With this 5 Series Gran Turismo, the Bavarian automaker is introducing a new (sub)segment in the upper midrange class. The car is dubbed by BMW as combining the features of a prestige saloon, a modern Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo. Indeed, judging from its imposing looks, one tends to see it as a sturdy prestige saloon, with some GT sleekness build in it, thanks to the elegant roofline. The GT stands firmly on its wheels, indeed like a SUV, and this results in ample interior room and also a higher seating position. Driver and passengers really enjoy Grand Touring comfort, and the rear passengers have the same legroom as in the 7 Series. Headroom is equal to that of the BMW X5. The  rear-seat backrests can even be tilted individually to the personal taste of the passengers, so everything is ready to enjoy the ride…

A V8 which truly flies…

We tested the new GT with the formidable V8 engine of the house. BMW started life as an aircraft engine manufacturer, and this V8 truly fits into this tradition. As the world’s only gasoline engine of its kind, this V8 comes with two turbochargers and catalytic converters in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders. Proudly bearing the name BMW TwinPower Turbo, the engine develops maximum torque of 600 Newton-metres/442 lb-ft all the way from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm. Displacing 4.4 litres, this eight cylinder which is also found in the BMW X6 xDrive50i and the BMW 750i, now also offers its maximum output of 300 kW/407 hp in a speed range between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm in the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo.

It catapults the 2-tonne limousine in a mere 5.5 seconds from 0 to a speed of 100 km, and even more impressive is the way this exhilarating performance is delivered. With the most beautiful growl, the engine revs up to 6.400 rpm, before the smooth but ultra-responsive 8(!) speed automatic gearbox changes to the next gear.

This long and continuous flow of power results primarily from the – BMW exclusive - turbocharger concept with two turbochargers not positioned at the outside, but directly in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders, each supplying four cylinders with compressed air, which completely eliminates any “turbo gap” at low revs and lets the engine also “breathe” like a true thoroughbred at high engine speeds.

The engine is also remarkably fuel efficient, resulting in a test consumption of a mere 11 litres per 100 km, with a lot of city and slow winter driving included.  This is thanks to the -BMW typical- infinite double-VANOS camshaft adjustment, and last but not least the High Precision Injection. This second generation of direct gasoline injection incorporates piezo-injectors positioned in the cylinder head directly next to the spark plug and delivers fuel into the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 200 bar. CO2 emissions for this 2-tonne car are limited to 263 grams per kilometer, which is a very good result indeed.

The smooth and responsive 8-speed automatic gearbox... 

Creature comfort, but also a truly sporting athlete…

The GT can be driven in comfort mode, which we used quite a lot in cautious winter driving, enjoying the excellent ride. But this car is a true BMW, and therefore can be driven in a very spirited manner, to say the least. You can choose between “normal” and “sport”, and even “sport+” mode, and the whole car is then instantly transformed. The suspension and steering suddenly feel much tauter, the excellent gearbox chooses higher revs, keeping the engine within the 3.000 to 6.000 rpm range in the most sporting “plus”mode. Needless to say that the GT is then a delight to drive fast, and it responds with uncanny eagerness and precision to your commands. The car remains stable and predictable throughout, as a modern Grand Tourer befits in today’s dense traffic.

We liked again the beautiful round dials, with a clear styling which is so typical for BMW and which we have come to like so much. Of course we find back the central knob for the controls, and our test car had also numerous electronic driving helps and accessories thrown in, like the very informative head up display. It indicates amongst others the chosen cruising speed, the driven speed, the navigation indications. The car came also equipped with Night Vision with pedestrian detection, and lane change warning.

The buttons for lane change warning, Night Vision and overhead display...  

The hand of a champion thanks to Integral Active Steering…

Our test car came also with the optional “Integral Active Steering”. You must feel it to believe it, but maybe with some explanation here,  you will get the idea. In function of road speed, this cutting-edge steering technology influences steering forces through the “Servotronic” function as well as the steering angle via the additional transmission unit acting through “Active Steering” on the front axle.

The Night Vision display lets you see those invisible objects in the dark... 

Integral Active Steering also controls the steering angle on the rear wheels through a concentrically arranged motor with spindle drive acting on the rear axle.

Integral Active Steering varies the steering angle both front and rear through an electric motor masterminded by a control unit taking into account data on wheel speed, movements of the steering wheel, the yaw rate and lateral acceleration, delivered by sensors, and thus ensuring optimum steering behaviour under all conditions. Do you still follow?

The maximum steering angle on the rear wheels is 2,5 degrees. At low speeds the rear wheels turn against the steering angle on the front wheels to give the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo a significantly higher standard of agility in every respect. The turning circle is reduced and the steering forces are also lowered.

At higher speeds, on the other hand, Integral Active Steering gives the vehicle a superior response when changing lanes and in bends, with the rear wheels turning in the same direction as the front wheels.

In abrupt steering manoeuvres,  the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo again follows the driver’s steering commands with utmost precision.

BMW Efficient Dynamics uses the kinetic energy of the car to generate electricity and charge the battery...  

Active Steering intervening at the same time on both axles also optimizes steering response and reduces the movements of the steering wheel required.

A further effect of rear-wheel steering is particularly significant at the rear, any change in direction under dynamic driving conditions building up lateral acceleration without a corresponding increase in the yaw rate. The separation of these two factors gives the passengers particularly at the rear extra comfort and an even smoother ride.

Close to perfection…

The 550i Gran Turismo struck us as a truly impressive Grand Tourer, which leaves nothing to be desired in terms of comfort, roominess, safety, (build) quality, ambiance and last but not least, of course, sheer performance and driving pleasure and agility, so typical for a BMW… combined with a new-found frugality, impressive for a car of this power and weight.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

With this knob one unleashes 407 hp of eager V8 power...

The test car was equipped with "Dakota" leather in white bone coloured finish...

The finsih of the 5 Series GT is beyond reproach...

The GT badge indicates exquisite Grand Touring pleasure...

Shod with Pirelli "Sottozero" (which means "below zero") winter tyres, the BMW proved very driveable on snow...