BMW took to the stage at the Frankfurt Motor Show to officially introduce its 5-Series Grand Turismo. As expected, the production 5-Series GT doesn’t stray far from the show car first shown at the Geneva Motor Show – and it gives us a glimpse of the next-generation 5-Series sedan and wagon.
Showing its love for new acronyms, BMW has dubbed the vehicle a “Progressive Activity Sedan.” We suppose “luxury hatchback” is simply too bland a label for the German automaker. The 5-Series GT will be the first of several variants for the model, which will also see traditional sedan and wagon options.
Combining the attributes of a wagon and crossover, the 5-Series GT offers loads of space for people and cargo. In its standard configuration, the GT offers the same rear-seat legroom as the 7-Series sedan and the same rear-seat headroom as the X5 while still maintaining 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space. If more cargo room is needed the rear seats can be moved forward four inches — leaving the same rear-seat legroom as the 5-Series sedan — creating 20.7 cubic feet of cargo room. For all-out hauling duties, the rear seats can be folded flat, revealing a cavernous 59.5 cubic feet of space.
Depending on the options and packages, the GT will be riding on 18- to 21-inch wheels. The GT will be offered with three engine choices — a twin-turbo six-cylinder generating 306 horsepower, BMW’s 407 horsepower 4.4L twin-turbo V8 and a turbo-diesel making 245 horsepower. Not surprisingly the V8 model will be the hot rod of the bunch, checking in with a 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.
All models will use an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels.
In order to ensure the 5-Series GT handles like a true BMW, the new SAV will come equipped with the automaker’s Dynamic Drive Control. Optional Adaptive Drive will further ensure the GT’s sporty nature.
Overall styling is similar to the X6, but the 5-Series GT has a decidedly sportier look, thanks to its lower profile.
Interior touches include an optional panoramic sunroof, fully adjustable rear seats and a dual-function trunk lid — the latter intended to open wide for larger object but keep the cabin isolated when a standard trunk opening will do. In many ways, the 5-Series GT is like a scaled-down X6.
In true premium car fashion, the 5-Series GT will be available with a number of features, including BMW’s ConnectedDrive, a unique feature that includes Cruise Control with Stop & Go, a High-Beam Assistant, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons, Side View, Top View, and a back-up camera.
Earlier reports said BMW’s next MPV would go head-to-head with Mercedes‘ R-class, but BMW instead decided to build a sedan-like crossover. This is probably a good decision for BMW as it better suits the automaker’s values and the R-class has been met with a lukewarm reception at best.
