drivetrain and suspension technology, and innovative equipment features,
the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo offers exactly the right standard of modern
mobility in our modern times. It fulfi ls the demands and expectations of
motorists looking for a generous driving experience, appreciating an exclusive
ambience, and enjoying the benefi ts of a variable interior. In a nutshell, therefore,
the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo presents the status and elegant style of an
upper midrange model in an individual rendition oriented to the user’s personal
requirements.

During the BMW Press Conference at the Geneva Auto Show, Dr. Klaus Draeger, a member of the board of management for BMW AG, confirmed that the Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo will see production. Calling it a “near-series concept” Dr. Draeger said that the hatchback will be offered as both a four-seater and as a five-seater and will go on sale in Europe in November. BMW has not confirmed if the vehicle will be offered in the U.S.

The 5 Series GT is the first production-destined concept based on the company’s Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) idea, and combines aspects of a BMW Sedan, Sports Activity Vehicle and a Gran Turismo.

The vehicle’s dimensions are 196.8-inches long, 61.2-inches high and 74.8-inches wide. This makes it second in length only to the 7 Series (as expected) and second only in height to BMW’s X Series SUVs.

The wheelbase is a significant 120.9-inches.

As for that rear hatchback trunk design, it allows for significant flexibility of cargo space. The trunk can be opened like a sedan to provide 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, or like a hatchback or wagon to give 20 cubic feet of space. The rear seats can also be folded down for a total of 58 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

With a focus on usability, the Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is intended to be a comfortable space for passengers and so a great deal of attention has been paid to rear seat room. Leg room is said to be almost the same as in a 7 Series, and rear seats are adjustable fore and aft by 4-inches. Headroom in the rear is almost equal to the X5.

Inside, the Concept 5 Series GT has plenty of unique features, most of which we expect to see make it to the production vehicles. One of the key items is the black panel screen on which the instruments are displayed. Used for the gauges it remains black until the car is turned on and then the different gauges and dials are electronically generated. (This system is already in use on the new 7 Series).

Outside, BMW has drawn inspiration from past models on this truly modern vehicle. The signature BMW kidney grille slants slight forward on this 5 Series concept, forming the front-most point of the car. This is similar to a design used on the old 2002s.

BMW has yet to release any info on the powerplants available for the new 5 Series, however, as we already mentioned, expect to see one or more turbocharged options.

GALLERY: BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo

Moments after we posted the unofficial pics of BMW’s new Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo, which will debut at the Geneva Auto Show, BMW updated its press site and now we have all most of the juicy info and plenty of official pics.

BMW says this is the first production-destined concept based on the company’s Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) idea, and combines aspects of a BMW Sedan, Sports Activity Vehicle and a Gran Turismo.

The vehicle’s dimensions are 196.8-inches long, 61.2-inches high and 74.8-inches wide. This makes it second in length only to the 7 Series (as expected) and second only in height to BMW’s X Series SUVs.

The wheelbase is a significant 120.9-inches.

As for that rear hatchback trunk design, it allows for significant flexibility of cargo space. The trunk can be opened like a sedan to provide 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, or like a hatchback or wagon to give 20 cubic feet of space. The rear seats can also be folded down for a total of 58 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

With a focus on usability, the Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is intended to be a comfortable space for passengers and so a great deal of attention has been paid to rear seat room. Leg room is said to be almost the same as in a 7 Series, and rear seats are adjustable fore and aft by 4-inches. Headroom in the rear is almost equal to the X5.

Inside, the Concept 5 Series GT has plenty of unique features, most of which we expect to see make it to the production vehicles. One of the key items is the black panel screen on which the instruments are displayed. Used for the gauges it remains black until the car is turned on and then the different gauges and dials are electronically generated. (This system is already in use on the new 7 Series).

Outside, BMW has drawn inspiration from past models on this truly modern vehicle. The signature BMW kidney grille slants slight forward on this 5 Series concept, forming the front-most point of the car. This is similar to a design used on the old 2002s.

