Official info on the new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo (GT) has finally made its way into to the media world. The car has been spoken about by BMW head honchos ever since about four years ago. Then two years ago Chairman Dr Norbert Reithofer said the company was embarking on an interesting path towards a car that would redefine how luxury, space and performance were blended into a killer combination.
I am the first to admit I was one of those who thought BMW was going into the family MPV scene where it would compete with cars like the Renault Grand Scenic or even the Chrysler Grand Voyager. Instead we heard of something called the Progressive Activity Sedan or PAS. Then in February 2009 the 5 Series GT Concept broke cover to show what was going on, more or less. Now the car has been officially revealed.
The 5-metre long 5 Series GT is a four-seater. As you can see from the pictures there really isn’t space for all your cousins from the Easter Cape or your boys for that rugby day out. It only sits four, maximum. Thus the GT part. But it’s more than that. The rear seats actually stretch about 10cm to give the back a similar amount of legroom as the 7 Series. Suspension is higher than a normal 5ver but lower than the X5.
Luggage access is another unique selling point for the 5 GT. The rear compartment can either be opened like a hatchback or like a sedan where there’s a boot that doesn’t encroach on the interior.
Three of BMW’s finest engines will be supplied at launch. BMW has a knack for introducing new cars with either brand new engines or upgraded ones. This is the case with the 5 Series GT.
Bottom of the range is a new 3.0-litre SINGLE turbo petrol that makes 225kW and 400Nm which comes in at a lower 1200rpm and not 1300rpm like the twin turbo. This engine is 4kg lighter than its twin turbo sibling which is already in the market. BMW says it takes off from 0 – 100km/h in 6.3 seconds and has a top speed of 250km/h. the average fuel consumption figure is 8.9 litres/100km and the C02 emissions add up to 209 g/km.
The top-of-the-range petrol is the 550i GT with its 4.4-litre twin turbo V8. It produces 300kW of power and 600Nm of torque between 1750rpm and 4500rpm. Take-off is said to be 5.5 seconds from 0 – 100km/h and it also is limited to 250km/h. C02 emissions are 263 g/km.
Of course there is a diesel on the side in the form of the 530D GT. It has the 3.0-litre turbo diesel that makes 180kW as well as 540Nm of torque from 1750 rpm. Its average fuel usage is measured at 6.5 litres per 100km and the C02 rating is 173 g/km. All three models come standard with BMW’s new 8-speed automatic gearbox which was introduced with the 760i.
Exterior features include LED lights at the front and rear, Adaptive Headlights that swivel, cameras and sensors for the Park Distance Control, frameless windows for all the doors and the optional panoramic glass roof.
Inside nice things include a USB port, iDrive with Bluetooth interface, and options like a 6 DVD changer.
I was asked if I thought the GT would sell in South Africa. Yes I do. This country doesn’t care much for wagons but a car like the GT I reckon would probably make up about 15 to 20 percent of all 5 Series sales (around 23 units per month), depending on how it’s priced.
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