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Is it a car? Is it a crossover utility? Whatever the definition, there’s no denying that BMW’s 5-Series Gran Turismo resonates to the sound of a different drum.

In the last decade we’ve witnessed an ever-swelling portfolio from Bavarian Motor Works – introduction after introduction of vehicles seemingly in search of a market. Take the case of the X6 and now this, the 5-Series Gran Turismo.

At a glance, even the name doesn’t seem appropriate. Traditional GTs are most often considered two-door coupes, so in BMW terms the 6-Series seems to fit the moniker more effectively. But who are we to judge? The car’s styling is just as intriguing as the choice of name. The sharp bangle creases are one thing, but the combination of car, crossover and rear end truckster treatment another, though to be fair, the 5-Series Gran Turismo looks better in person than it does in pictures.Seven Sharing

The doors give a hint, but when you open them (frameless glass is a nice touch), the Gran Turismo is unmistakably a 7-Series. From the wide dash and center console, to the steering wheel and secondary controls, it’s luxury car express all the way. Until that is, you get to the front seats. You sit about 50 mm higher in this car than you do a comparable 5 or 7-series, giving you quite a commanding view of the road out front. The chairs are also rather good, with ample bolstering, yet aren’t too firm, like some Teutonic offerings. In back is where the Gran Turismo really starts showing its stuff. Two second-row options are available – standard three-place seating, or a Luxury Rear Seating Package which adds dual buckets with power rake adjustment; divided by a fixed console, much like the 7-Series. But that’s only a warm up. Behind the rear chairs is a partition. In the up position it creates an almost airtight barrier between the interior and trunk, resulting in whisper quiet ambience. However, removing the parcel shelf (which can be stowed in the floor), allows the partition to fold with the rear seats, transforming 440 litres of luggage space into a fairly substantial 1,700. Like many SUVs, the 5-Series Gran Turismo features a dual-way lift gate – the lower part can be opened much like the trunk lid on a regular sedan, or the entire rear window and deck ensemble can be lifted, to facilitate the loading of large, bulky items.
In terms of its engineering, the 5 Series Gran Turismo shares much with the 7-Series, including it’s chassis (albeit shortened by 76 mm), front suspension and driveline. Although US buyers will have the option of a six-cylinder powertrain this spring, for Canada, all Gran Turismos come exclusively as 550i models, powered by a version of the 7’s 4.4-litre twin turbo V8. It features direct fuel injection, a pair of single scroll turbines and a 10.0:1 compression ratio. It’s rated at 400 horsepower at 4,400 rpm, but the best part is the torque – 450 lb-ft across a very wide spread (1,700-4,500 rpm). What it means is that you’re never left wanting in the power department. Tap the gas and it pulls the 2,240 kg Gran Turismo along with gusto. Delivery is progressive and very smooth, with barely a hint of boost. The  only transmission offered is an eight-speed ZF automatic, but it’s a good match. Although the shifter is a bit awkward to use (we found reverse selection irritating at times), the ZF boasts different algorithms that alter the shifting pattern to suit a particular driving style at the touch of a button – comfort (only with Adaptive drive) normal, sport and sport+. In normal, operation is smooth and fairly seamless, the shifts well tuned to the engine’s power band, whether cruising, coasting or under brisk acceleration. In Sport mode the GT sounds it’s wake up call. In back road bashing, we found third and fourth gear come fairly hard and fast, the plus mode even more so. As this is a BMW, you can also shift the gears manually, and it’s a lot of fun.
Gear swapping is quick and combined with nice, linear steering this is one monster barge that doesn’t really feel its weight through the corners. A Dynamic Handling Package (which adds an extra mode on the transmission) incorporates adaptive damping with similar modes to the ZF gearbox – comfort, normal, sport and sport+ (selected through the fourth-generation iDrive screen, which to us felt easier to use than others in the past). During normal city and highway driving, the differences are subtle, but find a stretch of winding road and in Sport and Sport+ mode the Gran Turismo feels noticeably more nimble and the more you drive it, the more fun it becomes. The optional Active Steering also helps, and is much welcomed at low speeds too, allowing you to handle this beast almost in the manner of a city car. Although the driving sensation in the Gran Turismo is no where near as hard-edged as some rally specials, like the Subaru Impreza STi and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, it’s still able to provide many smiles per mile, especially on the road less traveled. Staggered 19-inch wheels and tires are standard, though buyers have the option of upgrading to 20s via the Sport Package option, further aiding traction and grip (the rears on the Sport package are a massive 10 inches wide).

Regenerative Anchors

Another interesting feature on the Gran Turismo is the braking system. Front and rear discs are standard fare, with the fronts featuring composite rotors and providing excellent feedback and stopping power, but it’s how the braking is delivered that makes this car/crossover thingy stand apart. When coasting or slowing down, a special clutch transfers energy from the alternator back to the battery, in a regenerative fashion, much like some hybrids. It’s said to give up to a two percent increase in fuel economy, but with overall consumption of approximately 15 to 11 L/100 km (city/highway)- gas mileage is not likely a high priority for those shopping for a car like this. But given the very niche nature of this vehicle (especially in Canada), along with its $79,600 base price before options (nearly all of which are listed for more than $1,500), you have to wonder exactly who those buyers are. But given that Audi is about to launch it’s A7 Sportback, perhaps with the arrival of the Gran Turismo we’re witnessing the creation of a new segment. Only time will tell.

SPECS
BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
starting at $79,600
DOHC 4.4 V-8 Twin Turbo
400 HP @ 5500 RPM
450 LB-FT @ 1750-4500 RPM
8-speed automatic
(Front) independent with short/long arm, coil springs, shocks and anti-roll bar
(rear), independent four link, coil springs, shocks, anti roll bar
4-wheel disc brakes
15/11  L/100 KM (15.6/21.3 MPG)
Premium Fuel

Comments

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whaaaaat the funk. that actually looks better than it does on an E92 lol, any more shots of it? the rims look like RS Watanabe's with the stepped lip, and tucking is always nice. i'm going to assume it's on air and not a static drop