BMW has yet to release any info on the powerplants available for the new 5 Series, however, as we already mentioned, expect to see one or more turbocharged options.

BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo:

Official release after the jump:

BMW CONCEPT 5 SERIES GRAN TURISMO AT THE 2009 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

A BMW with driving dynamics, compelling style, and versatility; the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – EMBARGOED UNTIL: February 13, 2009, 12:00PM EST…
With the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo, BMW opens a new segment in the automobile market by incorporating BMW driving dynamics, quality, and style into a new type of vehicle. As was the case with the BMW X5 as the world’s first Sports Activity Vehicle and the BMW 1 Series, to this day the only rear-wheel-drive premium small car, BMW is again developing a new market segment and giving additional driver groups the unique experience of The Ultimate Driving Machine.

The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is the production-destined rendition of the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) development idea. For the first time, this concept car combines the looks and appearance of a sporty BMW Sedan, a modern Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo. Perhaps the most outstanding feature of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is its combination of stylish quality, luxurious comfort, and remarkable convenience.

As the name indicates, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is the ideal car for long journeys while still offering a dynamic driving experience in everyday traffic or short jaunts. The design of the body presents the character of a BMW dedicated to sporting performance.

A brilliant concept for modern mobility.
The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo conveys modern mobility by focusing on the requirements of a discerning driver who appreciates first-class ambience and enjoys all the benefits of a flexible interior.

With this in mind, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo projects an individual flair oriented to each occupant’s needs and preferences. Such flair makes it possible to win over new driver groups for BMW. The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is an attractive offer to the driver wishing to retain classic features such as presence, luxury, and quality while living a versatile and spontaneous lifestyle.

The interior of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo combines spaciousness, personal luxury, and an exquisite choice of materials to provide a first-class experience. The entryways allow ergonomically ideal access to all seats, the driver-oriented design of the cockpit, in typical BMW fashion, suggests sporty performance, and the slightly elevated seating position promotes good outward visibility.

Unique design in the rear provides a modern, generous atmosphere. With the rear seats adjustable fore-aft by up to 4”, both legroom and the seat angle may be set to the preferences of the passengers. Headroom is virtually the same as in the BMW X5, giving driver and passengers a genuinely comfortable experience.

Luxury, comfort, and impressive usefulness.
With the rear seats slid aft, legroom will be roughly the same as in the BMW 7 Series and luggage capacity amounts to 15.1 cubic feet. With the rear seats moved forward and the rear bulkhead partition opened, luggage capacity increases to almost 20 cubic feet. Even in this position, legroom in the rear still meets the demands for a full-size sedan.

After completely folding the rear seats as well as the bulkhead partition leading to the luggage compartment, large and bulky objects may be loaded into the rear. With the bulkhead partition stowed in the floor of the luggage compartment, maximum luggage capacity becomes nearly 58 cubic feet. For convenience, the rear seats fold by pushing a button on the side panel of the luggage compartment. The option to fold down the rear seats individually provides even greater flexibility.

Optimum visibility thanks to the elevated seating position.
In the front seats, both driver and passenger benefit from a slightly elevated seating position. This “semi-command” seating position offers an optimum outward view, much like in the BMW SAV models.

Elegant interior design accents the unique feeling of space.
In the cockpit, the horizontally arranged, cascade-like surfaces finished in different materials strongly accentuate the width of BMW’s new concept car. The displays and controls are grouped according to their functions. Through its design, the instrument panel enhances the very good visibility provided by the elevated seating position, giving the driver a clear view from above of the control elements for the lights and the start/stop button on the middle level. Also important in this context, the horizontal orientation of the entire cockpit accentuates the generous character of the interior.

The trim bar stretching out as an arch through the entire width of the instrument panel continues into the door panels. The interaction of ascending and descending lines throughout the interior optically connects the front and rear seats. All lines and surfaces, finished with sophisticated materials, taper out behind the rear seats, and give the interior its comfortable and spacious character. The flow of lines, uninterrupted by the B-pillar, emphasizes the length of the interior. Last but not least, the feeling of spaciousness is augmented by the center console, which extends all the way to the rear.

