Fascinating 5-Series Gran Turismo
BMW's interesting 5-Series Grand Turismo attracted conflicting comments at its Frankfurt Motor Show debut.
While some agreed with BMW's idea that the wagon/crossover is actually the creation of a new market niche, others thought it continued the genre of the controversial X6.
Essentially, the 5-Series Grand Turismo is a four-door hatchback with a coupe-like stretched roofline, frameless windows and a two-piece tailgate (hatch or conventional boot) like the Skoda Superb. Typically BMW, the design is stylish and very competently executed.
Inside, luxury abounds and it's certainly spacious - BMW says the rear seat legroom is actually equal to its 7-Series full-size premium sedan - and the rear seat backs can be adjusted for rake individually. The actual seating positions are somewhat elevated, in the manner of an SUV.
In standard configuration luggage space is 440 litres but with the rear seats completely folded, this grows to a very handy 590 litres.
The range-topper is the 550i powered by BMW's 300kW twin-turbo V8 petrol engine. A new petrol engine appears in the form of the 535i - a turbocharged straight six cylinder with direct injection and good for 225kW/400Nm.
The diesel option is the economical 530d with fuel consumption of 6.5l/100kms and CO2 emissions of 173g/km.
As would expect, BMW's usual high-tech driver assistance systems are part of the package, including Dynamic Drive Control and optional Integral Active Steering and Adaptive Drive combining electronically controlled dampers and active anti-roll stability control.
