New Reveal : 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo

BMW has just officially unveiled the production version of the 5-Series Gran Turismo Concept that came out a couple of months ago. BMW call this 5-Series Gran Turismo a Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) crossover vehicle.
Chris Bangle, who is now the former design head at BMW, said that the 5-Series Gran Turismo is known as the "most customer-centered car we’ve ever done." "We discovered a group of BMW buyers we were failing to reach out to at a sales level. We wanted to build a car to suit their everyday needs. There were no preconceived ideas. Everything you see is customer driven," Bangle said at the launch of the Concept 5-Series Gran Turismo.
Nevertheless, the question comes with, what is exactly the 5-Series Gran Turismo? It's a 5-door crossover coupe-like design similar to the X6, but with an all-new next-generation 5-Series stretch wheel-base that is quite similar to the new 7-Series. But the main exterior innovation is the hatch in the back that opens in two different modes. The first mode allows the owner to open a small rectangular hatch that gives access for easy loading. The second mode is your traditional tailgate lift that offers a large opening for large objects.
Inside, the interior is nearly identical like in the new 7-Series. Difference? Well upfront, there's red illumination on the gauges, buttons, and under the wood accents to give a calming atmosphere, while the back only holds two seats rather than the usual three, but can hold up to maximum capacity of 1,700 litres under the hatch.
The 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo has got three engine variants, beginning:

*2010 BMW 535i Gran Turismo, twin-turbocharged 3.0L straight-six cylinder engine, 306 hp and 295 lb-ft, 0- 60 mph comes in 6.3 seconds and top speed is 155 mph, fuel-economy estimated at 26 mpg.

*2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo, twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8 engine, 407 hp and 442 lb-ft, 0-60 mph comes in 5.5 seconds and top speed is 155 mph, fuel-economy estimated at 21 mpg.

*2010 BMW 530d Gran Turismo, twin turbocharged 3.0L straight-six cylinder diesel engine, 245 hp and 398 lb-ft, 0-60 mph comes in 6.9 seconds and top speed is 155 mph, fuel-economy estimated at 36 mpg.
All engines are mated to an all-new 8-speed automatic with Dynamic Drive Control and BMW EfficientDynamics X-Drive all-wheel drive system. The Dynamic Drive Control could let the driver engage with the gear shifts, while the X-Drive and the suspension settings can be adjusted to NORMAL, COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+.
As any Bimmer, the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo is just filled with new technology gizmo. Some of the standard features are a 80GB entertainment system with AUX and a USB port, telecommunication and navigation systems, a multi-channel audio system, a DAB double tuner, a DVD entertainment system at the rear, a Head-Up Display, a panorama glass roof, as well as an electrically swivelling trailer hook. Optional equipment include BMW ConnectedDrive, including 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.
The public unveiling of the 5-Series Gran Tursimo will take place at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September. Sales are expected to start on both sides of the Atlantic by winter 2009. Also expect the classical sedan version to unveil very soon.

On paper the 5-Series Gran Tursimo is a good hit comparing it to the all-new Porsche Panamera, but with those very weird looks, how will it perform on reality? Tell us what you think of the 5-Series Gran Tursimo in the comments.

Source : [BMW]