Special concept materials and colors within the interior.
The colors and materials for the interior further enhance the impression of personal luxury and the interplay of surfaces and lines. All surfaces within the interior are finished in high-quality natural leather, the surfaces on the seats and the door armrests form a “comfort zone” in Glacier White leather. This creates the impression of a bright brand extending around the lower section of the instrument panel, the cool and elegant color giving particular emphasis to the generous and luxurious feeling of space.
The bright surfaces in the comfort zone are surrounded by a dark, warm reddish brown, this special color referred to as Copper Brown providing a smooth link to the exterior paintwork.

The impression of modern luxury is further enhanced through the use of authentic materials such as polished billet metal and ceramic elements. The quality of the interior finish is borne out particularly by the solid wood trim with metal inlays extending generously across the instrument panel.

Instrument cluster with color display in black panel technology.
The instrument cluster of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is a high-resolution color display in black panel technology presenting the four round instruments in traditional sports car style, including status displays, navigation data, and information from the Check Control.

Introduced in the new BMW 7 Series, black panel technology ensures precise and sophisticated presentation of the instruments and displays. In Rest mode the entire panel forms a homogeneous black surface. When activated, the numbers on the circular instruments are generated electronically along with other symbols on the display.

The iDrive Control Display screen, arranged on the same plane as the instrument cluster, is integrated into the dashboard as a free-standing element. The Control Display forms one common design unit with the black panel and houses the controls for the audio system and climate. For optical purposes, this unit is separated by the horizontal trim bar with its central ventilation grid and a storage box. In the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo, the special look of black panel technology continues into the center console: dynamism in typical BMW style combined with the elegance of a Gran Turismo.

Exterior Dimensions
The body design of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo ensures an exciting balance of innovation and tradition. The concept car stands out as a genuine BMW, as the overall look of the exterior clearly alludes to the extension of BMW’s model portfolio made by this unique automobile. Indeed, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo enters new terrain in the history of The Ultimate Driving Machine.

In its exterior dimensions the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo fits perfectly between the BMW 7 Series and BMW’s various SAV models. Its length of 196.8″ is second only within the BMW model range to the 7 Series, while the car’s height of 61.2″ is exceeded only by BMW’s X models. The width is 74.8” and the wheelbase is 120.9”.

The characteristic look of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo results from the car’s proportions – the long hood, long wheelbase, and the greenhouse moved aft bear out the athletic characteristics of a BMW. These features are combined with elements that highlight the qualities of the new concept; the large passenger cell bears testimony to the luxurious, versatile interior. The coupe-like roofline extends into the spoiler at the rear, and represents the sporting elegance of a Gran Turismo.

Paintwork in Fluid Cuprite, a new color developed specifically for this concept car, again highlights the unique design of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo. The extremely fine surface flair reminiscent of liquid metal impressively models the surfaces on the body through its powerful contours. And to provide an appropriate supplementary touch, the brake calipers and the inner surfaces on the exhaust gas tailpipes are finished in a new color called Copper.

Front view with forward-pushing motion.
The front view of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is characterized in particular by the strong presence of the low-slung BMW kidney grille, the large lower air intake, and BMW’s characteristic dual round headlights. The BMW kidney grille is slanted slightly forward, its upper edge marking the foremost point on the body. The kidney grille is further accentuated by surrounding surfaces.

All contour lines flowing along the engine compartment out of the fenders aim at the kidney grille at the front of the car. The air intake, in turn, is lower in the middle where it extends beneath the kidney grille. And last but not least the contours on the headlight units taper out smoothly towards the middle of the car.

Just as the size of the BMW kidney grille demonstrates the engine’s need for cooling air, the power dome in the middle of the engine compartment lid emphasizes the sheer muscle of the engine itself. The outer flanks of the hood facing downward form a cascade-like contour together with the widely flared wheel arches, giving the front view of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo a wide and powerful look.

