BMW Readying 5 Series GT

When BMW debuted the Concept CS four-door coupe in 2007, many thought this was the direction that the upcoming 7 Series sedan would be taking. Instead, the CS Concept showed a similar design of what BMW plans to call the 5 Series Gran Turismo when it goes into production next year. The production model should vary little from the 5 Series Gran Turismo Concept that was displayed at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The BMW 5 Series GT is basically a smaller version of the BMW X6 with its sloping roofline, four-passenger cabin and unique cargo system. Although it will be based on and named after the 5 Series sedan, the GT will offer conveniences and interior space similar to a crossover.

As evident by recent spy shots, not only is the 5 Series GT readying itself for production, but it also appears to be carrying over the concept’s design largely untouched. Visually, the 5 Series GT shares very little with the sedan, replacing the relatively conservative design of the sedan with a much more aggressive look similar to the X6. Up front, the GT gets a more upright grille and front fascia in addition to more pointed headlamps to highlight the car’s unique design. The apex of the sloping roofline is in front of the B-pillar to maximizing interior headroom and providing a unique profile even when compared to similar vehicles such as the X6 or even the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. When the 2010 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo launches, it will be going head-to-head against a similar vehicle from Audi, the A5 Sportback.

One of the most unique designs incorporated into the 5 Series GT that will help further distinguish this car from anything else, is the dual-purpose rear liftgate. Having the ability to open as a conventional decklid or as a hatchback’s liftgate, the 5 Series GT will offer unique advantages to carrying cargo. For smaller items, the car’s small decklid folds upward like a sedan allowing covered access to this compartment. For larger or bulkier items, the decklid and rear glass combine to act as a liftgate.

The impressive design of the GT opens up the interior to many unique aspects. Positioned somewhere between the 5 Series sedan and station wagon, the 5 Series Gran Turismo offers spacious seating for four passengers or a cavernous storage area and anywhere in between. The rear seats can slide back by almost four inches which would give it just as much legroom as the 7 Series or with the seats all the way forward, the car can accommodate a surprising amount of cargo. Hoping to avoid confining rear occupants, BMW designed the 5 Series GT with bigger rear quarter windows and it will also offer a panoramic glass roof similar to the BMW X5 to create a more enjoyable atmosphere.

With the rear seats slid all the way back maximizing rear legroom, BMW claims that the 5 Series GT can hold up to 15.1 cubic feet of cargo, and with the seats slid all the way forward (still offering rear legroom similar to the 5 Series sedan) the GT improves to almost 20 cubic feet. Not only do the rear seats fold down easily courtesy of a push-button control, but with the seats out of the way, the 5 Series Gran Turismo can hold up to a maximum of 58 cubic feet of cargo.

Due to the concept and recent spy shots, the interior and exterior designs are almost certain, but BMW has yet to release any details as to what may power its newest model. While the 5 Series sedan is powered by popular BMW engines such as the 4.8-liter V-8 or twin-turbocharged inline-6, either engine or both could find their way under the hood of the 5 Series GT. Rear-wheel drive will most likely come standard with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive available as an option.

A production version of the 2010 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo could be revealed as early as this fall with pricing being announced closer to its launch.