Frankfurt 2009: BMW 5 Series GT Official World Premiere

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.

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.