The frontal impression is further enhanced by the foglamps positioned at the outer edges of the lower air intake, while the aluminum bars separating the two outer elements on the air intake and extending beyond the foglamps further enhance the look of width at the front.

Dual round headlights typical of BMW; new LED corona rings.
The dual round headlights typical of a BMW come with new contour lines and a new technology for the daytime running lights on the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo. Slanted to a distinctive angle and extending far into the fenders, the headlight units are highlighted by surrounding bars, the headlights themselves cylindrical in shape bordering at the top on a matte headlight cover. This emphasizes the unique look of the front end, with its clear, penetrating focus. Apart from the turn signals, the new LED corona rings for the daytime running lights generate bright, even light.

Side-view: coupe-like roofline and waistline emphasizing the sleek elegance of the car.
Appropriate lines along the side create the harmonious symbiosis of the front end, the side view and the rear section on the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo. The dominating feature from the side is the character line of a BMW extending from the outer edge of the headlights and moving back at the same level as the door handles along the entire length of the car, rising up slightly in the process and continuing into the contours of the rear light clusters.

The equally striking sill-line continues into the upper edge around the air intake at the front and the contour in the rear diffuser, this interplay of the waistline and the sill-line making the car look lower and more crouched down on the ground and emphasizing the dynamic wedge of the body.

The unusual presence of a coupe-like roofline adds character to the car’s design and is a visual expression of the features and qualities the car has to offer. With its sporting flair, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo leaves a positive impression through its spacious and generous interior.

The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo comes with frameless doors, a feature of particularly sporting cars now to be admired for the first time on a 4-door BMW.
The door cutout bars are another special feature, forming one unit across both entry areas and thus corresponding with the overall harmonious flair conveyed by the door panels inside the car.

Large, flared wheel arches symbolize the sporting potential of the car: The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo showcases 21-inch light-alloy wheels offering excitement and elegance through their unique multi-spoke design. Yet another feature of particularly sporting cars the short overhang, which keeps the fenders low and long. This effect is further intensified by the horizontal lines of the car borne out by the waistline as well as the joint and contour line on the engine compartment.

The “Hofmeister kink” re-interpreted in modern style.
The design of the side windows also presents a re-interpretation of a classic BMW feature: on the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo the window surrounds are one-piece, this three-dimensional shape giving the aluminum frame a sophisticated and dynamic look around the famous “Hofmeister kink”. The exterior mirrors also represent a new design element, with the mirror base forming part of the foot of the A-pillars and thus blending harmoniously with the fender of the car.

The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo offers a new rendition of the “Hofmeister kink.” In this case the inner radius of the “kink” is particularly large, the outer radius strikingly small. This creates an exciting contrast to the roofline moving down smoothly and gently to the rear.

Powerful rear design.
The design of the rear end offers a striking impression of this unique concept with its exceptional strengths and features. The two outer roofline as well as the shoulder lines merge into the spoiler on the tailgate, giving the rear in its fastback style a surrounding line while adding a compact touch to the car.
The rear view of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is split by horizontal lines highlighting the width and powerful stance of the car. The rear reaches its full width around the wheel arches, with exhaust tailpipes positioned far to the outside also directing the eyes to the wheels. The distinctive light edge in the lower part of the bumper adds a further touch, while a diffuser finished in black marks the gap between the rear valence and the road.

Impressive versatility: two tailgates in one.
With the rear panel of the car appearing to start directly beneath the rear light clusters in order to convey a sporting impression, the low loading sill on the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is not visible at first sight.

Another innovation crucial to the mission of the car is only recognizable when opening the rear hatch: To stow luggage, the bi-modal trunk may be opened in traditional fashion or the entire hatch may be opened to load larger objects. When only the lower section is opened, one loads the luggage compartment as in a sedan, benefiting in the process from the low loading sill. Using the trunk in this way keeps the interior of the vehicle from being disturbed by outside climate effects.

The L-shape of the rear light clusters typical of a BMW is re-interpreted on the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo, with the two rows of light following a dynamic sweeping motion. The rear lights extend far into the side panel, emphasizing the full width of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo even at night.

