2010 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo , Now Available at Low Low Prices Call 800-851-9000

Dec. 29, 2009 - PRLog -- 2010 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
Inside, the 5-Series Gran Turismo's dash and door panels are a great leap ahead of the former 5-Series and even the X6; it reads more cleanly, thanks to simple metallic trim that delineates control areas into logical groups, as well as plenty of lavish wood and leather that arc and curve to take visual mass out of the cockpit. "The dashboard is a study in horizontal layers that emphasize the interior's width," Autoblog agrees, "and the 5GT has genuinely inspired door panels whose undulating lines flow uninterrupted between the front and rear passenger compartments." In all, "The cabin has an open and airy feel to it," says Kelley Blue Book, and "the interior is beautifully laid out." The gauges are bright and readable, and information and navigation directions are well integrated into LCD readouts placed below the dials. It's "is laid forward to create a feeling of space," observes MSN Autos, adding "the soft-touch, sturdy materials exude quality, and the wood trim looks like wood." Even with its punctuation mark of a shift lever, the 5-Series Gran Turismo's cabin feels mature, warm, and more upscale than ever.

At the 2009 Geneva motor show, rumor had it that BMW's 5-series Gran Turismo concept, a shapely convergence of sedan, wagon, and hatchback, was a good look at a forthcoming production model. Hindsight proves those rumors true-you're looking at the production-intent 2010 BMW 5-series Gran Turismo, which mirrors the concept down to the awkward "GT" badge on its rump.

Apparently leaving the "progressive activity sedan" nomenclature for dead (such terminology is absent in the official press release), BMW describes its latest creation as blending a "sports activity vehicle"--much like the controversial X6--with the classic grand touring formula. Obviously, the latter's genome is dominant--although it's built upon the next iteration of the mid-range 5-series, its 120.7-inch wheelbase and 196-inch length eclipse all BMW sedans, save for the range-topping 7-series.

It also helps to explain the ambience inside the Gran Turismo's cabin. As is the case in the 7-series, emphasis is placed upon the experience for rear-seat passengers. Seats can both recline and slide fore and aft, granting passengers as much legroom as the lengthy 7-series, or maximizing available cargo room. Those desiring the utmost in comfort can always opt for the premium seating package, which replaces the standard bench with a pair of power-adjustable buckets.

The 7's influence is still present in the GT's exterior, but its bearing is overshadowed by forms culled from both the X6 and the slinky 2008 CS concept. The angular, LED-powered headlights are derived from the CS, while the car's rakish roofline seems as if it were directly pulled from the X6.

Unlike its truckish sibling, however, the 5-series Gran Turismo has a few tricks in its trunk. A large hatch allows for bulky items to be hoisted into the cargo hold, but a smaller panel, which opens like a conventional trunk, allows luggage and other items to be loaded in a manner typical of a sedan.

Thus far, BMW has confirmed it will build the Gran Turismo in both 530d and 550i forms, although the diesel-powered 530d won't make it stateside. U.S.-spec 550i cars use the 750Li's 4.4-liter, 400-hp twin-turbocharged V-8, mated to an all-new ZF 8-speed automatic. BMW claims a 550i Gran Turismo can sprint to 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds, while returning "remarkable fuel economy."

All this, however, comes at a remarkable cost. Final pricing has yet to be announced, but we're told a 550i GT should carry a base price in the range of $65,000-70,000-almost $10,000 more than a current 535i xDrive wagon or an X6 xDrive 35i.