The rear light clusters are connected by a chrome bar continuing from the waistline at the side into the line extending into the rear lights and thus accentuating the width of the rear end.

BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo: new momentum in a demanding market.
With the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo, BMW is again demonstrating its ability to develop innovative vehicle concepts. The world’s most successful manufacturer of premium cars follows the challenges created by the need for up-to-date mobility solutions.
This new concept addresses a demanding driver group seeking to combine style, luxury, and impressive versatility with individual style, while meeting the demands and requirements of an active lifestyle. The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo offers these qualities and reaches beyond BMW’s existing customer groups.

The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo thus stands out as a modern interpretation of the Gran Turismo segment so rich in tradition, cars which at all times have combined athletic driving qualities with a truly comfortable interior.

Stylish elegance, luxurious spaciousness, and impressive versatility all come together in the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo. Features never before combined in one car make the new concept a truly progressive innovation serving ideally to set new standards in the most demanding upper midrange segment.

Establishing a new vehicle segment in this process, BMW is continuing its successful development strategy. Qualities typical of the brand are again carried into a new market with an innovative concept. Hence, BMW is using all of its innovative power to give new customers that unique thrill of The Ultimate Driving Machine® and to continue the ongoing growth of BMW in a lasting, long-term process.

Concept Vehicle Highlights
Character:
•    With the future still offering sufficient room for an exciting new driving experience, BMW has once again defined a brand-new vehicle segment: The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is the series-based adaptation of the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) in the premium midsize segment via a new concept.
•    With its stylish appearance and comfortable driving experience, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo transfers the characteristics of a classic Gran Turismo to a very special four-door vehicle with four seats. These typical features of a Gran Turismo are then enriched by the highest standard of intelligent, versatile functionality.
•    The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo combines style, space, comfort, and versatility. In a combination never seen before, the features of a prestigious sedan, a modern and versatile Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo are all united in this unique Concept Car.
•    Besides the typical BMW proportions, the coupe-like roofline accentuates the stylish, sporty character of the car and the sheer length of the car’s body. In addition, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo has four frameless windows and striking aluminum trim.
•    The interior is surprisingly generous considering the coupe-like silhouette of the car, creating a spontaneous feeling of luxury for driver and passengers. This impression is further enhanced by the slightly elevated seating position, and the panorama roof provides a particularly pleasant travel experience.
•    The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is highly versatile: a flexible interior comprised of the rear seats, the bulkhead partition, and the luggage compartment allows the adjustment of the interior to personal requirements – from a separate luggage compartment, as in a sedan, all the way to a capacity of almost 58 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This flexibility is rounded off by a bi-modal hatch with separate openings for additional convenience.
•    The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo addresses a demanding and modern driver group – discerning individuals who attach great importance to genuine style, luxurious comfort and flexibility in use. This gives BMW the opportunity to win over customers who currently drive a sedan, SUV, or wagon model in the respective competitive segments.
•    The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo extends the BMW model range through a fresh, intelligent vehicle concept for modern mobility at the highest standard. Through its unique combination of style, space, comfort, and variability, the car creates a powerful impression of relaxed presence. Indeed, these new characteristics enrich the driving experience to a higher standard and appeal to new groups of drivers. Last but not least, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo authentically projects quality and a new standard of sporting performance borne out by the car’s dynamism and efficiency.

Interior design:
• The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo offers a spacious and luxurious ambience with inspiring and modern interior design. As the world’s only combination of variable spaciousness and uncompromising premium quality, this new concept car also stands out through the most sophisticated materials and excellent quality of finish. Supreme harmony in interior design, reflected by the trim surfaces extending from the front to the rear doors, creates a modern symbiosis of the two seats at the front and the seats at the rear. The panorama glass roof, in turn, further intensifies the light and generous ambience inside the car, while the stylish cockpit emphasizes the sheer width of the vehicle through its horizontal lines, black panel technology and a fully integrated 10.2-inch Control Display.

•    Seating comfort, ample headroom and elbow room in the front provide the standard of a luxury performance automobile, the slightly elevated seating position ensures an optimum overview and makes access to the car particularly comfortable. Tilted slightly to the front, the instrument panel, finally, optimizes the degree of control comfort on the driver’s seat.

•    Optimized access as well as freedom of movement characterize the generous atmosphere in the rear seats. Extending to the rear, the center console in the concept car emphasizes the length of the interior. Outstanding versatility, in turn, is ensured by single seats at the rear. Adjustable fore-and-aft, their backrests folding forwards individually under electric power and the adjustable backrest angle ensure comfort.

• With the rear seats in their regular position, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo offers the passengers at the rear the same legroom as in the BMW 7 Series and virtually the same headroom as in the BMW X5. In this configuration, luggage compartment capacity is 15.1 cubic feet. The partition wall behind the rear seats separates the passenger and luggage compartments from one another in terms of both acoustics and climate conditions, like in a sedan. If necessary, the rear seats move fore-and-aft by more than 3.9″ – so that with the seats moved as far forward as possible, the occupants still enjoy the same legroom as in the BMW 5 Series Sedan, with luggage capacity increasing to almost 20 cubic feet. Then, once folding down the rear seat backrests and the partition wall, the luggage compartment further increases in size to its maximum capacity of nearly 58 cubic feet. The firm cover on the luggage compartment may be stowed away in the floor of the compartment, again in the interest of extra convenience.

•    The two-piece tailgate allows unique variability in loading the luggage compartment: Opening the small, sedan-like tailgate beneath the rear window enables the driver and passengers, in combination with the closed partition wall, to load the luggage compartment without creating any drafts into the passenger compartment or changing the temperature the passengers wish to enjoy. To conveniently load bulky objects, all the driver has to do is open up the large hatch similar in its configuration to that of a Sports Activity Vehicle.

Exterior design:
•    The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo combines the Gran Turismo with four doors and all the quality of a Sedan, and the versatility of a Sports Activity Vehicle. BMW proportions are borne out by the long hood, the long wheelbase, the coupe-like roofline, and the greenhouse moved rearward.

•    The dynamic character of the car’s front-end is accentuated by the large BMW kidney grille positioned low down and standing upright, as well as the large air intake.The dual round headlights give the front end of the car a particularly modern look. The corona rings come for the first time in LED technology.

•    From the side, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo clearly visualizes its innovative character, the waistline and the coupe-like roofline accentuate the look of the car and the length of the body. Following the example of a coupe, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo comes with four doors and frameless windows. The aluminum surrounds on the side windows are milled out of one solid unit and holding the elegantly designed exterior mirrors as yet another important design feature. Yet a further element on the side is the exciting re-interpretation of the famous “Hofmeister kink” typical of BMW at the rear end of the window.

•    Horizontal lines at the rear emphasize the width and sporting character of the car, accentuated by the waistline extending from the side into the rear panel, a three-dimensional chrome bar and the flared wheel arches. The outer rooflines merge into the spoiler and encompass the rear in its fastback design. The L-shaped rear light clusters come with horizontal rows of lights extending far round into the side of the car.

Thanks to the folks over at www.5post.com, we have hour first look at the BMW 5 Series Concept. Called the Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo, little is known about the vehicle yet other than what it looks like – and we wouldn’t exactly say it is beautiful. This is, after all, most likely the last BMW to be directly infused with Chris Bangle’s signature style.

The Concept 5 Series GT has styling hints from throughout the BMW range, including the new 7 Series, the X6 and the stunning Concept CS – plans for which have since been scrapped. The vehicle features a long hood, a tall mid-section and a hatchback style trunk. In fact, it looks as though BMW took a great deal of the design of this vehicle from Audi’s Sportback Concept – which will form the basis of the upcoming A7.

As for the engine, BMW hasn’t released any info as of yet but we do expect to see a turbocharged powerplant offered as one of the options.

We’ll be sure to bring you more information from the floor of the Geneva Auto Show, starting March 3rd.

Concept 5 Series GT:

[Source: 5post.com]